Who’s the best co-passenger to have?
The “pray-er”, the sleeper, or the shoe-abandoner?
Neelam Kothari Soni, 51 Actor, jewellery designer
How do you choose a flight?
Date and time are my priority. Pricing, not so much, because you got to go when you do. (Obviously, an absurdly high price wouldn’t work.) I am not a big fan of late flights and prefer taking 10am flights and reaching home early. Nothing post 3 or 4pm.
Your flight preparation?
I pack three days in advance. Having a checklist and planning my bags gives me peace.
A big no-no?
Sitting next to the washroom puts me off, especially if it’s a long flight and there’s a morning involved.
Window or aisle seat?
When I am travelling with Samir & Ahana, I get the middle seat as we like to sit together. Alone, I opt for the window seat.
Must do’s on a flight?
I pray before taking off and after landing, and read the Hanuman Chalisa.
Ankush Nijhawan, 43 Travel entrepreneur
How do you choose a flight?
It depends on the purpose of travel. If I were travelling domestically for business, I choose an early morning flight and take a latenight flight back. For international, I prefer taking business class. Pricing doesn’t affect my purchase.
Your flight preparation?
When you’re a frequent traveller, you don’t find the groundwork difficult.
A big no-no?
If I am travelling internationally, I can’t take a flight during daylight as I need to sleep on flights. On the domestic front, the middle seat is a no-no.
Window or aisle seat?
A window seat.
Must do’s on a flight?
I need my laptop along with my AirPods.
Kunal Kapur, 41 Chef, author and TV host
How do you choose a flight?
It’s about pricing. On business travel, I prefer a morning flight to maximise my work day. On a leisure travel, I don’t mind the midnight flights either.
Your flight preparation?
Two things I always check and cross check for are my headphones and battery pack.
A big no-no?
Talking too loudly, listening to music without headphones and carrying food from home. Not that I am encouraging or discouraging people to buy inflight food but sometimes the smell can be overpowering.
Window or aisle seat?
Window for the view.
Must do’s on a flight?
I have to have to take off my shoes and I promise my feet or socks don’t stink.