Travelling light

Everybody has their own store of 8220;airport stories8221; to report, especially in these days of chaotic air travel. Well, here8217;s mine.

Everybody has their own store of 8220;airport stories8221; to report, especially in these days of chaotic air travel. Well, here8217;s mine. Recently, while returning from Bangalore to Ahmedabad via Mumbai by a hopping evening flight of a prominent private airline, I was faced with the boring prospect of having to break journey.

On deplaning at Mumbai, a lady airline official received me at the foot of the ladder and asked if I was Mr Sharma? When I replied in the affirmative, she asked me to follow her, adding that she will assist me in getting on to my next flight. Such treatment for an economy class passenger was a new experience. Feeling important, I asked her how she recognised me. 8220;From your pink T-shirt,8221; she said with a smile. For once, I was thankful to my wife for choosing that conspicuous colour.

In a bus, which seemed reserved only for me, she took me to a special lounge. It was a plush room, furnished with a large-sized TV, and I happened to be its only occupant. She asked if I wanted anything. 8220;Coffee will do,8221; I said. 8220;Sure, sir!8221; With that she left. Sipping coffee, and having somewhat overcome my mystification over this cordial treatment, I settled down to watch an exciting match. Life couldn8217;t have been better.

The reality butted in rather abruptly when another lady from the airline appeared, apologised profusely, and informed me that my luggage had been left behind at Bangalore. 8220;It is arriving by the next flight and would be delivered at your home in the morning, sir,8221; she said, apologising again.

The cat was out of the bag 8212; or should that be baggage? Actually, I was quite happy to be saved the trouble of collecting my luggage at Ahmedabad airport, but I nevertheless struck a stance of great irritation. Meanwhile, the royal treatment accorded to me continued. A lady officer escorted me to the plane, bypassing the queues, and left only after I was ensconced in my seat.

The next morning, my luggage arrived in fine shape at my doorstep. The phone rang, and a polite voice at the other end wanted to know if I had received it. Alas, just when I was about to ask how I could ensure that my baggage is 8216;misplaced8217; next time, my caller hung up on me!