‘Avoid Travelling…”: Redditor Accuses Lufthansa Staff Of Insulting Indians, Paytm CEO Reacts

​In January 2024, German airline Lufthansa faced allegations of discriminatory behavior towards Indian passengers, igniting widespread discussions on social media platforms. A Reddit user, identifying as a New York resident of Indian origin, detailed multiple instances of perceived disrespect and bias by Lufthansa staff during a recent flight from the United States to India

In a comprehensive Reddit post, the user recounted several troubling experiences. At Frankfurt Airport, upon inquiring about a water refill station, a Lufthansa representative reportedly retorted, “Do I look like the information desk to you, don’t ask me.” During the flight, the user observed that crew members were particularly dismissive towards elderly passengers and those with limited English proficiency. One incident involved an elderly woman pointing to tea on the beverage cart and saying “yes.” Instead of assisting her, a flight attendant allegedly admonished her to “open your mouth and use your words.” Additionally, passengers requesting simple items like napkins were reportedly told to “wait your turn.” ​

The Redditor also highlighted issues with in-flight meals. Lufthansa purportedly mishandled catering by providing vegan meals to passengers who had ordered vegetarian options, rendering the food “almost inedible.” In another instance, a passenger who received a chicken meal instead of the requested vegetarian option was allegedly denied a replacement because she had opened the meal. A crew member reportedly compared the situation to dining at a restaurant, stating, “You don’t go to a restaurant, eat the food, and ask for it to be taken back.” ​
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These allegations resonated with many, prompting individuals to share similar experiences. Bengaluru-based tech professional Shantanu Goel shared a screenshot of the Reddit post on X (formerly Twitter), commenting, “All this behavior, including downright rude and idiotic staff is unfortunately not an aberration but quite common on Lufthansa, which is why I never fly it.”

The controversy gained further traction when Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder and CEO of Paytm, responded to Goel’s post. Sharma expressed anticipation for the expansion of Indian airlines, stating, “Can’t wait for Air India and Indigo to go places — many of us would rather not fly European airlines.” ​
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These incidents have sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of Indian passengers by international airlines. Many individuals have come forward with similar accounts, alleging a pattern of discriminatory behavior by Lufthansa staff. The backlash against the airline has been significant, with calls to avoid traveling with Lufthansa until the matter is addressed. ​

The allegations against Lufthansa have highlighted the need for airlines to ensure that their staff are trained to treat all passengers with respect and dignity, regardless of their nationality or language proficiency. It also underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for airlines to address and rectify any instances of discriminatory behavior promptly.​

As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how Lufthansa will respond to these allegations and what steps will be taken to address the concerns raised by passengers. The incident serves as a reminder of the power of social media in bringing attention to issues of discrimination and the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions.