A Priority tag

A Priority tag

I went on a late night flight to Mumbai. I had a cabin-size suitcase, packed only half full. It was light to carry. I was going to take it as a hand baggage. But when I checked-in the girl at the counter asked if I could check-in my baggage, as there were lots of people with hand baggage and it would be difficult to accommodate them all in the overhead lockers. As an incentive, she offered to tag my bag with a ‘priority’ tag so that when I reach Mumbai it would come out in the first lot of bags.

As I had nearly two hours to wait in the airport it was so convenient not to have a suitcase to drag along everywhere, or carry it up the stairs while boarding.

I also asked the girl for a seat in the Exit row to have enough legroom to stretch. She gave me the window seat in row 1. That too was most convenient.

And at the other end, when I arrived at 11.15 p.m., my bag came without any delay as promised. I felt so proud to have this special privilege.

Just with these two facilities I felt as if I traveled in Business Class.

On the way back I had the same suitcase. But this time it was full. It was a bit heavy. It would be difficult for me to carry. Still I planned to carry it on board, but took a chance and asked the girl if I could have a ‘priority’ tag if I checked in my bag. She asked whether I had a card – Gold or Platinum I suppose. I told her I don’t have it, but I am requesting the privilege because after reaching the destination I have to travel further to Ranipet for another two and a half hours. The girl obliged and gave my suitcase a ‘priority’ tag.

It helps to ask. It also helps when you look and behave elderly.

But this time I forgot to ask for a seat in the Exit row or at least a window or an isle seat and ended up in the middle seat!!