Not every trip starts smoothly.
This one definitely didn’t.
We were flying Abu Dhabi to Bangkok using staff travel. Standby. Which means you’re technically booked… but also not really.
It was my first time flying Etihad. First time flying standby. So I was excited. Medyo nervous din, but in a controlled way.
We got to the gate. Waiting. Watching names get called.
Then boarding closed.
And ours weren’t called.
You don’t react loudly when that happens. You just look at each other and say, “Okay. Next flight.”
It’s a weird feeling watching the aircraft push back without you on it. Slight disappointment. Slight embarrassment. But also — you signed up for this.
That’s the reality of staff travel.
Waiting for the Next Flight
We waited for the next flight. Checked loads again. Tried not to overthink it.
This time, our names were called.
That small walk from the waiting area to the boarding gate already felt like a win.
Once seated, the tension slowly disappeared. The cabin felt calm. Crew was warm. I remember finally exhaling when the plane started taxiing.
A Quick Stop in Phuket
The flight even made a short stop in Phuket for some passengers to disembark before continuing to Bangkok.
We didn’t get off. Just watched from the window.
By the time we landed in Bangkok, the earlier stress felt smaller. Actually, it made the arrival feel better.
When you almost don’t make it, stepping out of the aircraft hits differently.
Travel doesn’t always begin with smooth transitions and aesthetic airport shots.
Sometimes it begins with patience.
And honestly, that chaotic start made the trip more memorable.
