Manhattan - On Business!

Manhattan - On Business!

8 mins
516


To Manhattan... On Business!!!!

 

Whats your guess from the title? What is this blog gonna be about?

A Trip to Manhattan? Yes, you are right.... what else?

A Business Trip for meetings and training? Yes, you are right... what else?

Take a guess....

Its about a business trip to Manhattan on business class!!!: Yup...you heard that right!

 

Not sure if it was just luck, or it was a recognition of my hard dedicated work for the firm (I would love to assume the later, that I was approved a business class trip to New York for a business visit!! 

I have got an upgrade to business class on one of my previous trips, for a short transit duration. But a pre-booked business class was something exciting and seeing jaws drop to anyone whom I mentioned this was fun!!

The D-day arrived, I got dressed as usual in a pair of jeans and a simple T-shirt, and as I couldn't accommodate the time to buy a shoe, I just put on my regular Indian slippers and reached the airport. After some quick byes, I approached the check-in desk with my two suitcases. The airport staff were guiding the passengers to the desks, and started pointing me too to a desk. I rechecked the sign board, and saw the business class (called as Club Europe in British Airways) counter at the far end. As I started approaching the counter, the airport staff continued to point me in the other direction. I had to tell him , "Business class check-in", and he replied "ah ..ok this way". Damn , didn't I look like someone who could check into a business class!!!! I took a look at my slippers, blamed it on that and walked on!!

I completed the check-in, and the guy at the desk told me "my colleague will escort you to the immigration". A flashing thought passed through my mind, "Do they do this for every business class passenger or didn't they trust that I would pass as a business class flyer!!!". Nevertheless, maintaining that all knowing supposedly gentle smile on my face, I walked on with the BA hostess. I was supposed to meet a couple of my friends who were flying on the same airlines on economy (they were on their own money, not on the firm's money for which they were 'dedicated hardworking' resources. I saw them on the check-in queue, but as she was accompanying me, I wasn't sure if I can dismiss her (maybe Club flyers don't do such silly things), so just waved to them in the queue and walked on with her (they suspected I was caught for something)

She patiently waited by my side when i filled the departure card (I didn't fumble on any basics here, and maintained my supposedly gentle elegant look!!) , walked through the immigration counter where a girl who looked like she was dejected with everything in life asked me a couple of formality questions and let me in. After the security check, the hostess took me to the business lounge directly and asked me for the lounge card which was given at the check-in desk. I promptly gave her that and she submitted that at the counter, and told me "Enjoy yourself ma'am, will meet you at boarding". Now, I had a question in mind but I wasn't sure if Club flyers asked such questions! Damn the club flyers, I need to know, so I just popped the question, "What about a lounge card for the London transit?" She mentioned that they didn't give that and I would have to ask there at London. Still unsure, but gave a smile like I trusted her every word, and bid goodbye! Turned around to explore the business lounge!

I had two minds, this lounge looked inviting, but I had friends outside whom I would love to spend some time with. So I came to a conclusion that I would explore the lounge and then step out to meet them. I quickly made a bye-bye call (and also got a confirmation that I could really pick up anything in the business lounge, and it was my birth right and walked around the place. A host of eateries and drinks were lined up..sandwiches, pastries, cakes, fruits, cornflakes, water, hard drinks, soft drinks etc. To make some justice to my firm for paying all the money for me and also to beat my 4 AM hunger, I gobbled up some cornflakes, a sandwich and a cake, and picked up a water bottle. After all the hype given to me by people at home about the business class lounge and shower, how could I walk out without visiting the washroom!!! So, to complete the due formalities, I checked the restroom (which by the way was not that great except for a half-dried sunflower near the mirror!!) and left!

After talking to my friends, when it was time for boarding, they called out for all Club passengers to board on the fast track lane. I walked ahead and went to the fast track lane, and the airport staff called out looking at me "Only for Club passengers please!!" Trying to hide the irritated look on my face and once again staring at my slippers, I decided to come dressed in suit and coat with shoes on my return journey (even if it meant that I would have to buy a suit!!!!)

Boarded, and the seating looked good, criss-cross seats and I got the middle one which mean I share my cubicle with one more person...It looked comfortable and nice! After the initial exploration of few things around the seat, I decided to catch on some sleep as I was extremely drowsy. I propped up the pillow, put down the foot rest and thought how comfortable it was and dropped off to sleep. I had some posters of business class flyers being able to sleep flat, but then maybe it was not for this Club, they had different Clubs in British Airways. And how do I ask this question to anyone? Just looked around, many had their eyes closed in this position, so I just followed the crowd and dozed off.

"Ma'am, would you like some breakfast? Ma'aM?" the air host woke me up with a start! Half sleepy, I nodded that yes I wanted breakfast (Club flyers eat right? don't they??). Before I could look at the leaves and freshly cut fruits on my tray, I noticed that people around were sleeping flat like on a bed!!! Damn, So I missed the birth right for an hour!!! Just to experience the flat sleep, I went to sleep again after breakfast, and dozed for the next 3-4 hours!!!

Wait...I need to tell you the breakfast saga... I don't know if it was my half-asleep mind or if it was the air hostess flawless English accent, I wasn't getting what they asked. For example, she asked me "Orange Juice/Frooti", I said "Orange Juice"..and then I see she actually meant Smoothie which my neighbor graciously opted for. Next, after the initial fruits and leaves (called salad), she came and asked me "how was your breakfast" (or something like that), I said good and signaled that I am done and she could clear the plates. Its only when she asked the next person, I realized that she actually asked "would you like some hot breakfast too" (which meant the actual breakfast of idli/upma etc"!!!! ) So, I had unknowingly finished my breakfast with fruits, leaves and some bread!!! Anyways, I wasn't hungry anymore, so decided to go with my sleep!!

And during breakfast, I browsed the videos and movies available, and it was good to have used my Nokia, that I was able to use the similar touch there (an extra push is always required )

And there was this nice divider between two seats to give privacy to all passengers , the air hostess would bring down the divider when they had to serve or collect plates and bring it back up again. It was funny someone's face when u suddenly get up, because when you dozed his face wasn't there, it was behind the divider

My initial intention was to try to offer my seat to my friend my few hours (she was carrying), so that she could catch-up on some rest, but then I ended up sleeping full prime time, solid 4 hours!!! I got up to go and find them to see if the offer would still matter....found my friends and went spent next 2.5 hours talking , standing next to the lavatory!! we needn't have booked seats for us, could've booked like bus tickets on standing, we discovered in our talks that the only thing different about Club restroom was the yellow sunflower, be it the lounge or on the flight, it was always there!!

Came back to our seats, and I suddenly started feeling lonely! So got myself immersed into a book and the next round of food distribution that started!!! I somehow was not inclined to watch any movies, didn't find anything that I was eager t watch and I enjoyed the book more, so settled for it!

We then landed at London, and by now I was used to the suspecting looks when I entered the business class lanes/lounges! I went up to the lounge, used the internet to drop a couple of emails to near and dear ones, and then headed to the next flight. This time I knew how a business class looks, it was the same criss cross cubicles, and I was given a window seat!!

And as I wanted to pen down all this, I realized I haven't carried a adapter and couldn't plug in my laptop charger (first thing that I have forgotten to get for this trip, lets see how many more we discover), I decided to use my Club flyer status. I approached the air host who was the most cordial among the lot, and he promised to try to get me one! He Did!!! At times, the smallest of things can make your day, and he made mine! I sat down to write after sooo many months!!!

Took a break to the restroom, to see the yellow sunflower there neatly on the holder near the mirror! A smile cropped up unknowingly on my lips and I clicked a snap of this one thing that I would always remember!! Club Flyer, Me too!! 


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