Starbucks certificates are a great idea, although they're phasing them out in the US, to be replaced by those plastic loyalty cards (I guess you can just get put a couple of euros/pounds/dollars on each)

I'll almost certainly be in NYC reporting for my newspaper on 9/11, but I'd rather be flying. It will be nice to be part of our transatlantic support for the US.

Even more than usual, I'll be showing every flight crew and every airline employee that I appreciate how much they've been through over the past year. Chocolates, vouchers, a good chat in the galley, whatever it takes. Any other tips for gifts?

Alastair