05/09/2026
The Day I first Flew BUSINESS CLASS
There is just something exciting about flying. It is both perplexing and terrifying. On one hand flying cuts time but on the other hand those aerodynamic planes can be draining.
I had already checked in my luggage at KKI airport on our scheduled flight to ORT airport. The moods were high as they always are on ones way to South Africa.
My seat number was 13A in economy class. Nothing strange there. As I approached 11, 12 and then 13 in readiness to get my overhead compartment open, I knew something was amiss. There was this huge man already standing and stating his claim on 13A.
The flight was “full”. I was shocked 😳. “Where will I seat now? I have to get to South Africa.” I thought.
The man on that seat shoved himself right away as if to send me to “hell”.
Luckily one of the air hostesses noticed the storm in a teacup.
She immediately took me away like a kid in primary school going to the headmaster’s office. “Mr. Nawa come with me.” She ushered me towards the exit. “Are they sending me away because I am a black man? Why didn’t they deplane him? Is it because he is white?” I was already pulling racial cards, slavery intonations and apartheid prejudices.
“Mr. Nawa we apologize for double booking your seat. We have a seat for you in business class. Once again apologies sir.”
Within minutes another hostess came to get my jacket. I almost unbuckled my belt in case they were coming for my trousers. One simple mistake led to bountiful service. The silverware was different, the menu was classy. Even the hostesses smiled twice as much.
I looked across the isles towards the economy class. I wanted to make eye contact with the man who “took” my seat. I wanted to do “welu”, “gigo mukolomino”, “chilibekemu”. I wanted to taunt him. Unfortunately they have curtains in between the classes for privacy.
That was one of my best flights ✈️ ever. Minutes before we landed my jacket was returned. I wanted to ask for the hostess phone number so she can double book me again on my return flight.
In life keep the faith. Never despise your flight to any place. Never stop believing. Never stop seeing Gods presence in your heart and life.
Blessed day.
Mubita C Nawa Mongu East Constituency Member of Parliament
