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Priscilla Goy

The Straits Times

Publication Date : 13-02-2013

A feng shui master allocates auspicious seat rows and destinations

In what is believed to be a first for an airline, Jetstar has commissioned Singapore's David Tong to analyse the feng shui of the Airbus A320s that it operates.

In the spirit of the festive season, the feng shui master has allocated auspicious seat rows and destinations on Jetstar flights.

At the Jetstar website, key in your gender and date of birth, select your "reason for travelling" - choose from wealth, love, career, friendship or health - and with just one click, you can find out your "lucky" destination and even seat rows.

The service is free, but destinations are limited to cities served by Jetstar.

Some travellers may prefer a window seat to get a good view, or an aisle seat so it is convenient to go to the toilet, but how about considering which row to sit in?

According to Tong, row six is the luckiest. While his analysis was based on a Jetstar A320 aircraft, the feng shui results apply to all the carrier's aircraft and other airlines flying these models.

The most auspicious times to travel are between 5am and 7am, or between 7pm and 9pm, regardless of the time zone, he said.

Tong, who got the Jetstar commission last month, has been practising feng shui for almost 10 years. He said he has never before been asked for advice on which rows are lucky. "I have been asked for advice on prosperous destinations for honeymoons, business (trips) or migrations before, but not where to sit in an aircraft."

Other feng shui masters agreed. Hui Jie of Hui Master International Geomancy said less than 5 per cent of his customers ask for advice regarding travel matters.

Hui, who has been practising feng shui for more than 25 years, said customers would usually ask for talismans to keep them safe during their trips.

Most travellers, even those who believe in feng shui, laughed off the whole matter.

Singaporean warehouse manager Ang G.C., 50, said: "I would not really be concerned about seat rows."

"I care more about fare price and insurance coverage," he added.