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Finally, the night before I was busy - "arranging the different documents of proof and tickets" unlike others who would generally be busy in packing their clothes. My flight was scheduled at 06:05 hrs. And I was to report at the counter an hour before. Whew!!! I started at around 3:30 am from my room to avoid any traffic jams, so what if it was too early for a traffic jam, I did not want to take any chance - afterall,it was my first flight !!

I reached the airport at 4:30 am and entered the domestic end. Completely new to the place, I somehow managed to get the security check of my suitcase and then proceeded to the counter. With great anxiety, I offered my ticket and documents. I made sure that I get a window seat. Waiting for the airplane at the waiting hall gave me enormous time to observe people, the staff at the Airport and different other facilities provided for the customers. Finally came the announcement to board the plane, the moment I was anxiously waiting for.

Once I entered the plane, I was actually expecting few chocolates or some refreshing drink. But to my surprise, it did not happen, except for a nice smiling welcome from the Air Hostess. The security instructions were well taken of by the crew. I fastened my seat belt and here I go!!!

The take off went well, and I could see how the earth looked like from the highest place I had ever been in my whole life. Feeling thirsty, I asked for a water bottle from the Airhostess. I got one with a nice smiling reply "free of cost", "Ten Rupees, Sir". I wondered, if she was telling me the cost of favor she did for me at free of cost, or asking money from me. "Do I need to pay for this?" I asked. She nodded in favor and I paid for the same. But, eventually, I also tried to find if I was the only scapegoat. Thankfully, I wasn't. The whole picture of getting chocolates / refreshing drinks / meals started getting clearer. An aircraft offering lowest possible fares, definitely can't offer everything for free. Infact, the meals available on the plane were priced quite reasonably. For each and every thing inside Deccan plane, you have to shell out your money - except for using washrooms! On the other hand, I feel, putting in extra 1000 or 2000 bucks for the same journey, and getting few freebie meals / chocolates is definitely not worth.

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* Contributed by -
Mayur Mayank,
PGP-II (2004-06),
Bharathidasan Institute of Management, Trichy.