Getting on and off the plane can be quite a challenge for those with mobility disabilities, but the process can be made so much more pleasant with the help of some very patient and kind cabin crew.
Recently, the CEO of Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia, Tony Fernandes, shared on Instagram a video taken of a crew member on a flight.
In the video, the air steward was seen holding both hands of an elderly passenger while patiently helping her move out of the cabin.
As he did, he asked the auntie, who was wearing a back brace, several times: “Boleh?” (“Good?” in Malay)
After making it out of the airplane aisle, he also helped her get onto the wheelchair, lifted her legs up onto the footrest while calmly assuring her.
“The difference between ordinary and the best. Thank you to all allstars who continue to give 150 per cent despite huge obstacles,” praised Tony in his caption. Allstars is the airline’s moniker for its cabin crew.
Netizens were similarly moved by the air steward’s kindness, with many sharing that they’ve received superb service from AirAsia’s flight attendants themselves too.
One user, however, suggested that an aisle wheelchair “would be a better solution” and could “improve customer service” instead of having to manually help the elderly passenger out.
A quick check on AirAsia’s website shows that they do offer aisle wheelchair services that have to be pre-booked prior to the flight.
Maybe the auntie just didn’t manage to book one in time?