Travel / Why does everyone seem to hate LOT Polish Airlines? [380]

I flew Lot once last year. The trip before that I flew Air France (also a recent trip). Both originated in Detroit. Comparison (both in coach class):

Air France: Snack of wine and cheese. Wet towelettes to wash hands. Little package of items like eye mask to help sleep. Great meals. Individual tv screen on back of seat to watch a choice of movies, play games, etc. Attendants that spoke English as well as French.

LOT: I can't even remember the snack, but meal was pieces of chicken in some kind of gravy, mushy green beans, yellow rice, 2 rolls, butter, mini cheese wheel, fruit cocktail and some kind of mushy tuna salad. Movie was shown on one big screen so if you were seated far from it, too bad. No individual screens. Attendants mostly spoke Polish, little English. Carry on luggage weight allowed was about half of Air France or other airlines. At check in for a long time there was only 1 person at the counter (Chicago) then only 2 while there was a very long line.

The price difference was only about $100. You decide.

Life / Wszystkich Świętych (All Saints Day) // Dzien Zaduszny (All Souls day) [93]

Merged thread:
All Saint's Day in Poland

I know that it is customary in Poland for people to visit graves and leave candles and wreaths on All Saint's Day. But, what I was wondering, is what happens when all the relatives have moved to another country? Do they arrange for someone else to put candles on their relatives graves in Poland? Is there some kind of service that does this like a business?

Life / What gifts to take? Presents customs in Poland. [167]

Merged:Giving gifts for teachers - customary in Poland?

Is it customary in Poland for students to give the teacher a gift at the end of the term? If so, is this true for college students or just lower grades or both? What would you give a male teacher?

Food / Barszcz in a bottle, how much water should I use? [8]

Merged: Red Beet concentrate - how to use it?

I bought a small bottle of red beet concentrate at the local polish cafe/grocery place. Anyway, there are no instructions as to how to use it. So, how much (how many teaspoons, for e.g.) would you use for each cup of water? What I have is Vavel brand.