An Aussie sales executive has been praised for his extraordinarily calm reaction to being booted from business class to economy in the first moments of a 10-hour flight.
Jameel Rehman, from Melbourne, scored a business class flight for two from Sydney to Honolulu as a work bonus but had to move after engineers found a fault in his seat.
Mr Rehman recorded his reaction after receiving the news and said that staff were very apologetic but did not waste any time getting him into economy.
His mum, who was his plus-one, retained her seat and happily waved toward the camera as her son polished off his glass of champagne before humbly departing.
‘How the mighty have fallen,’ Mr Rehman declared as he entered his new cabin to the sound of a baby screaming.
Jameel Rehman, from Melbourne, scored a business class flight for two from Sydney to Honolulu as a work bonus but had to move after engineers found a fault in his seat
Mr Rehman had just put on his complimentary business class pajamas with the famous Qantas kangaroo emblazoned on the front when he was told that he needed to move for his own safety 10 minutes into the flight.
‘I have just been informed that I have to leave this business class seat because it is [broken],’ he said.
‘But jeez at least I got to enjoy it for a brief second [with] my champagne which was lovely.’
The graceful passenger quickly wrapped up his headphones and commended the Qantas staff who were ‘very apologetic [and] very helpful’.
He was able to keep the pajamas on and still enjoy the perks of business class ‘but not the space’.
‘What can you do,’ he casually mused as staff offered to carry his bags to the entire empty row that was awaiting him at the back of the plane.
‘Can’t really knock ’em,’ he added.
Social media users praised Mr Rehman’s optimistic response to the unfortunate situation he had found himself in.
‘You’re a class act lad. Congrats on your achievements and sharing ’em with mum,’ one person said.
‘Note the baby giving you a warm welcome,’ another wrote.
‘Regardless of how nice they were and the perks you still got, make sure you ask for compensation and do not settle for nothing,’ a third advised.
Mr Rehman was quick to clarify that his employer had received a ‘downgrade refund’ and that he had personally been given a $500 travel voucher for the trouble.
‘It’s a happy ending folks – thanks for all the kind words,’ he wrote in response to the outpouring of support he received.
In a later update Mr Rehman confirmed that he was able to enjoy the full experience of business class with his mum on the return flight as they drank champagne together.
Mr Rehman’s plus-one for the trip was his mum, who he was able to finally enjoy business class with on the return flight
A Qantas spokesperson said that the carrier had personally apologised to Mr Rehman for the inconvenience and that he was given a $500 travel voucher for the trouble
It is understood that during pre-flight checks in Sydney engineers had found a fault in Mr Rehman’s original seat which needed an urgent repair.
The issue was resolved by staff on the ground in Hawaii prior to their return flight.
A Qantas spokesperson said the carrier had personally apologised to Mr Rehman for the inconvenience he experienced and that his safety was their top priority.
‘Safety is always our main priority and unfortunately a minor technical issue meant that this seat had to be kept vacant,’ they said.
‘Two days after the flight, Mr Rehman was given a downgrade refund along with a $500 travel voucher.’