We’re currently in the Singapore Air lounge, waiting for our flight to Manila and I’m a little surprised to see a Monk sitting across from us, dressed in traditional burnt orange coloured robes enjoying a free breakfast.

It makes me wonder how is it that Monks fly business class… ? Google held the answers…

Apparently a number of Airlines – particularly in Thailand (but also other Asian countries) will offer a range of “Monk” perks which include free platinum airline status, lounge entry and flight upgrades…

It was also interesting that even when there isn’t room for an upgraded seat – often local passengers holding a premium seat on the same flight as a Monk, will approach them with an offer to swap seats as a way to top up their karmic points with Buddha.

Premium Monk travel however hasn’t come without its critics – a group of younger Monks were heavily criticised (and subsequently investigated by some type of Monk inquiry) for being photographed travelling on a Private jet wearing Aviator Sunglasses and listening to iPods… not great for the Monk brand.