Page 26 - Masala Lite Issue 170 February 2025

26

2. Where will you eat while waiting to board your flight? B) Yes, only if the seat is better than the one you
A) You had plenty of time to eat before leaving the have.
house thanks to your efficiency so you will read a C) You are most likely the one who wants to change
book in the meantime. seats so you can be next to family members or
B) Any fast-food joint that is available. friends. Except you probably didn’t ask the original
seat owner and just took the seat and now you’re
C) You and your clan will take a huge table at a restaurant
and not order anything while unwrapping foil upon trying to persuade them to move elsewhere.
foil of homemade aloo roti, various pungent achaars, 6. Your flight has just landed at its destination and is
and yoghurt. But you will make sure to take tons of
An unreformed party girl and mother napkins from the restaurant. still taxiing down the runway. Do you…?
of two, author, editor and observer A) Sit in your seat with the seatbelt fastened until
Sumati Huber tries to 3. What best describes your behaviour on a plane? the plane comes to a complete stop.
make sense of our unique A) You’re considerate and sit quietly, trying not to B) Turn off “airplane mode” on your phone and start
Thai-Indian society and the aunties disturb your seatmates. You have earplugs and messaging your parents that you have landed
that she will one day become. a sleeping mask to mind your business for the safely because you still have to do that no matter
duration of your flight. how old you get.
ARE YOU THAAAT TRAVELLER? B) You bring face masks, moisturisers, a laptop for C) Unbuckle your seatbelt and jump over other
watching shows, and try to relax the best you can. passengers to get your bag from the overhead
here’s nothing quite as exciting as going on vacation to C) You call the flight attendant over and over, even bin even though the seatbelt sign is still on. The
Texplore new frontiers, make memories and slowdown during turbulence when the seat belt sign is on, flight attendant scolds you to sit down but you
from a busy life. Unfortunately, sometimes, our experience to ask for more drinks and snacks. You stand up only do so after getting your luggage.
is marred by other travellers who may be less than to go talk loudly with people you are flying with
desirable. Not to single out any specific groups, but are and hang around the aisles. You also complain IF YOU ANSWERED…
you a pro passenger like Peter, or are you like a disturbing that your vegetarian meal is not tasty and ask to Mostly A: You have mastered travel manners and are the
Dinesh? Take this quiz to find out your travelling etiquette speak to the pilot. least offensive person to fly alongside. Congratulations
and if you need to adjust your mileage manners. on knowing how to follow protocol and unspoken rules!
4. Why would a flight attendant most likely come Mostly B: You make the most of travelling, finding ways
1. You have arrived at the airport five hours early and
are queuing at the check-in counter. What would you to your seat? to relax and enjoy the ride. You aren’t afraid to ask for
most likely be doing? A) To serve your meal. more comfort during the journey but generally, you’re
pleasant to deal with.
A) Standing in line and waiting patiently for your turn. B) To give you the extra pillow and blanket you asked for.
B) Taking selfies with your luggage and posting “Guess C) To remind you to please put your seat back upright Mostly C: Maybe you don’t find your behaviour annoying
but we can guarantee that those around you find it
where I’m going?” on social media. during take-off and landing, which she has already
asked you to do numerous times, but you keep extremely disruptive and rude. You’re the reason that
C) Cutting the line while repacking your overweight putting it back down when she’s not looking. people wish they had enough money or miles to fly
suitcases. You move around packets of curry paste business class. Let’s try to work harder to improve your
and other food items that you’re not entirely sure 5. What do you say if someone asks to switch seats travelling decorum to create an enjoyable experience for
you can bring on board, but you have a plan to on the plane? all. While you’re at it, could you also wipe down the sink
argue with the security officer if needed. A) No. in the airplane lavatory after you use it?