Was on a flight enjoying my usual in-flight programme when it was suddenly turned off. There was an announcement about some technical problem and that the system was no longer available to a certain section of the plane. Mine included. But the problem was, my console was working fine. Ok, things happen. Don’t sweat it. So I flipped on my trusty PSP and continued to occupy myself.
?Its mealtime. The stewardess went thru her normal routine.
She: Sir, we have Fish and Chicken. Which do you prefer?
Me : I’ll like to have Fish.
She : Sorry sir, we are out of Fish.
Me : Duh? But you just asked me to choose Fish or Chicken?!.
She : Sorry sir, we are out of Fish. Would you like to have Chicken instead?
The tray was already half way onto my tray table.
Me : Ok. I’ll have Chicken. (can’t fight the logic). Thanks.
?It was at this moment, the senior steward (the one with the dark blue suit) came along. Not exactly in these words, but close.
He : Ah, I see you have your PSP? Always good to have a backup. There was a problem with the in-flight entertainment system and we couldn’t bring it back up.
Me : But mine was fine until you switched it off.
He : The chicken meal is quite good. Don’t know why most passengers on this flight opted for Fish today.
Me : (cannot tahan already) I am sure the Chicken must be good. Your colleague insisted I have it. Sir, you know if I had not wanted in-flight entertainment, I would have chosen to fly SilkAir. And if I had not wanted any meal onboard, I’ll fly Tiger.?
After that, I was left very much alone. Which was fine with me. Until…?
A burly angmoh guy seating across the aisle made a complaint about the in-flight entertainment system (or lack of). The senior stewardess was called to assist. The conversation went something like this.
She : blah blah blah… Very sorry sir, here’s a cash voucher for your trouble.
He : There’s no need. I just want you to know that you guys should fix these problems. After all, you are a premier airline.
She : Yes I understand. We will get it fixed. But here’s a cash voucher anyway as a token of our apology.?
?I felt very transparent at that point. Sigh.
Written By Patrick, The PacMan
