There seems nothing wrong in a staff member of a private airline asking a passenger, in this case badminton champion P.V. Sindhu, to move her oversized hand luggage to the cargo hold (“Sindhu fumes at ‘rude’ airline staff”, November 5). He was only doing his duty as per the airline’s policy. It is not fair on her part to expect that the rules be relaxed because she is famous. What applies to other passengers, applies to her as well.
D. Sethuraman,
Chennai
It is unfortunate that such minor incidents are blown out of proportion, thanks to social media and the press. No doubt one expects the staff of any service provider to be tactful and polite while dealing a customer. However, the customer concerned should also be familiar with the rules and regulations. The matter could have been settled amicably without any embarrassment to anyone and without going to the media.
D.B.N. Murthy,
Bengaluru
The management of the airline concerned should be complimented for standing by its staff. It was also magnanimous on their part in reaching out to Ms. Sindhu to clarify their position in spite of the airline having been shown in poor light by her tweet. In India, politicians and celebrities tend to view themselves as a notch above the rest and expect preferential treatment, especially at airports. This they do, though they do not shell out an extra penny more than other passengers to fly. Or many a time, they fly at the cost of the exchequer. Reports of such VVIPs getting embroiled in issues, often on flimsy grounds, are nothing new. Ms. Sindhu should have attempted to settle the issue internally and quietly. Her act is in contrast to that of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was frisked at an airport in the United States and who did not even say a word.
V. Subramanian,
Chennai