Stealing or not ?
 

I had Asian business partners flying for the first time LX in C. They were impressed by the design of the cabin and the blankets and two of them removed one of these blankets showing it to me.

I was VERY embarassed telling them that I was happy that they liked my (ex) flag carrier but that I find this inappropriate.

These are high quality blankets in an attractibe brown design with assorted stripes.

What do you think?

I think you should go to eBay, do a search for "airline," and PM every single one of those people who are actually SELLING "memorabilia" to scold them for their "inappropriate" behavior.

And why was the fact that your colleagues were from Asia so salient that you had to mention it?

My question ins't so much about having to mention they were asian (KMHT's just being overly sensitive), but more so about why you felt the need to tell them you thought it was inappropriate.

Take it easy guys. I agree with the OP. I think it is quite inappropriate to remove blankets, china, silverware, pillows, etc. from airplanes. Most of the stuff I see on ebay is amenity kits, pajamas, etc., and once in a while china, which I don't think is appropriate. Of course, it is not the OP's job to tell his colleagues, but I certainly agree with him.

Clearly NOT racist !
 

The importance of my collegues being Asian is NOT racist, but due to me being proud of having convinced them to try something else and not one of the excellent Asian carriers. It was their first flight on LX and I am happy that Asians liked it (as in air transportation we have all to learn from them).

Hope this statement is clear.

Also I do not judge the fact of "removing" blankets, but find it simply for myself inappropriate. The reasaon of this post is to know other people's opinion.

The blankets and the passengers satisfaction can also be a good marketing tool for the airline :)

In this case my very close relationship with this people required to speak jokingly but frankly.

I once took the first class blanket while flying on an Asian
carrier.(not using their name to protect the purser)
However, I had first asked the FAs if it was okay. They
weren't sure, so they sent the purser. The purser looked
amused, but told me that it was okay. In fact, she
brought me a new one that was still sealed in the bag...

Racism involves hate. The op was just adding details and not in a derogatory way by using any terms. I'm Asian, and was not offended.

I actually had the guts to ask some lovely SQ FAs this very question (involving silverware though) a few years ago in SIN. They all laughed and smiled (I bet they thought it was me who had been stealing, but it was my uncle...long story) and said that you're not really supposed to take anything from the flight really. Asides from the Magazine or Amenity kit they give you, I guess. So I think taking the blanket was not proper conduct, though if there is any doubt, one should just ask the FA or Purser.

How appropriate that you were asking about THEFT at SIN!

;)

There are other forms of racism, which I think may have worse
effects than hate-based racism, because they are insidious and
don't seem bad enough for anyone to be exercised about, whereas
the latter garners instant attention and opprobrium. I am thinking
especially of the stereotypes and automatic assumptions that
flavor our interactions with persons of other nationalities and
races; these almost never seem to be called out. But I agree,
there are times when race as a descriptor or to explain a cultural
issue is necessary; there is a gray area between these cases
and prejudice at times.

Hey it's a great opener, I was surrounded by 'em and they were all talking about it for a few minutes. Least I got was a good responce and some eye candy.

What if the OP went on to say the blankets were bagged during the SIN>HEL leg of their journey?

If you take something that you don't own, it's called theft. I'd be embarrassed too.

racism does not have to involve hate. For instance, why do we stare at the young middle eastern looking man when he enters the plane with his carryons?

So, a question regarding the PJs they supply...are you not meant to take them? I haven't, but I have seen people on the plane wearing PJs from other airlines...I never even thought that they shouldn't have kept them? :confused:

And are the PJs therefore recycled? Eeeeeeew. I know, I know, maybe a silly reaction when blankets are also recycled, but there's just something about wearing someone elses PJs that grosses me out a little! :D