Just as different airlines have different procedures for priority boarding, they also have different policies for priority deplaning.
For example, some airlines will have flight attendants “block” passengers seated behind the door, and allow those in front of the door to deplane first. Other airlines will draw the curtain between cabins once the plane gets to the gate, and only open them once the forward cabin is empty.
And then there’s how Air India did it on my recent journey with them. Based on my two flights with Air India, it seems like their policy is to let first class passengers deplane first, regardless of where they’re seated or which door is used.
In the case of both of my Air India flights, only the second cabin door was opened. So there are two rows of first class, and then another two rows of business class before you get to the door. But on both flights they insisted on walking me through the aisle and to the door before it opened.
On the London to Delhi flight it wasn’t a big deal, since it was fairly empty. On the Delhi to San Francisco flight the business class cabin was full. The cabin crew in charge was an absolute gem throughout the flight, and insisted on walking me to the door. I said “oh, that’s alright,” but she insisted. So this leads me to believe this is their company policy.
I was behind her, and as we tried to walk past a few of the passengers, I sort of mouthed “sorry” and made a momentarily uncomfortable face to the people we were passing. After all, they were in the aisle, and I was trying to squeeze through with my luggage. It is awkward.
At this point one of the passengers just goes off on the cabin crew in charge, with a really loud and hostile tone:
“You cannot simply do this, it is completely unacceptable. If you want special priority for first class passengers you need to have a separate door. I am Indian, and I know how this works, but now we are in America, and everyone is equal. You do not simply do this. This would never happen on a US airline. We are all equal.”
First of all, that’s the first time I’ve seen US carriers used as a baseline for service standards. 😉
She tried to diffuse the situation and said “oh, he is in first class, and it is our policy for those passengers to deplane first.”
This time he gets even louder, basically repeating everything he had previously said. “I did not come to America to be treated like this.” And he goes on and on and on. It took the ground staff a few minutes to open the door, and the whole time he’s chewing the kind cabin crew in charge out for just following company policy.
Meanwhile at this point, I’m exchanging glances with everyone else at the cabin, as we all just got off a 19 hour flight (including a fog delay) and were ready to get the hell out of there.
In all honesty, I don’t disagree with the guy. In general I think such a service is awkward for everyone involved, and while it’s well intentioned, it’s just impractical.
This wasn’t this flight attendant’s decision, but rather she was just enforcing the company policy. Therefore I think his feedback was misdirected — this is something you take up with customer service, and not with the individual enforcing the policy. For that matter, if he felt the need to say it to the flight attendant, he could have made his point and stopped, rather than going on and on and on.
Bottom line
I agree that the deplaning process can be awkward when they “force” first class passengers to the door. It’s something I’ve witnessed on several airlines, though this was the first time I’ve seen a passenger call the flight attendant out over it. While I agree with his conclusion, I do think his feedback was misdirected, and he made the situation more awkward for everyone.
How do you feel about this method of deplaning first class passengers, and was the guy in the right for sharing feedback with/chewing out the cabin crew in charge?
I have just booked Business Class to the Far East from London. Not because I am wealthy, but because I suffer from claustrophobia. More space and HOPEFULLY quick deplaning! If I have to be imprisoned for longer than necessary I suspect the other passengers will be frightened out of their skins by the slobbering imbecile that is me! Sorry you folks who think that there is no benefit to be gained from paying for extra services, but I personally need those benefits.
BA does this kind of "walk" with F when they do not get to use L1 for them to deplane. I've stayed behind to avoid being part of it, and exited later.
Need a correction. The word is take a pic not lost a pic
I always enjoy your comments and review. As you take pics of the cabin, the food service,etc. is it possible for you to lost a pic of the individuals you make reference through out the flight?
As two of you have mentioned, they should have just simply announced that folks in business remain in their seats till first class has deplaned.
Done and done !
While people (either as a whole, or as grouped by where they have grown up) are not identical, certain cultural norms are predominately evident in person who have grown up or spent considerable time in certain countries. It has nothing to do with "race", more to do observed and learnt behaviour (the practices of a particular culture/nation).
In some countries, the cutting of a line/queue is a major social no-no, and those of that culture...
While people (either as a whole, or as grouped by where they have grown up) are not identical, certain cultural norms are predominately evident in person who have grown up or spent considerable time in certain countries. It has nothing to do with "race", more to do observed and learnt behaviour (the practices of a particular culture/nation).
In some countries, the cutting of a line/queue is a major social no-no, and those of that culture queue orderly and patiently (like in Japan or England, for example). In other countries, there is a completely different social norm, and lines/queues are a free-for-all.
Another example is that certain countries/cultures are quite ok with public displays of affection between opposite sexes, in other countries/cultures such behaviour would be considered shocking.
Those who grew up in India, or have spent a lot time there, tend to be quite vocally expressive and are not shy about arguing matters. That doesn't mean *every* Indian is like this, just that it's culturally normative to be so (so most are).
It's an oxymoron to argue that everyone should be treated identically, when passengers are knowingly divided into various travel classes by almost every airline in existance. This guy would have known this, but was trying to waggle a better advantage for himself (as his culture is one that is individualistic and competitive, in addition to vocally expressive).
Lucky seems more concerned that he felt embarrassed, especially since the crew member didn't quickly shut down the guy in question. This seems a little silly really. People will be ridiculous sometimes, the best thing is to just ignore it and move on (especially since the focus of his rant was the crew member, not Lucky).
The only thing I could say would be needed in this situations is to expedite the process by making announcement over the PA for all passengers to remain seated (also you could keep the seatbelt sign on) until you've cleared the First cabin. Given you are only talking about a handful of passengers at most in First, I would have no problems waiting for these people to clear the door (if I was in Business or Economy) - it's only a minute or two!
I applaud the FA for following policy as I will when she does so if policy changes. People whom complain about their treatment (to the wrong people) and fail to pay for the priviledge have baseless arguements.
I wittnessed anarchy of the flying classes by flying Aeroflot arriving in Moscow. Much of coach had their bags down and rolling toward the front of the plane while still taxiing to the jetway!
@ my Indian friends - thank you for all your hard work and lending us your intellectual prowess in developing leaders in the technology, medical and financial industries in my country.
Lol - this has nothing to do with race. Do you know how many times I've had ppl literally jump from their seat, grab their belongings and race to the front of the cabin in the US, Europe, South America, South Asia, East Asia, Middle East and yes, even Australia during my travels? It's actually quite comical and what is the FA to do in such a situation? Send him back or just let him...
Lol - this has nothing to do with race. Do you know how many times I've had ppl literally jump from their seat, grab their belongings and race to the front of the cabin in the US, Europe, South America, South Asia, East Asia, Middle East and yes, even Australia during my travels? It's actually quite comical and what is the FA to do in such a situation? Send him back or just let him off? It's easier to just let him off. Only once did I get into a confrontation since a guy ran to the front and stood directly where I had to get up and retrieve my luggage from the overhead (and he was from a western European nation). Immature individuals are universal. Individuals who feel entitled are everywhere. So, if anyone here thinks it's a race thing, I would urge them to widen their horizons. I don't read as many incidents on board airlines due to rowdy passengers from anywhere else in the world as I do from within the US.
It was not for you to engage at all with the irate passenger. You just needed to ignore him completely.
In the same way, you did not need to mouth 'sorry' or make funny faces or do eye-rolls to any other passenger on your way out. That's just pathetic. You just needed to proceed behind the FA to where she wanted to position you for exit. The Indian passengers would understand that completely; the...
It was not for you to engage at all with the irate passenger. You just needed to ignore him completely.
In the same way, you did not need to mouth 'sorry' or make funny faces or do eye-rolls to any other passenger on your way out. That's just pathetic. You just needed to proceed behind the FA to where she wanted to position you for exit. The Indian passengers would understand that completely; the caste system is alive and thriving in India still. Those who needed to get off quickly will zoom past you anyway before you are even off the airbridge!
Here's a trick when you find yourself in that situation: act like a d**k.
Or what one may consider being d**k behavior. It's not like it was your initiative to walk past the business class people in the first place. Since it was the flight attendant who asked you to and even walked in-front of you, walk past them like you deserve it, instead of apologizing. Apologizing gave that person grounds to behave that way....
Here's a trick when you find yourself in that situation: act like a d**k.
Or what one may consider being d**k behavior. It's not like it was your initiative to walk past the business class people in the first place. Since it was the flight attendant who asked you to and even walked in-front of you, walk past them like you deserve it, instead of apologizing. Apologizing gave that person grounds to behave that way. Worst comes to worst they call you a d**k and that's it.
Not saying it was your fault by the way, but don't apologize unless you really have to. Oh, and act like you're in a hurry too - that seems to work as well. :)
It somewhat is a cultural thing. Indian people just...aren't the best at waiting at lines. While it may occasionally happen on a Lufthansa flight, Germans overall do respect waiting in lines. It isn't a white thing, since there are other Europeans (particularly in the southern part of the continent) who also aren't the most patient people at waiting in lines. Arabs too.
I m reflecting on the comments here. I am Indian, live in India and travel extensively within India and internationally. I avoid Air India for international travel and travel with them domestically only if no other option is available. Somehow Air India tends to bring out the worst in us Indians. For Domestic travel, the local Jet Airways and Indigo operations are comparatively more efficient and attract less complaints. Most Emirates flights to the U.S....
I m reflecting on the comments here. I am Indian, live in India and travel extensively within India and internationally. I avoid Air India for international travel and travel with them domestically only if no other option is available. Somehow Air India tends to bring out the worst in us Indians. For Domestic travel, the local Jet Airways and Indigo operations are comparatively more efficient and attract less complaints. Most Emirates flights to the U.S. Are full of Indians, especially in J class but they usually do not behave like this. The flight was long, given their track record, the service might have been decidedly poor. Not justifying his behavior but trying to speculate what might have gone wrong
I was recently flying BA Club World BOS-LHR and went to check in- Economy line was only 6-7 people long and Club World line was empty, but no one manning the counters. I stood there for 2,3, maybe 4 minutes as I watched the Economy line get processed. I finally walked over to a BA employee and asked whether anyone was going to be checking in the business class line or whether I should just...
I was recently flying BA Club World BOS-LHR and went to check in- Economy line was only 6-7 people long and Club World line was empty, but no one manning the counters. I stood there for 2,3, maybe 4 minutes as I watched the Economy line get processed. I finally walked over to a BA employee and asked whether anyone was going to be checking in the business class line or whether I should just get in the economy queue- she said someone would be right over. I went back to my spot and finally a woman came to the counter and logged in to her computer, just as she was about to wave me up, a First Class passenger walked into the First Class queue beside me and she waved HIM up! I felt like complaining and whining about how I have been waiting and it isn't fair- (like the man Lucky passed did in this article), but then I chuckled to myself and thought "Live by the sword, die by the sword"
Without question, I think deplaning first class passengers is and should be the norm as it's part of the privilege flying first class. I flew ANA F and when we requested for a pack of cards when the flight landed, the cabin crew even asked us if it's all right for us to let J and Y deplane first.
I think it's just a matter of contacting the airport ahead of time and informing you...
Without question, I think deplaning first class passengers is and should be the norm as it's part of the privilege flying first class. I flew ANA F and when we requested for a pack of cards when the flight landed, the cabin crew even asked us if it's all right for us to let J and Y deplane first.
I think it's just a matter of contacting the airport ahead of time and informing you need two tubes for the plane instead of just one. It would really be awkward to excuse yourself down a skimpy aisle filled with passengers who are always eager to deplane.
Tell this passenger to get a life. He is in business but if the crews let the economy passengers jump in front of him and deplane first, would he be fine with that.
Amazing. Has soon has the guy lands in America he becomes entitled. If he really thinks everyone is equal in America then he has been misinformed. I do agree though that such a policy should not be implemented like this though, because it is not very practical given the layout.
I had a similar situation happen back in 2009 when I rode in the forward economy cabin in a Philippine Airlines 744. 2L was used for boarding and deplaning and I was seated in the economy cabin between 1L and 2L. Before we got to the gate my fellow passengers already started gathering their things from the overhead bins, thankfully the cabin crew approached them and told them to return to their seats. Right as...
I had a similar situation happen back in 2009 when I rode in the forward economy cabin in a Philippine Airlines 744. 2L was used for boarding and deplaning and I was seated in the economy cabin between 1L and 2L. Before we got to the gate my fellow passengers already started gathering their things from the overhead bins, thankfully the cabin crew approached them and told them to return to their seats. Right as we stopped at the gate, the purser stood in front of the economy cabin and explained business class passengers seated in the nose and upper deck needed to deplane first before we were allowed to stand in the aisles and deplane. Thank goodness everyone complied but the it was awkward exchanging glances from business class passengers as we all sat and waited.
America is about equal opportunity, not outcome. He had the same opportunity to get a first class ticket as you did.
Totally agree with skor's last paragraph
We all have bad days.
Especially after a long flight and being cranky pushes you into perhaps a bit of a 'chip on the shoulder' behavior and then before you realize it is a diatribe and then suddenly it's controlling you and it's just verbal diarrhea !
It usually ends up surprising you.
Mostly, you just misdirected all that pent up hurt and spewed at the wrong person in the wrong forum.
We all have bad days.
Especially after a long flight and being cranky pushes you into perhaps a bit of a 'chip on the shoulder' behavior and then before you realize it is a diatribe and then suddenly it's controlling you and it's just verbal diarrhea !
It usually ends up surprising you.
Mostly, you just misdirected all that pent up hurt and spewed at the wrong person in the wrong forum.
Yes, it does happen.
Yes, it is a well known psychological phenomenon.
Some realization, deep breathing, and an apology help and/or sheepishly slinking away follows.
It happens. Frustration and stress are expressed in many ways.
Patience is a virtue and we can all think of someone wise who gave us a look and the time for us to catch up or benefit of the doubt when we were behaving badly (or venting).
Regrets we all have (share)... 'tis but the human condition, isn't it !
Lucky, I am sure half the people commenting here would not have done so if you had left out the "airline name" and the "nationality" of the person.
In fact, I am not so sure you would have made it a post either if those 2 factors were not at play. Not saying you are biased or racist but the entertainment / attention quotient drops if the 2 factors are missing.
You can...
Lucky, I am sure half the people commenting here would not have done so if you had left out the "airline name" and the "nationality" of the person.
In fact, I am not so sure you would have made it a post either if those 2 factors were not at play. Not saying you are biased or racist but the entertainment / attention quotient drops if the 2 factors are missing.
You can easily make out from the comments who is criticizing from a observation point of view and the others who are clearly biased / racist and want to generalize the whole population / culture from 1 person's behavior.
@Manners, I do not disagree with you. What the guy in the flight did could ve been voiced in a better manner. Lucky summed it up perfectly.
My opinion was directed to the ignorant idiots who generalize Indians or any other race just like that. Nobody's perfect
Good thing you didn't have your pet giraffe ;-) with you to deplane
@Mileage Man
Indians may be nice people, but in the presence of AI something happens. F pax get priority all over the world, there was no need to yell at FA or pax. There is a YouTube video on air pax manners in India by an Indian comedian. Search "Honest Indian Flights" on YouTube. Turn on sub titles.
@me , Let's say thats true, Well what are you gonna do about it. And what are you going to do about this fact as well, vote for Trump? lol
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Americans#Socioeconomic
I travel frequently to/from the Middle East on the ME3 carriers. Almost without exception, there are nearly 30 wheelchair passengers, which go through TSA ahead of the long line, board first because they are a wheel chair passenger, stow their carry-ons first, and demand additional service on the aircraft. Upon arrival, the same 30 wheelchairs are lined up for deplaning, they are pushed ahead of the line at immigration and customs, and once they leave...
I travel frequently to/from the Middle East on the ME3 carriers. Almost without exception, there are nearly 30 wheelchair passengers, which go through TSA ahead of the long line, board first because they are a wheel chair passenger, stow their carry-ons first, and demand additional service on the aircraft. Upon arrival, the same 30 wheelchairs are lined up for deplaning, they are pushed ahead of the line at immigration and customs, and once they leave baggage claim, they are perfectly fine to walk on their own, without the wheelchair. Regretfully these passengers are not the aged and handicapped, they are almost always Indian.
Oh Lucky, you made me laugh so much. I've actually had that happen a couple times on BA in that mid J configuration. For some reason Toronto flights always have to deplane from the second door with premium economy parked in the middle. I've had these lovely well meaning flight attendants do the same and practically made me climb over some passengers to get me to the door first. I'm sure it's not BA company policy but hey, we did pay more to be in first lol.
I agree with snic. It is not racist (or sexist or ageist) to point out legitimately, personally observed instances of similar people acting similarly. It is not innate-it's purely cultural. Anyone who thinks people from other cultures do not act differently has not traveled much.
Men and women act differently, gen Y and boomers act differently, Southerners and Yankees act differently, and yes, people from other countries act differently. Of course there are exceptions...
I agree with snic. It is not racist (or sexist or ageist) to point out legitimately, personally observed instances of similar people acting similarly. It is not innate-it's purely cultural. Anyone who thinks people from other cultures do not act differently has not traveled much.
Men and women act differently, gen Y and boomers act differently, Southerners and Yankees act differently, and yes, people from other countries act differently. Of course there are exceptions to general rules, but there are just behaviors that are normative elsewhere and not okay "here."
I'm a big believer that what we now call "political correctness " is no more than polite consideration of others, and should always be observed . But that said, to say that (for example) Japanese are very particular about presentation-of food, gifts, etc.-- is no different than observing that Brits que at the drop of a hat and Indians rarely que at all. It's cultural, not racist. Relax, people.
The passenger accepting the priority treatment should not lament later that it was awkward. Either you want the treatment or you don't. I haven't seen any FA ever forcing any passenger to do it.
And how do we go about priority boarding? Also awkward? Shouldn't all passengers be equal? And priority luggage delivery? Absolutely unfair!
Airlines differentiate their classes of service and priority boarding, luggage and deplaning is part of the package in First Class.
I would probably have declined priority deplaning and just let the business class folks off first. A few minutes delay really isn't a big deal, and I'd feel uncomfortable having all those eyes boring into me.
There is precious little about flying business or first on an American airline that makes it worth the cost, and the egalitarian stampede for the exits - which apparently is "because we are all equal" is a pet peeve of mine. And let's not forget about coach passengers using the overhead bins in first!
All that plus the seemingly acceptable behavior of coach passengers who use the restrooms in the front of the plane...
There is precious little about flying business or first on an American airline that makes it worth the cost, and the egalitarian stampede for the exits - which apparently is "because we are all equal" is a pet peeve of mine. And let's not forget about coach passengers using the overhead bins in first!
All that plus the seemingly acceptable behavior of coach passengers who use the restrooms in the front of the plane makes me wonder what is so special about sitting up front.
Foreign airlines do it so much better...
@me I don't think I'm better than anyone and I smell like saffron and roses compared to how you smell after eating an Ultra-Megasized McWhopper with ten pounds of beef on it and the lard from it dripping down the saggy skin that defines your body after your 12th liposuction paid for by the American taxpayer.
Ironic coming from someone with a background that involves the Nazis and Stormfront and assorted groups along that...
@me I don't think I'm better than anyone and I smell like saffron and roses compared to how you smell after eating an Ultra-Megasized McWhopper with ten pounds of beef on it and the lard from it dripping down the saggy skin that defines your body after your 12th liposuction paid for by the American taxpayer.
Ironic coming from someone with a background that involves the Nazis and Stormfront and assorted groups along that line of thought... talk about a superiority complex. ROFL! What a textbook example of someone projecting their own insecurities onto others. I'll go and revel in my superiority and read the Buddha's teachings while you do what people do in your inferior culture... like... hanging out at mcdoodles and stuff. Toodles! xoxo
What's worse on all the AA flights JFK to LAX everyone has to walk through every cabin first boards first and then business and they the shoe plane parades past you! Stupid!!!
I had the same experience on a recent Etihad flight. I was in First Class on a 777 and the middle door was opened. The flight attended insisted I walk through the small Business Class cabin and exit the aircraft ahead of the Business Class passengers. Squeezing past them with my carry on luggage was a tad awkward.
I had no idea Indians were now a race.
Only the little people get off last
My dog Trouble and I always get off the plane first
He should have slapped down like a Red headed step-child for his outrageous & embarrassing outburst
I am so sick to death of these types. This petulant type of behavior in public is down to end and jealously, I see it all the time within The travel industry and it is steadily becoming the norm in the Y-Gen world we live in of self-entitlement. First class product/travel is available to those who wish to...
He should have slapped down like a Red headed step-child for his outrageous & embarrassing outburst
I am so sick to death of these types. This petulant type of behavior in public is down to end and jealously, I see it all the time within The travel industry and it is steadily becoming the norm in the Y-Gen world we live in of self-entitlement. First class product/travel is available to those who wish to pay for the product, I suggest he put up the readies or shut up & pay for the premium product and sit back , relax and enjoy the service ... Bring back life in the 1930s ! Upper class Europe , UK et al ?
What happened to manners and decency ? Shame !
@Mileage Man
It's an Indian thing. Rude, think they are better than everyone, stink...should I continue on?
@ Kenny - yeah - I definitely stand by my observations, especially over the last 10 years where I have seen and read some seriously worrying stories regarding passenger behavior on airlines regardless of nationality, culture, ethos, etc. Airline travel has become so frustrating for the public (even the premium classes compared to the old days) - beginning from the time one enters the airport until they leave the destination airport. Add to that a...
@ Kenny - yeah - I definitely stand by my observations, especially over the last 10 years where I have seen and read some seriously worrying stories regarding passenger behavior on airlines regardless of nationality, culture, ethos, etc. Airline travel has become so frustrating for the public (even the premium classes compared to the old days) - beginning from the time one enters the airport until they leave the destination airport. Add to that a long-haul flight where people are generally tired and we are bound to see such behavior (especially in economy where airlines are just packing people into tight spaces). I just recounted the latest memory from a recent LH flight above, but it is not the only flight where I have experienced such actions and worse in the past over the 600000 or so miles that I flew last year. Last year I actually flew with another businessman (very well educated individual who heads a sizable company) and he was drinking so many beers on board, that the FA actually had to insist on not serving further (and rightly so since this individual was singing all of Sinatra's songs, standing on the seat, out loud for the (dis)pleasure of all of us on SQs Suites). Then, the man became abusive and at one point, our beautiful and petite lead FA, was frankly very intimated. Thankfully he passed out after an hour or (only three hours into the flight from LHR-SIN) and was only disturbed during preparations for landing when he rushed to the lavatory to vomit. How does one justify such behavior? Certainly, it has nothing to do with culture, race, etc... I admired the actions taken by the lead FA to try and calm the man down and help him later before landing.
@ Mileage Man - They are everywhere. To your face, they might keep their racist beliefs well hidden, but give them a smartphone or laptop to hide behind, expect them to go to town.
I would suggest that passengers closest to the exit door deplane first. On most flights, that's the first and business class cabins, followed by coach. If not, then no harm no foul. Everyone will deplane regardless, just be patient.
What's with all the racism calling it an "Indian" thing. Lucky has posted many blogs abt incidents on how FAs or Passengers have asked some dark looking beadered or turban wearing innocent folks to deplane because they look wierd and are upsetting some other idiot ignorant passengers. Do we call this an "American" thing?. Although I now officially call it a "Trump" thing.
As an Indian in the USA, I personally have NEVER faced such...
What's with all the racism calling it an "Indian" thing. Lucky has posted many blogs abt incidents on how FAs or Passengers have asked some dark looking beadered or turban wearing innocent folks to deplane because they look wierd and are upsetting some other idiot ignorant passengers. Do we call this an "American" thing?. Although I now officially call it a "Trump" thing.
As an Indian in the USA, I personally have NEVER faced such racism or remarks from any race in the 9 years I have been here, where they heck are you idiots from?.
They shouldn't do this in the awkward situation you describe, where it's necessary to push through the business class cabin. The net effect on everyone's experience (and blood pressure) is negative.
That being said, there's NO excuse for berating a FA over company policy. Ever. I was on an AA transcon last night in which they ran out of white wine early in the flight (toward the end of the meal). I don't know how...
They shouldn't do this in the awkward situation you describe, where it's necessary to push through the business class cabin. The net effect on everyone's experience (and blood pressure) is negative.
That being said, there's NO excuse for berating a FA over company policy. Ever. I was on an AA transcon last night in which they ran out of white wine early in the flight (toward the end of the meal). I don't know how many bottles had been catered, but it wasn't enough. Worth asking the crew to write it up? Yes. Worth an email to Customer Relations? Probably. But the woman sitting behind me just would not stop with the flight attendants, like she wanted them to refund her ticket price out of their pockets on the spot. News flash: the FAs do not decide how many bottles of wine should be loaded! If they did, there would always be enough.
Seems like Jared's input dispels the notion that this purely an Indian thing (as if no other types have been showing ridiculous behavior on a plane.....right) . I see it a miguided frustration thing.
Also from Lucky's account, it sounds like it was just 1 person behaving this way, and I assume there were other Indians on board causing no problems at all.
That's a mighty broad brush some are using...
You should have given him $3 (his bailout portion of $2.40 + Tip 0.60) and tell him to zip it. 1.25 Billion people paid less than $3 Billion and every Indian thinks they own AI.
Anyway he will chew on the seat cushion as pay back for AI letting you get off first.
Had this happen to me on AC the other day since the biz class is allowed to exit first while FAs hold the economy back and this Caucasian couple definitely did not want to wait and were pushing the FA. I simply stopped and let them exit first to help out the FA. Hardly a problem for me since there is never anyone in the diplomatic immigration counters. Anyways, the point is that I have...
Had this happen to me on AC the other day since the biz class is allowed to exit first while FAs hold the economy back and this Caucasian couple definitely did not want to wait and were pushing the FA. I simply stopped and let them exit first to help out the FA. Hardly a problem for me since there is never anyone in the diplomatic immigration counters. Anyways, the point is that I have experienced this everywhere and not only in certain countries - ever tried boarding a flight in the US when your zone is called? I think I saw an ad on JetBlue recently about etiquette on boarding a flight and that pretty much sums up my experience of boarding flights in the US and most countries really.
I endured this type of "walk of shame" too during deplaning NH NRT-SFO.
Haha, I completely agree with the posters above about it being an "Indian", and this is coming from a teenager of "Indian descent". I remember boarding first because of Star Alliance Gold on an AI LHR-DEL flight and everyone looked at you with such jealously and entitlement. It also happened when I boarded first on a QR flight from India to Doha.
people behaving bad leave more of an impression than those behaving well.
some places we see more bad behavior ( by our particular standards) than others
@chancer,
No doubt - those Russians and Germans are the worst! :-D
"Just got back from Mumbai and it seems people there do not believe in waiting in line"
It's certainly a different culture. I have to agree that in India, an orderly queue is rare unless someone is enforcing it - and it is NOT racist to point this out. It is simply how things are in India. It is no more racist than pointing out that while driving in New York, you often get cut...
"Just got back from Mumbai and it seems people there do not believe in waiting in line"
It's certainly a different culture. I have to agree that in India, an orderly queue is rare unless someone is enforcing it - and it is NOT racist to point this out. It is simply how things are in India. It is no more racist than pointing out that while driving in New York, you often get cut off, and often drivers won't let you in when you are trying to merge on a busy highway.
That said, the guy's behavior towards the FA doesn't wasn't obviously derived from that particular cultural trait.
Just flew long-haul economy. I didn't yell at the flight attendants because the people in first class got better seats and meals. Sheesh.
"now we are in America, and everyone is equal."
Boy, was that guy ever confused. Why do the call it "First Class" if the people sitting there are equal to the rest of us?
@ Mo @ Marnie @ everyone else who thinks being excessiively rude is an "Indian thing"
Guess you've never had very white, northern European-looking people cut ahead of you in line without blinking. I'm going to call a spade a spade. If you venture to say that a particular ethnicity usually behaves in a particulatly negative way, you are being racist. There is no "I'm not being racist but...".
Yeah, as lopere said, what's up with the racial stereotyping in the comments? No one says that shooting up schools and committing genocide of minorities is a 'white thing' never mind the fact that we have numerous examples of it, but some random Indian guy loses his shit and over 1 billion people automatically have the same traits? Talk about nauseating racism. America must be seriously backwards if people think like this. As an Indian...
Yeah, as lopere said, what's up with the racial stereotyping in the comments? No one says that shooting up schools and committing genocide of minorities is a 'white thing' never mind the fact that we have numerous examples of it, but some random Indian guy loses his shit and over 1 billion people automatically have the same traits? Talk about nauseating racism. America must be seriously backwards if people think like this. As an Indian I can say that the Indian guy was an idiot, but I fail to see what it has to do with me or the rest of the country just like the fat, mcdonalds-chomping slobs who stuff their guts with cheap WalMart produce have nothing to do with most of yall on here...
They should not be doing this when you have to get through business class.Terrible and embarrassing situation. They should at least ask you, if you want that special treatment/service.
The guy should write an email to Air India or just tell the stewardess...Yelling this through the plane is not so cool, but hey after 20h in the plane your nerves can be a little sensitive ;-)
There was a couple standing in the middle of the aisle and you barge your way through....yet you blame the FA for insisting she do her job?
Did the FA have a gun to your back?
Next time a FA offers you an extra drink that you don't want, do you take it or say no? You say no. How was this situation any different?
Also - what's up with the racial stereotyping recently on this blog?
I suppose the silver lining is that he never took it out on YOU, as that would have been even more awkward...
Perhaps you should have directed him to read Animal Farm, Ben...... 'all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others' ....!!!
Interesting...because even Delta..on half of their international flight I have been on..they block economy until the delta one passengers have fully deplaned...and more evident on 747 ... They wait until upper deck is empty (unless the passenger request otherwise or special wheelchair request)....I have sat in economy and business in both and I had no problem with waiting (granted..if in economy, I am at the front so I know it won't be long and I...
Interesting...because even Delta..on half of their international flight I have been on..they block economy until the delta one passengers have fully deplaned...and more evident on 747 ... They wait until upper deck is empty (unless the passenger request otherwise or special wheelchair request)....I have sat in economy and business in both and I had no problem with waiting (granted..if in economy, I am at the front so I know it won't be long and I can run through immigration desk or transit security than most....lol)..
If this guy's logic is correct..he ought to be yelling at TSA pre-check..dedicated premium cabin check in..or heck..at the airport lounge demanding free access... We are all equal yet different especially when it comes to you get what you pay right?
It brought back the nightmares of white masters and Indian servants to him.
It's OK Indians will learn to get better in years ahead once they have more racial and cultural gravitas in the international arena. Today they can get rich but can't get rid of the insecurity.
Blame the whites ( British in this case) for having screwed up their psyche so badly.
I would have reminded him that he's correct, we were now in the US and arguing with the flight crew is a sure way to start your trip touring the local holding cell.
It's an Indian thing - in India they treat poor and service people extremely poorly, almost borderline slave or indentured servant. Needless to say, I think his man could have been on the former end at one point and why he's a US citizen now.
We are all equal, but some are simply more equal than others!
Not to sound racist, but I think it's an Indian thing. Just got back from Mumbai and it seems people there do not believe in waiting in line. Everywhere I went from waiting for taxi at the airport to getting a cup of coffee, people just jump in front of me when I'm not paying attention or not not move fast enough. It also shows in traffic, cars and rickshaws will squeeze into an open spot if available.
Funny you mention that since I had a similar incident occur to me two months ago on the LH 747-8. for some reason, one of the jet-bridges leading to the 1st class cabin wasn't working and they insisted on escorting me through the 1st biz class cabin to the next jet bridge. I indicated that this was not necessary, but they insisted on it and I had a passenger (German fellow by the accent) essentially...
Funny you mention that since I had a similar incident occur to me two months ago on the LH 747-8. for some reason, one of the jet-bridges leading to the 1st class cabin wasn't working and they insisted on escorting me through the 1st biz class cabin to the next jet bridge. I indicated that this was not necessary, but they insisted on it and I had a passenger (German fellow by the accent) essentially voice his displeasure at the innocent FA about how I, as a foreigner, shouldn't be given priority over his peers from Germany since Lufthansa is a German airline. I even requested him to proceed and that I would follow at which I received a very derogatory response not worth describing in detail here. Personally I have never cared so much about this when I have been travelling in biz and a first class passenger is deplaned first, but some ppl seem to go on a power trip.
This is more about you being white and he being Indian than anything else. If you ever spend a lot of time in India (amongst Indians), you will see how much better you are treated, solely because you are white.
If it had been an Indian in First class, he probably wouldn't have blown his fuse.
They are best at doing this all the time. Even onboard trains, they rush snatching seats despite noticing the elderly/pregnant women standing in front. When leaving, they wanna go out first by all means. These people always think and feel being entitled.
the few times I flew AI there were ALWAYS at least two or three Indian pax who were throwing hissy fits over one thing or the other. One guy was verbally abusing the overworked stewardess in Y on a regional flight because his water wasn't refilled often enough. Another rudely asked for a feedback form but would not specify why when asked if there was a specific issue that could be addressed at the time....
the few times I flew AI there were ALWAYS at least two or three Indian pax who were throwing hissy fits over one thing or the other. One guy was verbally abusing the overworked stewardess in Y on a regional flight because his water wasn't refilled often enough. Another rudely asked for a feedback form but would not specify why when asked if there was a specific issue that could be addressed at the time. When others saw him do that, they started clamoring for forms too.
Embarrassing to watch.
ANA did the same when I flew first.
Just complaining Indians--they are masters of that.
I wonder if Lucky ever got in a fight....that would be a great story
Was he in business class? I'm guessing he had no qualms about being able to deplane before economy...
Money talks!
Frankly, Ben, I'm surprised you didn't address the guy by repeating Barbra Streisand's motto: " we are all equal, but definitely not the same."
Who knows what makes a person perform an Award winning performance impromptu like that. Family problems, financial difficulties, spiritual emptiness, dealing with a jealous gay lover. Perhaps to diffuse the show in progress you could have injected humour by telling the guy that you'd gladly give your priority deplaning spot...
Frankly, Ben, I'm surprised you didn't address the guy by repeating Barbra Streisand's motto: " we are all equal, but definitely not the same."
Who knows what makes a person perform an Award winning performance impromptu like that. Family problems, financial difficulties, spiritual emptiness, dealing with a jealous gay lover. Perhaps to diffuse the show in progress you could have injected humour by telling the guy that you'd gladly give your priority deplaning spot to him so he could put the fire out wherever he's headed. :)
Hello Ben!
Please help me a bit! I'm planning to travel for a year without going home. How do you manage to live out of your luggage? How many and how big are your luggages and what do you pack? We're about the same age.
If you have written a post about this then please show me the link!
Thank you in advance!
ANA does it and I have never heard the Japanese complain. Must be an Indian thing.
This policy may not be egalitarian, but it is really no more wrong than having first-class board first. The upset passengers can vote with their wallets and fly a different airline if the policy offends them. Ironically, that would include the first-class customers that feel awkward, such as yourself.
I think it likely that I also would have felt embarrassed and probably would have done the uncomfortable face thing--and maybe even the mouthing or saying...
This policy may not be egalitarian, but it is really no more wrong than having first-class board first. The upset passengers can vote with their wallets and fly a different airline if the policy offends them. Ironically, that would include the first-class customers that feel awkward, such as yourself.
I think it likely that I also would have felt embarrassed and probably would have done the uncomfortable face thing--and maybe even the mouthing or saying of "sorry." But there is an argument that this only makes the situation worse.
As for the complaining passenger, it makes sense to complain to crew calmly, once. After that, especially after being told it is company policy, I agree his complaint should be directed to customer service.
What has America got to do with an airline policy?
Simply naive and immature fellow. Sorry for being yelled, but you took Air India for the team. Yaaaaaay!
Mera Bharat Mahaan :-)
- Indian living in the US.
The same thing happened to me on a CX flight HKG-JNB. We were two hours late into JNB due to storms in Hong Kong, so we parked at a remote stand. I was the only pax in 1st (747), and the FA insisted we walk past the people in the aisle to get to door 2L.
Awkward indeed.
I was hoping you would publish more about your two AI flights, per your earlier promise:
Thanks for following along so far, and stay tuned for the trip report, which will be published very shortly!
@ Robert -- And it is being published at the rate of two installments per day. Have to do it in chronological order!
America, land of equality? I got news for the guy...