The In-flight Drama

What concerns you most when you board an aircraft? Is it the fear of a terrorist attack or a technical failure? To be seated with someone one who snores? Or crying babies in the same cabin? Ever anticipated to relax when onboard?

Usually when you travel by air, people are quiet and it is likely to have a peaceful journey with minimal disturbances. However, it is not the case in this particular flight I took recently.  It was very irritating from the beginning as people around were extremely loud throughout the journey. Perhaps it would be the case when the majority of passengers in one area belong to same nationality and speak the same language. When the plane landed, a lot of passengers around the area disembarked and it was a relief to have some peace. Passengers who were transiting stayed on board and tried to relax when the aircraft was refuel, cleaned and reloaded.

During the time some restless passengers walked around probably to stretch their legs or to scan the people on board. One particular person was able to find ‘friends’ during his round up and down. Instantly, he got an invitation to the ‘free seat’ beside for a little chat and entertainment.

Whether we like it or not, we have the tendency to ask very personal questions or verbalise judgmental remarks about the person’s appearance that we address, as a substitute to the normal greetings and general query practiced by elsewhere.   So it did not surprise me when I heard “You broke up with your so and so??!!…tell us about it…?”  The dude pretended to hesitate perhaps not wanting to discuss the matter. However, the ‘friends’ convinced him that they are not in their local neighbourhood so it is safe to shoot it all out.

The guy who was cheerful and flamboyant started to open-up without making an attempt to keep his voice low. Lots of hints were exchange about his knowledge of things and expertise on modern technology and technological gadgets before answering the initial question. It appears technological advances backfired and eventually led to reveal a ‘secret’ that cause turbulence in life.  The group became more curious and cackle over the revelation. Some suggestions and advice back and forth followed and the noisy exchange and cackling continued.

Unfortunately, the flight delayed for an hour and twenty minutes, providing plenty of time to continue their babbling. The chit-chatting continued without interruption, while other transit passengers on board fidgeted and anticipated to start their next leg of journey. Others may be worried about the possibility of missing their next connecting flight.

Finally, hopes were lift when the new passengers began to board the plane.  The passenger assigned to the ‘free seat’ approached and later decided to switch seats with its temporary occupant. Then, it was really party time in a commercial flight, about to take off at three in the morning.  The noisy conversation about cheating partners, designer sunglasses and clothes followed by worst ever cackling and continued almost nonstop. The trio was comfortable and loud as though they are travelling in their own private jet. There was no respect or concern for the other passengers who wish to snooze off.

When the stewards began to serve food, the discussion deviated about food and drinks. It was like a competition to prove who is more experience and knowledgeable about various subjects. In addition, a contest was on, to find the most daring among the trio. As a result, several glasses of wine requested and gulped in seconds. The steward could not help but joked about their absurdity and suggested to give a full bottle. It did not take long to make things unpleasant and in fact worsen, when the food was spill on a passenger’s lap. The dudes must have thought they were the coolest bunch on board with their eccentric behaviour.

When your education and exposure to various subjects and to the outside world or the grooming and stylishness fails to differentiate  you from any other ordinary Ali or Mariyam, who are less fortunate to see the another world besides their small island boundaries they live,  it really is pathetic  I would say.