I think part of the reason Abby's letter irks me is because it comes off sounding so self-absorbed and thoughtless.

My 30 year old sister is in the Navy and was flown to Iraq about a month ago to start her 1 year tour with an Army platoon that was being stationed near Baghdad, on a commerical flight.

She and the other members of battalion/platoon (sorry, I know I never get the terminology right & I apologize to any servicemen/servicewomen out there for not knowing better!) she is stationed with all rode coach from Texas to Baghdad and NONE of them griped.

If she, serving her country, can ride in coach, on what had to be a FAR longer plane ride than yours and SHE isn't whining, why should you?

If anyone deserves to be bumped to first class, it was her and the rest of that platoon.

Perspective - it's all about perspective.