Thread by @alkags

I had the good fortune to fly Business Class for a portion of my trip today & then I went back to economy. I generally don't fly business 'cause my account balance scoffs at the idea & I recognise the privilege of flying about anyway. I noticed some things I share in this #Thread

There are some #HumanRights paralells that can be drawn from my experience today. To be on the same page, #HumanRights advocates fight for dignity of everyone, regardless of their social status. That we all should live with basic comfort (not luxury). So. My flight observations:

1/ Space. On business class, you get enough space to lie flat - at least 6ft per person. You've your own space, separate from other passengers. You've drawers for a book & charging spots for a phone. There's a privacy screen that isolates you from your neighbour. #Dignity

1/ cont. In Econ Class, space is a dream. I'm leaning to one side to create a few mm distance from my seatmate. If we both seat upright we would have to link arms. Space between rows is no different than a matatu's - you sleep essentially upright, bad for your circulation.

2/ Service. On @emirates #businessclass, you are welcomed with a drink as soon as you sit. They lay a mattress for your seat to make it even more plush. There are 3/4 attendants to serve approx 20 passengers. They smile & come back many times to check on you. "Anything you need"

2/ Service cont. In Econ Class, you fight for luggage space, there are 4 attendants covering approx 200 on the A380. A man went & asked for more tea after service on this @emirates flight. "But we served tea during breakfast!" the annoyed flight attendant protested. #Dignity?

Here's one of the passengers who went to request for refreshment. They never moved. He was handed a glass of water which he drank blocked by the curtain. The attendants only sat there chatting, disinterested in him.

3/ Food. Here's the menu in @emirates #BusinessClass. We could have seconds. Added to a steady supply of Chocolate, nuts & wine as you enjoy their inflight entertainment, dubbed ICE. They lay a white cloth on the table to serve the meal. Best food I ever ate on a plane.

3/ Food cont. In this @emirates econ class, the flight attendants gave you a simple option for breakfast: scrambled eggs or vegeterian. It comes with 3 small slices of fruits, a croissant, cheese and a cracker. Don't ask for more! Remember they have to serve hundreds. #Dignity

4/ Language. In business class you'll be treated like the king/queen you are. "Sir/Madam" will be uttered respectfully. "The gentleman on 8J..." when they send their colleagues.

4/ Language cont. In Econ class, the language is different. "Hey, please get this guy water for his meds," an attendant loudly told her colleague as she walked down the aisle. The tone's different when they say, "sir/madam". #dignity.

Are these not the same issues faced in society in real life everyday? Space, Services, Food and the language we use on people can give or take away #dignity and the Rights of every person, wherever they may be, who whoever they are to basic standards of life.

I am able to write this #Thread thanks to @emirates great investment to make sure there is high speed internet on board.

In another instance in Econ Class, I saw an @emirates flight attendant hand a glass of water to a muslim lady with her left hand, while facing away from her(!), an abomination in many cultures.