Last week I travelled on a delightful international AC flight. The service was friendly and professional. Even the food was good. It was an enjoyable J class experience. A perfect flight. Well, almost.

While I was luxuriating in a deep sleep, I was suddenly jolted awake by the chilling sound of a cartridge being pumped into the chamber of a shotgun. That sound, of course, was really that of the credit card imprint machine being used for a duty free purchase.

IMO, the duty free (dis)service cheapens the premium cabin experience. It's a tacky revenue grab and totally lacks class. Why is it I'm never lucky enough to be on a flight with a missing purser?