My First International Flight, year 2005

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It is always exciting to fly, and it is even more exciting when that is your international flight paid by someone else. I got a very good opportunity to fly at cost of the company I was working with. It was a business trip to Muscat and I was flying from Mumbai International Airport.

I could have started writing with Mumbai airport but thought it will be more interesting to start with some international airport outside India. It was my first international flight and I was so excited to fly and in all that excitement I did not make sure that my passport was right. I did not have ECNR stamp on my passport and so was not allowed to board the flight when I was supposing to. It was quite embarrassing to go back to my hostel room as all my friends were expecting me to be flying. I somehow managed to get it done and flew on next day same time.

When I landed on Seeb International Airport, I was supposed to collect my VISA from the airport and everything was perfectly organized. I was surprised to see that I was the only one doing that on that day, so practically no queuing. I reached the baggage hall to find my bags already on the floor so just picked them up and was out of the airport in like 30-40 minutes in all.

The return was even more exciting!!!! I was supposed to reconfirm my flight to Mumbai before 48 hrs of flight. I did!! So I was dropped at airport by my colleague at night, I asked him to leave as there was no need for him to wait on me till I board the flight. I went to the Check-in desk, which had a decent queue; when my turn came I was surprised to find out that my flight was reconfirmed for Chennai instead of Mumbai. Yay!! I discussed with the Check-in Staff and said that the flight for Mumbai was fully booked and have to wait till last minute. I was so angry…but cannot fight..they might just put me in prison for unruly behaviour.

So I decided to do something else and realised that it is exactly like Indian airports, no facilities before Check-in. No Shops, No entertainment and minimum seating for estranged passengers like me. So tried to roam around a little bit and than found a seat. I just pulled out my new MP3 player and listened to some songs, I had at least two hours to pass. I was surprised that there was not even a good coffee shop around only vending machines, or maybe I was not able to spot in my disappointment.

Finally, after two hours they said I can board the flight and travel in a business class seat. So the waiting was worth it, alas I was not served with business class meal or anything else. SadL.

I had very little time on hand so could not enjoy duty free shopping except for some chocolates. I had thought of spending all the money I had earned, but everything does not work out as planned. And I had to face minimum queue at all points, but that might be because I might be the last passenger to check-in. J Some things does have benefits after all.

I don’t remember any other event worth noting. But it was very exciting first international trip!! That’s all I can say!!