>TAYA Rogers is just 22, and has already taken more flights than she can remember.
The model, actress and MTV veejay - she currently hosts two shows, MTV News and Chart Attack - is of mixed descent. Her mother is Thai/Chinese and her father is American. While she carries an American passport, she prefers to be called Thai/American.
Rogers, an only child, grew up spending time between continents.
Born in California, she moved to Bangkok when she was eight but moved back seven years later to finish high school.
She completed her bachelor's degree in communication studies and marketing before returning to Bangkok.
Her mother is currently based in Jakarta, where she works as country manager for Dow Chemicals, while her father, who is in insurance auditing, is based in California.
So, when it's not work, it's catching up with the family that takes her onto a plane.
Any scary experiences on flights?
Oh yes. A little over a year ago, I was on my way from New York to Los Angeles on a United flight with two of my friends. Shortly after take-off, there was panic as the stewardesses ran to the cockpit. Someone had spotted smoke on the right side of the aircraft and there was complete chaos as passengers started panicking.
Fortunately, the pilot emerged from the cockpit and calmly reassured us. He said that after take-off the right wing of the plane had burst into flames and we had to empty the fuel tank and fly back to New York.
Perhaps what was scarier than the plane's wing being on fire was the sight of ambulances and cops on the tarmac. It really looked straight out of a movie and it was definitely not a nice place to be.
Luckily, no one sustained any major injuries but I wouldn't want to be in a situation like that again.
Budget versus commercial flights. Which do you prefer?
Frankly, I'm not a big fan of small planes and small airports. I feel more secure in big planes and turbulence on a small aircraft worries me. I prefer to fly bigger airlines as they have better track records and they are supposed to be safer.
The other thing I can't get over in a budget airline is people making a mad dash for their seats.
How often do you fly?
Once every couple of weeks. There is so much to see and do in Asia. If I'm not catching up with my mother in Jakarta, I'm bound to be packing my bags to see a new part of Asia.
Which is your favourite airport?
It's got to be Changi. I first visited it a couple of years ago and remember asking myself "is this a mall or an airport?". It's so easy to get around at Changi. Now I'm glad I get to fly in and out of it all the time.
A close second would be Geneva airport in Switzerland. It has these big windows and the view outside is phenomenal. I definitely want to go back there.
Ever had your bags go missing on a flight?
When you travel a lot, its going to happen. One has to get used to the idea of lost luggage. Having said that, my baggage has been misplaced only once. It was on a flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii. I was lucky to get it back the next day. Though I've often wondered where my bags went for a day.
Do you like airline food?
I once flew Business Class on Singapore Airlines and have never forgotten the lobsters served to us. Even the pasta that followed was great.
I've enjoyed the food on Thai Airlines and I quite enjoy United's lunch box package too. It has more deli stuff, sandwiches and crackers.
What about flying as a profession, do you think airline crew have a fun or a tough job?
At one level, it's cool but it's extremely tough as well. You get to see different places, meet different people and appreciate other cultures.
But a lot of crazy things happen in the air. Some people just aren't great travellers and I do have a lot of respect for airline staff who have to put up with them.
Which airline uniform do you think is the best?
I think the different colours which signify different rankings of the flight staff of Singapore Airlines are really cool. Thai Airlines has a very elegant uniform.
On the whole, I like uniforms that incorporate cultural or design elements of the country where the airline is from.
What drink do you always ask for onboard?
Ginger ale. I really don't know why. I never drink it otherwise but whenever I'm on a flight, I must drink ginger ale and lots of water.
