Image Credit: Pixabay Images
In Asian context, it may seem a bit inappropriate or rude to ask for a second helping during flight. But there is a way to actually get served for another round of meal without actually asking for it.
I experienced this during a long haul flight with Singapore Airlines (SIA) in 2012. Under the menu, the main dish were beef and fish. For a beef lover, there is no compromise on that.
Unfortunately, when I told the air stewardess of my interest, she was apologetic (Sigh! I knew what was coming next) saying they ran out of beef.
“Would you like to try the Fish?” she asked. “FISH? FISH in exchange of BEEF! That is Blasphemy!”, I was screaming in my mind.
With pursed lips, I managed to force a smile and said, “No problem. I am not a big fan of fish but I’ll go for it” (Yeah! I had reinforce that).
Moments later, the fish was served with the stewardess apologizing again, knowing that I was ‘definitely’ not happy about it. Like a kid eating his vegetable served to him by his mother, I took a bite of the fish, in SLOW MOTION.
Image is for illustration purpose (Image Credit: Pixabay Images)
My taste bud went berserk with joy with the first bite. The fish dish was excellently cooked – it was well seasoned and cooked to perfection.
I had to chew the food even slower and rolled the food with my tongue from one side of the mouth to the other – I didn’t want the fun to end!
Coincidentally, the same stewardess came to collect the tray. It was now my turn to apologize to her saying that I take my word back and COMPLIMENTED on the fish.
The stewardess was happy to hear that and she replied in the same breath “We have extra, would you like to have another one?”. “If you insist”, I replied with a grin (That is my standard response to such offers). She laughed and I was served with a second helping of the same delicious meal.
To be sure that it was not a one-off incident, I tried with the compliment on my return flight. And, It Worked! Since then, I only have to compliment on the food if I want an encore, without asking for it. But it is subject to availability of the meal.
Try complimenting on the food on your next SIA flight. And don’t be surprised when you are offered a second serving.
I guess, good manners goes a long way! 😌
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by SIA and there is no marketing affiliation. This trick has not been tried or tested on budget airlines 😏.