To make a long story short, I was seated in J on CX 882 (HKG-LAX) last July. I was 19 at the time and a mere Silver MPC member. The FA was Filipina and a bit older. We talked for a bit and she seemed nice until she asked me what I thought were some unusual questions... asking me what type of business I do in HK, and then asked if it's "monkey business" and then had a little laugh.

Sometime later, I was in the washroom and sprayed some of the evian mineral water spray on my face and then realized there were no paper napkins/tissues in the washroom.. so I walked out with my face wet and when the FA saw me, she remarked "what happen? did the mirror break". She didn't say this with a rude tone but the remark itself seemed to be crossing the line.

The service on CX is always superb so I was somewhat insulted by the FA's remark, even if it was a joke. I didn't mind much because I was upgraded from Y and was able to appreciate CX J for the first time.

I think such remarks are inappropriate, regardless if I've been upgraded or not. I have been a loyal CX flier since I was a child and now that my business is off the ground, I will have my first paid flight in CX F (with my own funds} by my 21st birthday.

I've taken five flights on CX since then, one being in J and the service has always been good, so I'd like to think this was just an isolated incident.

Thoughts?

[This message has been edited by around the world (edited Mar 13, 2004).]

With my mix Y and J travel experiences these few years with CX, what I can say their J service is usually good, but don't be surprised if you receive weird comments or some very average service in Y! It is sad to see their Y service is gradually deteriorating! I remember the FAs are extremely nice 10 years ago when I was still a small kid...

[This message has been edited by brian828 (edited Mar 13, 2004).]

I think you will find that Filipina are rather Americanized so you often get this overly familiar American style service - most of HKG native staff, at least in F, know that you are not there to make a new friend.

That said, there really is no point in getting wound up about this - while it was inappropriate I would not call it rude.

2 things come to mind:[list=1][*]According to the OP, the "event" happened in July, some 8 months ago, and the OP still recalls this exchange. Good grief.[*]The OP would do well, instead of seeing slights where none exist, to learn that the proper way to use the brumisateur is to spray lightly on the face, and not wipe it off.
[/list=a]

1. Yes, I do recall the exchange. It was my first time in CX J and therefore a new experience for me. I am not wound up about the remarks that were made, but it obviously didn't add to the overall experience, which was very good. I will have my first paid flight in F in the near future and it will be remembered for the mere consequence of it being the first. If such remarks were inappropriate remarks were made (highly unlikely), I would have forwarded a complaint to CX.

2. Is your second remark even necessary? I know how to use the spray. The bottle I have says simply spray the face well, pat dry excess. I didn't state in my first post, I was going to wipe it off. One can have etiquette and still use the brumisateur as they wish.

[This message has been edited by around the world (edited Mar 13, 2004).]

As you become more savvy with the ways of the world, and I mean this with no disrespect, you will note the vast differences in tolerance for directness, for conflict, humor, touching and other body language, and many other cultural nuances. Assimilating all this will be incredibly helpful in growing your international business and the relationships that will enable it to thrive.

You will also undoubtedly learn you personify those you represent, nationally and otherwise, as unfair as that may be, and to not personalize much of what happens that seems a bit out of sorts. Call it "travel Teflon"

IMO, what happened is not worth spending time and effort on a complaint. If it seems out of sorts, and is worth the energy, ask the FA what she meant by that the next time (might be enlightening, and open communication channels a bit more clearly,) and let her know the towels have run out.

At least that's my experience, living, working or vacationing in 60+ countries in about as many years, serving as a consultant on precisely these kinds of issues.

Good luck, and enjoy your flying.

around the world,

After her comment, did you get her phone number and email address to ask her out on a date? That`s what I would have done.

luagh and the world laughs with you
cry and you cry alone

it is best not to read your own feelings into others remarks, and just look for the bright side of things, as stated above.

er, what's all the fuss about?

lighten up mate!

Around the world, you will get over it, head up shoulders back and leave this stuff on the playground.

It seems that most would rather bash the poster rather than respond like professionals - that is not the way we do things here.

Thanks to those of you who added constructive input

B Watson
Moderator