Class Struggle
When I downgraded to coach after a business class flight
Before I flew business class, I had no idea of the perks. Sure, I knew the food was better, the seats were spacious and allowed you to lie flat, and that flight attendants would snap the curtain shut if they thought anyone in coach could peer into first class.
What I didn’t know about business class was that you avoid the long TSA line with its winding rope maze and simply went straight to an agent.
My next flight on coach drove home the difference. Although there were at most five of us on line, the rope maze twisted and turned a dozen times. It felt vindictive, a punishment for being poor, for not flying a better class of travel. Or perhaps a rush of passengers would be coming shortly and TSA would need all those turns.
Research shows that equality makes people happier or was it that ignorance was bliss?
Coach meant no access to an airport lounge where abundant food and drink would be available.
At the first restaurant we encountered once past TSA, we scanned the Wahlburgers’ menu looking for breakfast items. A waitress came out and told us there served only one breakfast item. She reminded me of the men who stand outside strip joints hawking its pleasures to passersby, enticing them to come in. We fell for it and ordered our only choice. The waitress informed us it was too early for alcohol, not that we wanted any. When I asked for tea, she said, “We don’t serve tea. There’s a line at the Dunkin’, I’ll let you know when it gets shorter.”
Why is tea such an exotic brew in America? England and Ireland serve wonderful tea. If only American restaurants would invest in tea technology and know-how. I rarely order hot tea, not wanting to pay for disappointment.
If ever I am to rule the world, I would make it a requirement that restaurants must pass a tea-brewing test before they would be allowed to open. Do you have a list of mandates that you will issue if you take command of the world? If so, what’s on your list?