Nama Slay: Are You Thaaat Traveler?

There’s nothing quite as exciting as going on vacation to explore new frontiers, make memories and slowdown from a busy life. Unfortunately, sometimes, our experience is marred by other travellers who may be less than desirable. Not to single out any specific groups, but are you a pro passenger like Peter, or are you like a disturbing Dinesh? Take this quiz to find out your travelling etiquette and if you need to adjust your mileage manners.

1. You have arrived at the airport five hours early and are queuing at the check-in counter. What would you most likely be doing?

A) Standing in line and waiting patiently for your turn.

B) Taking selfies with your luggage and posting “Guess where I’m going?” on social media.

C) Cutting the line while repacking your overweight suitcases. You move around packets of curry paste and other food items that you’re not entirely sure you can bring on board, but you have a plan to argue with the security officer if needed.

2. Where will you eat while waiting to board your flight?

A) You had plenty of time to eat before leaving the house thanks to your efficiency so you will read a book in the meantime.

B) Any fast-food joint that is available.

C) You and your clan will take a huge table at a restaurant and not order anything while unwrapping foil upon foil of homemade aloo roti, various pungent achaars, and yoghurt. But you will make sure to take tons of napkins from the restaurant.

3. What best describes your behaviour on a plane?

A) You’re considerate and sit quietly, trying not to disturb your seatmates. You have earplugs and a sleeping mask to mind your business for the duration of your flight.

B) You bring face masks, moisturisers, a laptop for watching shows, and try to relax the best you can.

C) You call the flight attendant over and over, even during turbulence when the seat belt sign is on, to ask for more drinks and snacks. You stand up to go talk loudly with people you are flying with and hang around the aisles. You also complain that your vegetarian meal is not tasty and ask to speak to the pilot.

4. Why would a flight attendant most likely come to your seat?

A) To serve your meal.

B) To give you the extra pillow and blanket you asked for.

C) To remind you to please put your seat back upright during take-off and landing, which she has already asked you to do numerous times, but you keep putting it back down when she’s not looking.

5. What do you say if someone asks to switch seats on the plane?

A) No.

B) Yes, only if the seat is better than the one you have.

C) You are most likely the one who wants to change seats so you can be next to family members or friends. Except you probably didn’t ask the original seat owner and just took the seat and now you’re trying to persuade them to move elsewhere.

6. Your flight has just landed at its destination and is still taxiing down the runway. Do you…?

A) Sit in your seat with the seatbelt fastened until the plane comes to a complete stop.

B) Turn off “airplane mode” on your phone and start messaging your parents that you have landed safely because you still have to do that no matter how old you get.

C) Unbuckle your seatbelt and jump over other passengers to get your bag from the overhead bin even though the seatbelt sign is still on. The flight attendant scolds you to sit down but you only do so after getting your luggage.

IF YOU ANSWERED…

Mostly A: You have mastered travel manners and are the least offensive person to fly alongside. Congratulations on knowing how to follow protocol and unspoken rules!

Mostly B: You make the most of travelling, finding ways to relax and enjoy the ride. You aren’t afraid to ask for more comfort during the journey but generally, you’re pleasant to deal with.

Mostly C: Maybe you don’t find your behaviour annoying but we can guarantee that those around you find it extremely disruptive and rude. You’re the reason that people wish they had enough money or miles to fly business class. Let’s try to work harder to improve your travelling decorum to create an enjoyable experience for all. While you’re at it, could you also wipe down the sink in the airplane lavatory after you use it?

An unreformed party girl and mother of two, author, editor and observer Sumati Huber tries to make sense of our unique Thai-Indian society and the aunties that she will one day become.