When I read this question, I was thinking about a discussion my husband and I had during a recent plane trip. It was a Jet Blue flight and since I have problems with my veins in my legs, we had decided to sit in the seats with extra leg room. There was an extra charge but it was worth it.

But as I looked around at the other passengers, I began to wonder if I could tell if any of them were pretending to be rich. This was the only non stop flight to New Orleans and so I figured this would be an opportunity to see all types of passengers. This would be based on pure instinct and nothing else. I decided to focus on those who had paid for the extra space.

There was one couple who I felt were pretending. Everyone else was dressed rather informally since the flight was about 5 hours. But this couple looked uncomfortable in their designer attire. I also observed them speaking loudly, and I could tell they wanted everyone to know that they were going to the "best" hotel and the finest restaurants.

They were also very demanding. They rang for the flight attendant several times about minor problems. I began to feel sorry for the flight attendant who was being subjected to subtle but abusive behavior.

Now there was another couple who I believed were rich. They were dressed appropriately for the flight and it was their conversation mostly about articles in newspapers and more intellectual magazines they brought with them that made me feel they were probably wealthy. They were dressed in appropriate attire that was probably more expensive than what others were wearing. But most impressive were their soft voices and their kindness to the flight attendants. I sensed that they were used to formal occasions and had been taught good manners.

Now this is just an observation and there have been times when I did not guess correctly. However, this question intrigued me and I decided to share my views.

By the way, my husband thought my guesses were probably wrong. I will never know. (One last "clue"- the "rich" couple thanked the flight attendant and pilot on the way out. The other couple did not.)