''Happy Journey''
I am far from a frequent flier. However over the last decade or so, I've taken more than my fair share of flights from Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore airports. Hyderabad, Goa and Delhi have figured a close second and in third place have been a smattering of flights including to cities like Lucknow, Leh, Indore, Guawhati, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Madurai, Trichy, Agra, Kolkatta, Bhubhaneshwar, Amritsar, Bhopal and Nagpur.
Regardless of the length of the flight, using a washroom at either the departure or arrival is standard operating practice. In an effort to be more in the ''now'' and take in the environment, I realized on a recent Sunday morning at Bangalore airport, that the staff at Chennai and Bangalore have been consistently outstanding.
It takes a certain mindset, skill even, to be the smiling face that greets a passenger when they enter the washroom. The stalls are always clean and well stocked. Clearly the staff has been busy at work.
Once outside the stall, a quick scan of the washbasins. Some folks brushing their teeth, some helping a child or an elderly passenger. Enough solo travelers rummaging through a handbag to look for a lipstick. Or even eye make up. Passengers who do an entire wardrobe makeover. I have on so many flights!
Unfortunately enough passengers who quickly rush out of the stall straight for the exit without washing their hands.
The most heartwarming is when the staff quietly emerges from behind the scene, hands you a paper towel or politely directs you to where you can get one. Then proceeds to wipe down the counter so that one has a clean basin area to work from.
Beaming away, with a beautiful smile, says ''Happy Journey''! Right then, I know that indeed, it will be a wonderful flight!