by Anita Mendiratta | Apr 24, 2017
For those of us in the global travel & tourism industry, to call it, now them, ‘heartbreaking‘ would be a profound understatement. Scenes of airline passengers being abused by staff and, systems.
First it was a medical doctor being forcefully and ultimately bloodily removed from his seat by local police on request of the airline in order to make room for crew. And then, just days later, a mother in tears as a result of an airline attendant aggressively separating she and her baby from her baby’s stroller, with shouting between the attendant and surrounding passengers thereafter.
One after the other, these incidents have horrified the watching world, the images and audio penetrating the hearts and minds of millions seeing the amateur videos created by passengers watching on being played over and over and over, online and on news networks.
Naturally, and rightly, outrage at airline staff and overbooking systems has ensued. The latter, an economic model that allows airlines to maximise capacity and minimise costs to passengers, is something the travelling public has seen for years, ideally for the benefit of passengers, even those incentivised to give up their seat for a later flight. Never before, however, had it been seen to be applied with such force, directly and violently violating the promise of flying the friendly skies.
The actions of United Airlines in the moment, and afterward, simply fueled the already raging fire. Failure of the CEO to see the suffering of the passenger, rather choosing to protect the airline’s crew, will go down in history as one of the most shameful moments for our industry. As stated by Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airlines, and an elderly statesman of the global airline community,:
“Let me say it was a disgrace. It shamed the airline industry as a whole. We don’t go about our business in that way. Had it been me in that position I would’ve have had blue flashing lights on cars going right through the company to find out how this could’ve been allowed to happen in the first place. That was probably the last thing I do before I resigned.”
Sir Tim’s words capture at a cellular level the depth of disgust felt by those of us in the travel and tourism sector – a sector that we so proudly serve, feeling each and every day how our work is connecting people and places in a way that builds understanding, respect and appreciation of differences at a time when our world so desperately needs to connect in peaceful spirit.
As for the inability of the airline to then apologise for the incident, United’s CEO Oscar Munoz only managing to find the words to rightly own the situation on a third communique? Forget policy. Where was the humanity?
It just takes one. Just one moment of disgrace has the ability to scar a remarkable industry that works across the world to enable, as expressed by IATA Director General Alexandre de Juniac,:
“some 10 million passengers (to) board planes. And 100,000 flights will take them safely to wherever they are going, almost always without incident. That is no less than a modern day marvel of technology, coordination and dedication to safety.”
And now we have a second incident tearing off the BandAid on a still fresh wound. As video continues to replay of a deeply rattled and tear soaked passenger on American Airlines protectively holding her baby, shielding her child and herself from attendant shouts and shoves, once again we hang our heads in shame.
Thankfully, in this case the airline stood up in protection of the passenger, American Airlines immediately owning the wrong, putting forward an unedited apology (and suspending from duty during investigation of the incident the attendant involved) in hopes of taking a first step to making it right.
It just takes one.
There will never, ever, be an excuse for the behaviour seen recently on aircraft, and that which we know goes happened but unreported/videod. Nothing makes the actions of the individuals involved acceptable. They, in their selfishness, took down the eyes of their companies, and their industry.
Similarly, there will never be good reason for bad behaviour by a disruptive passenger, the ‘right’ to travel taken as permission to become obnoxious, causing an entire cabin to cringe, and making all passengers look ungrateful of the blessing of flight.
What there always will be, through the millions and millions of interactions that take place on the ground, and in the skies, in aviation, and in life in general, is the opportunity to just stop for a moment, and before seemingly putting policies first, putting humanity first.
It just takes one second to say those two precious words: “I’m sorry”.
Then, and only then, can our gaze begin to look to the skies once more.
Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2017
by Anita Mendiratta | Mar 28, 2017
Tickets. Passport. Money. Mobile & charger. Go.
For millions of travellers, the ability to pick up and venture off, whether around the corner or across the world, has become a daily reality, not to mention necessity. Mobility is a must to make each day count. And to make each day an exciting learning. The possibility discovering new places, meeting new people, unlocking new possibilities, magnifies the blessing of today and the anticipation of tomorrow.
In the process of travel planning and doing, there are many things that regular travellers take for granted. Flights will be available, taking off and landing on time, with one’s belongings neatly tucked in the belly of the aircraft. Weather, air traffic control, pricing levels, all will coordinate to make it all happen. Onward. Even when things go wrong, frustration is met with a degree of acceptance and understanding. It happens. Plan B is out there. One’s sense of control is still high, even if movement is low.
But then the completely unplanned and unwanted happens. Movement is brought to a stop. Not because of some moving part out there that has slowed or even paused. But by our own engineering failing us.
Suddenly the most critical enabler of our ability to move – our body – is unable to. Dreaded words enter into conversations with oneself and, under duress, with others: “I’m sick”
It is only when one is grounded by one’s own health that one truly appreciates the ability, the ease, the privilege, of perpetual movement. And the ability to find help, especially when far from home base. Symptoms emerging with an underlying not knowing of not just what the problem is, but where and how to fix it, suddenly turns a carefully scheduled day into a significant cause for concern. Not to mention a scheduling mess. Next meetings, next flights, next commitments, raise red flags around the ability to move from sickness back to health. Even if able to keep moving, fear sets in around not just passing something on, but passing by airport temperature screenings and flashing red.
A safe place needs to be found.
For any traveller, regardless of frequency of travel, establishing that safe space is critical to on-going wellbeing. That ‘safe place’ need not be a specific geographic location. Being a nomad more often than not makes being back at base when unwell an exception, not a rule. That ‘safe place‘ is instead a little place that travels with the intrepid traveller – a small space in one’s carry-on bag where essential TLC is kept: medication & first aid treatments to keep one’s body strong, small personal totems to keep one’s spirit centered. Whatever is needed to immediately calm rising panic of unwellness, helping set in motion the steps towards getting real help to get through the fog.
Because the quiet reality is that, when out in the world, a huge part of not feeling out in the cold is feeling like one is not alone with one’s worry. Tucked within one’s safe place should be the things that allow one to feel they can take a breathe, focus, and safely figure out what next.
Moving to the what next, especially when still moving from city to city, hotel to hotel, ultimately poses (and imposes) a distinct test to oneself. Is a sniffle something more serious? Will OTC drugs be the SOS needed? Or is it time to make the call and make an appointment? Being strong is one thing. Being silly is another. No matter what others may say, what advise they may give, listening to the voice in the back of one’s head reveals whether one really feels safe pushing through the unwellness, of pausing to get qualified help. Now.
The value of our greatest travel enabler – our body – sometimes needs a reminder. The incredible blessing of the strength of body and spirit we need to do what we love should never be taken for granted. Sometimes a brief push of the pause button can be a good thing. Only when we pause do we really appreciate the gift of the ability to shift to fast-forward once more.
Safe, healthy travels.
Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2017
by Anita Mendiratta | Feb 2, 2017
Patriotism. The pride felt for one’s flag, one’s people, one’s national identity and one’s overriding ideology. It is something that is felt, deeply, even if not on show overtly.
At times, however, the love of country can reveal itself in full force. Moments of national victory, be it in sporting or political combat, tops the list of overt expressions of national pride. Chants of national jubilation unite citizens of differing backgrounds, different beliefs. In that moment, all are one.
At others, one’s sense of national identity is felt most vividly when among others of another nation. Whether at home or out in the world, immersion into another national identity can make clear unique elements of one’s nation. Its voice, its values, its vision of the future. All are amplified to oneself (and often others) when among others of a different flag.
To stand beside one’s flag with hand on heart, expressing solidarity in spirit, is something in which every national should feel confidence and pride. Rarely in one’s lifetime is this feeling of connection to national identity ever challenged.
Rarely does one feel a shame in revealing their flag, be it through accent or actions.
And yet, sadly, these moments can happen. A single event, a single signature engraving one moment in time, can leave literally millions in shock, their feeling of pride of flag shattered, while people of other nations look on shaken, their respect for a once celebrated flag shredded.
Such was the case on January 28th when, with the stroke of a pen, the land of the free shut its doors. And for millions across the nation and world, shut its heart. The travel ban imposed by recently elected President Trump under Executive Order immediately tore families apart, openly rejecting people, principle and the promise of a nation once known for the possibility of dreams being realised. Employers and educators scrambled to secure the safe return to the United States of valuable and valued people under their guard. Students, scholars, staff alike were now at risk of being locked out, indefinitely. Border officials and boarding gates across the world raced to understand what exactly the new ruling meant for those travelling. Law abiding, legally registered American citizens suddenly felt rejected from their adopted home.
Painfully, citizens once celebrating their allegiance to their flag felt shame, deep shame, at the actions of their elected leaders. The threats of the newly elected President were being acted upon, the ripples of fear reaching far and wide. Even if, as the new administration argues, only a few are impacted by this act of intended national protection, the impact on national psyche will and has hit millions. Love, trust and pride of flag – gone.
Within minutes o the Executive Order being signed, airports filled with protestors pushing back on what their new President defined as the new America. Fury erupted across all both sides of the country, both sides of the aisle. American citizens separated themselves from the actions of their head of state, clearly stating the actions of one man not being reflective of the fabric of the flag.
Caveats are suddenly expressed in conversations:
“This is anti-American”
“I am an American but this is not my President”
As days have passed, unedited expressions of anger, shame and condemnation fill conversations and official communications. Across industries and individuals, the overriding statement: this is not what America stands for. This is not what our global community will stand for.
Rarely is a person’s national identity defined by what they are not.
This, sadly, is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ times.
There are no words. Only deep, deep feelings of sadness.
And for millions, same flag or not, shame and separation.
Surely we as the global community, wherever we are, are better than this.
x
Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2017
by Anita Mendiratta | Jan 20, 2017
Just a few hours left……
As Washington DC concludes final rehearsals in anticipation of today’s inauguration of the 45th President of the United States of America, rehearsals of not just events related to the ceremony taking place in front of the nation’s capital, but also events set to take place once President Trump takes over the Oval Office, the city, under the gaze of the waiting world, is bracing for profound change.
At the moment of the taking of the Oath of Office, swearing in a new President of the union, moving out of the nation’s capital will be a first family that has lead a number of firsts in not just American politics, but society and ideology. Being the first African-American President of the United States started was the first of the first. Many subtitles soon followed.
As the people of the USA and world look upon the legacy of President Obama, many positives and negatives will emerge across the economic, political and social spectrum. Viewpoints will be as many as voices. Over his eight year term, President Obama has established an immense portfolio of highest accolades, and of heartaches. Debates will continue for decades.
What cannot be debated, however, is the show of character that President Obama brought to America and the World. Importantly, to the White House, and the American people, he brought remarkable class, commitment, compassion, courage.
And now it is time for closure.
So much can be said, and no doubt will, about POTUS #44. As is the case for POTUS #45, still due to rest his hand on the Bible in swearing his service to the American people as the rest of the world watches on.
Whatever happens, whatever may be for the US, and the world, as the winds of change blow through Washington DC today, immediately reaching out to the world through the media and global markets, one thing is certain:
“The sun will rise tomorrow…”
Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2017
by Anita Mendiratta | Dec 24, 2016
December 24th.
Work phones and emails are silencing across networks, deep exhales are sounding across the globe. Everywhere, whatever the global coordinates, local sentiments, races & religions, rhymes or reasons of daily life, a hush is setting in. Something soft, something special, is filling the air. Something that unites us all, whatever our religion / faith / spiritual sensibilities. Like fairy dust, it makes this night brighter, merrier….softer, slower, kinder.
It happens every year at this time. Christmas eve. A day when miles are travelled by millions for the sake of simply being together. As the clock nears its moment of striking midnight, a sudden rush of emotion is felt to be where one needs to be, to be with whom one’s heart most desires, white Christmas or not, even if only in one’s dreams…
It is moments such as these that magnify the gift that is travel – the ability to come together to share the times that truly matter.
At this moment, according to NORAD’s so stunning Santa Tracker http://www.noradsanta.org/, Santa has just left Nepal, he now making his way to India. From there it is onward to Sri Lanka, followed by the Maldives, back through India, up to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, through the Middle East, then onward westward. With magic up above, children across the globe look up the skies. Grown ups too. It’s impossible not to. Maybe, just maybe the sound of bells will be faintly heard, the soft glow of a red nose may be faintly visible…
On this night, while our eyes may see nothing, the image in our hearts is clear. The world’s most dedicated traveller never fails to deliver, in all ways. With 9 reindeer leading the way, a soft red globe at the front of the pack, Santa is spending this night crossing regions, and religions, sprinkling the world with the gift wonder.
As midnight rings in across the globe, wherever you may be, whatever your spirit may sing to, may this night be one to pause your thoughts, squeeze your heart, and leave you feeling blessed in your ‘here & now’.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good flight. x
Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2016
by Anita Mendiratta | Nov 30, 2016
It was only 3 weeks ago.
It is hard to believe it was only 3 weeks ago when so much of the world woke to a shock they will never forget, yet one that so, so many wish that they could.
The map was red, undeniably, unquestionably, irreversibly red. He had won. The Republican candidate was now to be referred to as ‘President Elect, Donald Trump’.
Hundreds of millions across the US, and the world, woke to shock. Time-freezing, ‘you will never forget where you were when…’ shock. The people had spoken. The American elite will no longer lead. Now it was time for the power of the people to rise, and govern. The relieved souls: US-based in the main.
For the rest, it was shock and awe. The dawn was to bring a map bathed in blue. The responsibility of the right to vote was wisely to rise over the unprecedented theatrics of the 2016 US Presidential campaigns. The moment of truth was to reveal a choice in favour of experience, stability, global sensibility, and decency over disruption and disrespect. The polling booths were to be the moment when the country (and world) switched channels, resuming regular programming, the reality show having come to its final, dramatic episode.
But it was not to be the case.
Sunrise brought the rise of dismay. And angst. And tears. Could this be true? Have the American people chosen this man, this character, as representative of the nation’s vision, identity and ethos?
2016 has been a year beyond fiction, beyond feeling, and beyond logic, in so many ways.
First came the continued tragedy of the Refugee and Migrant crisis. Then Brexit. Then the US Elections. The people have spoken once more. And their words, their wishes, are expressions of a desire for profound change, with separation at the centre of their sense of stability, security and future opportunity.
The feeling of ‘how can this happen? really was like deja vu all over again……
Which begs the question: what do the events of 2016 say about us, each of us, as a citizen of the global community? The choices we make in terms of:
- What attracts our attention?
- What pokes us in the eye, stirring up our compassion?
- What forces us to take a stand, taking action?
- And at the same times, what goes unnoticed?
Today, months after Brexit, days after the US Presidential Elections, seconds since the latest crisis, our attention is pulled in so many directions. But actually, none at all. The intensity of activity turns to a numbness. There is just so much noise that it is simply easier, and understandable, to cover one’s ears and walk away.
But if there is anything that Brexit, the US Presidential Elections, and so many other tests have proven, we cannot, simply cannot, turn away. What may seem the path of least resistance is, in fact, the path of apathetic abandonment of responsibility.
What is happening is not ok.
What is being ignored is not ok.
Turning away, covering our ears, walking on, is not ok.
Never, ever, should it take the lifeless body a tiny Syrian toddler named Aylan on Turkish shores to draw the attention of people of the world to the plight of others. ‘Syria’ has become a symbol of abandonment. ‘Trump’ has become a synonym of populism. ‘2016’ has become a page in history punctuated with disbelief…the ‘Word of the Year’ most consistently expressed in 4 letters, the first being an F, the rest best not put in print but rightly assumed.
So where are we now? What have we learned? What difference will 2016 really make?
If anything, one can only hope, it will be the need to do everything possible, sometimes defying instinct, to not turn away.
There is too much, too too much, happening every day everywhere around us, trying to create a global community of enemies. That is not who we are, and who we are meant to be.
Whoever we are, wherever we are in the world, our blood reveals immigrant ties. Our hearts reveal hope for a safer tomorrow.
Our better angels are fighting tirelessly to rise above. Because all lives matter.
Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2016
