IT MUST have been quite a scare for him to see his girlfriend in his mother's clothes, but that's what she had to wear after her luggage got lost on their flight.

That happened in August, when Richard Skene, 39, took his Thai girlfriend, Kattiya Tunmanont, 35, home to Scotland to meet his parents for the first time.

Skene is the assistant vice-president of Banyan Tree Residences. Based in Phuket, Thailand, since June last year, he is here this weekend to launch the Banyan Tree Residences. These are villas, townhouses and apartments managed by the resort group in five of its resort locations.

His job requires him to travel once almost every 10 days and, when he does so, he prefers business class. He launches Frequent Flyer's new theme - airports and airlines.


Which is your favourite airport?

Samui Airport in Koh Samui, Thailand, because of its tropical, natural and relaxing atmosphere. The memories are from my backpacking days back in the 1990s, and the airport represents what Thailand is all about - warmth and friendliness.

Compared to big, busy airports, this one is small, easy to get around in and informal. It feels like a coconut beach bar with the orchids along the runway.

My second choice would be Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok, for its stunning modern design by British architect Norman Foster.

However, Hong Kong's old airport, Kai Tak, had the most exciting landing as the flight path was so low you could see people watching TV in the living rooms of their flats.

Ever lost your luggage?

My girlfriend was with me on my last visit home to Aberdeen, Scotland, in August. She was visiting the country and meeting my parents for the first time, so it was quite a momentous occasion.

But unfortunately, British Airways lost her luggage somewhere between Bangkok and London and it arrived only three days later. To keep warm, she had to borrow some of my Mum's clothes, which was definitely not the image she wanted to create because she had packed some nice clothes to present a good impression.

But it was for only a few days and she wasn't upset about it. It's like a bit of a joke now.

Have you ever experienced a scary or interesting flight?

On a flight from Mumbai to Dubai with Emirates in May 2005, one of the passengers sitting diagonally opposite me complained about feeling ill.

Although the airline crew did all they could to make his journey more comfortable, he became more agitated.

Suddenly, to our amazement, he smashed his TV set and stormed down the aisle and physically attacked some of the crew. They managed to placate him until we arrived in Dubai, where the security came on board to arrest him.

Which airline has the best service and food in your view?

I live in Thailand so I might be slightly biased, but I would say that Thai Airways has the best service and food, both of which are characteristics that the country is renowned for.

KLM, the Royal Dutch Airlines, is also good. In 1998, I flew to Scotland from Hong Kong after having an operation for a broken nose. I had walked into a door. My face was in bandages and the air stewardess took pity on me and upgraded me to first class.

Economy class was all packed and there I was in first class with the whole row to myself. That's great service.

How do you handle jetlag?

If I'm travelling to one of our resort locations for work, I'll try to make time for a massage at our Banyan Tree Spa to loosen up, especially after many hours of sitting in the aircraft. My favourite massage is the traditional Thai style.

Which airline has the best uniform?

SilkAir. The stewardesses all look good and the uniform is chic. Lime is not my favourite colour but they look nice. A lot of the uniforms in the other airlines are not so fashionable. Or maybe it's the people wearing them that makes them look good.

What drink do you always ask for on board?

Champagne in business class and water in economy.

frankiec@sph.com.sg