Fly Indian, Feel Indian

Catching a red eye flight is one of the worst nightmares that come true within a couple of hours after waking up.
Vanitha and I were in the boarding hall of IC105 in Mumbai, when we struck a conversation with this old gentleman, who had a child like glint in his eyes. He was very happy as he had just retired and was gifted flight tickets by his son to visit them. As we boarded the flight the Chief Steward suddenly hugged our new friend. “Hey, nice to see you here, we just met twice after our school days, isn’t it!”.
I was busy reading the high voltage nonsense published in Mumbai mirror, when a tray surfaced right between my eyes and the paper – An action that suggested that candies were being offered to me. I felt a little threatened but I collected myself up and grabbed a couple of Minties.
I wonder what Indian’s strategy is, but I would like to remind them that stewards don’t have to pay for the tickets and therefore engaging senior citizens aboard doesn’t save them any costs. This is a stretgy that BCCI has adopted and by employing Chandu Borde as manager they only pay half price for his travel. I think Sachin will feel like a baby if he travels by Indian with Chandu Chacha.I guess the audience they are targeting are the middle aged travelers, who also get a chance to ogle, and not just be overwhelmed by barely 20’s skin show and toned physiques.
Also, I guess it is easier for these 40 plus uncles and aunties to wake up early and report to work, than their children.
Having said this, the next hour and a half was pure pleasure. There were these ‘60s and ‘70s songs that were playing in the background during take off and landing. The service was genuinely warm, and was not just a display of plastic smiles, an art that the younger fin flight crews have mastered.
Even while serving breakfast and coffee, there was this naturally courteous and warm “Sir/Madam”, though they were my Uncle’s age.
The pilot was a really seasoned one (may be his last flight before retirement ) as we did not even feel the jerk when the flight touched down, and a few passengers around us woke up only when the luggage compartments were being opened. I alighted from the flight feeling extremely satisfied, and thanked the steward with a warm smile.