A page from the past

I just read an interesting news item. A couple from Japan were traveling to United States for vacation. Booked their tickets in economy class. The husband used his miles to upgrade his ticket to the business class. But did not upgrade his wife’s ticket. So, he ended up in Business class and she ended up in economy class for the 12 hour flight. 

The wife was not happy about it. She wanted to sit with him for the 12-hour flight. His argument is it is a night flight and everyone will be sleeping and therefore what is the point in sitting together. She got upset because she thought he chose business class over her and that is rude.

I suddenly remembered an incident in the past that happened to us. 

The year was 2009. I, my wife, and my son were traveling from San Francisco to London to see a few T20 World Cup cricket matches. We went to the San Francisco airport. We checked in using the self-service kiosk at the airport. My wife was upgraded to business class. Her name was selected at random. Now we have one business class and two economy class tickets. 

I went to the business class counter and explained the situation. I asked the agent if in any way she can upgrade me and my son also to the business class. 

Tup Tup Tup. Computer sound. A few phone calls by the agent. Could not hear what she was talking and to whom she was talking. Another Tup Tup Tup. Computer sound. 

She finally said – Today is your lucky day sir. I have authorization to upgrade you and your son also to the business class. 

We go inside the aircraft and take our seats. It so happened my wife’s business class seat was already given to a couple. The flight manager comes in. He said to me he is going to upgrade one person in our family of 3 to first class. 

My son said either me and or my wife should go to first class. My wife said either me or my son should go to first class. I told my son he should go to first class. My son asked me why.

I told him I and his mom are vegetarians. Since we were upgraded in the last minute, we are going to receive the same IVML (Indian Vegetarian meals) we would have received in the economy class. Since you (my son) are a non-vegetarian, go to first class and enjoy the best food and comfort. 

Half way into the flight, my wife and I peaked inside the first class. Everyone was sleeping except my son. We asked why he was not sleeping. He said he wants to enjoy the first class by being awake all the way. 

End of story.