Most of us only travel after thoroughly reviewing our cheap traveloptions such as cheapairplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages. Have you ever dreamed about buying an economyticket and then being the only passenger on a plane?
When Nigel Short (a former World Chess Champion finalistwho lost to Garry Kasparov in 1993) arrived at the airport in Johannesburg onJuly 15th he was initially told that he would be one of only fourpassengers taking a flight to Victoria Fall, Zimbabwe. Ultimately Nigel was the only passenger toboard his flight.
When he arrived at his gate he discovered that no one wasthere. I was uncomfortable because Ithought maybe I made a mistake and arrived too early. Nigel went back to the main terminal tore-confirm his gate information. Thegate listed on my ticket was correct, so I went back four or five times andthere was still no sign of anyone.
Ultimately the crew for his Air Zimbabwe flight arrived andinformed him that he would be the only passenger on board that day. Nigel was shocked: I fly a lot and have been to well over 100countries. And once in a while youre ona flight with not many passengers. But,theres a difference when youre the only passenger.
The airline waived its traditional pre-boarding routinessuch as letting first class passengers or people needing assistance onfirst. However, the crew did completetheir full safety demonstration and were very attentive, according to Nigel.
Although he had the entire 105 seat plane to himself, Nigeldid not request moving to first class. Instead he opted to move to a window seat to enjoy the view vs. hisassigned aisle seat. Nigel said that heopted to remain in the economy section because there was one staff membersitting in the first class section.
He was delighted to find that he received high qualityservice. I was served by two ladies andall the announcements were directed to me. They would say things like Mr. Short, were beginning our descent.After deplaning Nigel was escorted to the arrivals hall.
In retrospect, this entire experience amused him. It was just the novelty and the totalsurprise of the whole thing. Ive beenon other private planes and small planes, but there were more passengers onthose. Im amazed they didnt cancelit.
When contacted the airline explained that Nigels flightwas not cancelled because the plane was needed in Victoria Falls to operate ascheduled flight from Victoria Falls to Harare.
While Nigel had thought that just visiting Victoria Fallswould be the experience of a lifetime, it turned out the flight that took himthere was the more unique experience.
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