I was well aware I didn’t appear my best. Fever, shivers, and a dry cough had suddenly come over me just before the flight. But cancelling wasn’t an option: the tickets were paid for, the hotel was booked, and important meetings were lined up. I had no alternative but to pull myself together and board the plane.
I quietly settled into my window seat, doing my best not to bother anyone. I took out my water bottle, placed a pack of tissues within reach, and braced myself to spend the flight as calmly as I could.
But barely ten minutes after takeoff, a furious voice echoed through the cabin:
— “This is intolerable! He keeps coughing! I shouldn’t have to endure this!”
A woman in her fifties, seated across the aisle, turned completely toward me and began yelling:
— “Are you infectious? Why did you even board this plane?!”
I responded as gently as possible:
— “I apologize. I’ll try to keep it down. I’ll take some medicine. If the sound bothers you, maybe headphones would help…”
— “I’m not putting on anything! This is my holiday, and you’re ruining it!” she screamed, drawing the attention of the entire cabin.
A moment later, she slammed the call button.
A young flight attendant approached with a polite but tense smile:
— “Good afternoon, is there a problem?”
The woman nearly sprang from her seat:
— “He’s coughing nonstop! He’s clearly unwell! You need to do something! I paid for this flight, you know!”
The flight attendant nodded courteously and walked away. She came back a few minutes later, this time wearing a more serious expression. It was obvious she’d spoken with the captain. And that’s when the woman started to regret ever complaining. 😲
— “Since we cannot compromise the safety of the flight and the passenger is unwell, we’d like to find the most comfortable solution for everyone… You can simply switch seats.”
The woman immediately flushed red and snapped:
— “I’m not moving because of him! I paid for this exact seat!”
The flight attendant calmly looked at me and said:
— “We can relocate you if you’re alright with that. There’s an available seat…”
— “Absolutely, move me! I don’t want to hear this coughing the entire flight!” — the woman said triumphantly.
I nodded in agreement:
— “Sure. If it helps, I’m fine with it.”
— “Excellent,” the flight attendant replied. “The only open seat is in business class. You’ll have a lot more space to relax. Dinner and drinks will be served there. Please follow me.”
I stood up, and for a brief moment, the cabin fell completely silent.
As I passed the woman, I caught a glimpse of her expression — it froze, then contorted with fury and envy. She muttered something under her breath, but no one was paying attention anymore.
I settled into a spacious, comfortable seat, was given a blanket and a cup of hot tea with honey, and later enjoyed a delicious meal. Ahead lay a few hours of calm and comfort.
