Turbulence ahead: How a simple cuppa changes the face of flying
We’re flying overseas soon and people have asked if we will be flying business. The answer is of course no. Who can afford that?
I prefer flying economy anyway and I’m not just saying that. I have for most of my adult life been a nervous flyer. I like to be fully alert on a plane and cattle class helps keep me vigilant. I mean if I was in business class I would be reclining and expected to relax but that’s never going to happen.
Yes, I know they lavish you with food and wine up front but that’s pointless. For a start I am teetotal and, secondly, I don’t usually eat on a plane due to my nervous tummy.
I may pick at something eventually but gourmet food would be lost on me. First class would be worse because they expect you to lie down up there and I would never do that. They lavish more food on you there I’m sure with a menu by some flashy chef. I would knock it back and just ask for a cup of tea.
I don’t understand how people can eat on planes. I mean you’re not exactly working up an appetite just sitting there. People stuff themselves at the airport before they get on and then scoff everything put in front of them including those ice creams they pass around afterward the meal.
I wave it all away.
But as I said, I will have a cup of tea. In fact, I have to have a cup of tea.
I was on a flight recently on a certain airline – I won’t say which one but let’s just say they are not flavor of the moment.
They offered me a sandwich but I declined and said: “I will just have a cup of tea.”
“We’re not serving tea on this flight,” the steward said.
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“Why not?” I asked.
“It’s just a short flight,” he said and I looked astounded and then he said “And we are expecting some turbulence.”
Well, that threw me and I put my head in my hands and waited for the bumps. He shook his head and his colleague said something disparaging under his breath and they moved on.
There was no turbulence – he was just making that up as a way of fobbing me off. No wonder they’re in strife. I mean if you can’t even get a cup of tea on a flight from Sydney to Brisbane, well, … that’s Un-Australian! I’m sure you agree.
