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The man shared that he has travelled all over the world and noticed such a mindset only among the Indian crowd and no other nationality showed such a behaviour.
‘Scarcity Mindset’: IIM Calcutta Graduate Says Indians Chase Freebies At Airports, Internet Reacts
A man talked about Indians’ “scarcity mindset” by citing the example of long queues outside airport lounges that people can access using their credit cards. His post has led to an intense online discussion among users, who are divided over his remarks, with many supporting him while others defended the travellers saying that they were just trying to use the perks of credit cards.
Ankit Kedia, an IIM Calcutta alumnus, posted about his trip to Dubai and shared his opinion about seeing a crowd of nearly 50 to 80 people at a lounge entrance, with many trying multiple cards at once to gain a free entry.
“I’ve flown to many places across the globe, and I’ve only noticed this with Indian crowds, even among people who look well off,” Kedia mentioned. He added that he even saw several people trying 6 to 7 different cards at the counter just to get free access.
He described the practice as a “scarcity mindset,” claiming that Indians are prone to chase freebies irrespective of their actual need. “I think many Indians are raised with a scarcity mindset. If something is free, they don’t stop to think whether it’s actually useful. They want it simply because it’s free,” Kedia explained.
Was taking a flight to Dubai.The lounge had a line of 50 to 80 people. Many were trying 6 or 7 different cards at the counter just to get free access. I’ve flown to many places across the globe, and I’ve only noticed this with Indian crowds, even among people who look well…
— Ankit Kedia (@Ankittskedia) June 28, 2026
“What A Senseless Post”
His post went viral in no time, garnering mixed reactions. While some supported his observation, others defended the travellers’ actions, pointing out that lounge access is a legitimate benefit from credit card providers and that it is perfectly reasonable to utilise an earned perk, given exorbitant airport prices.
“You are very right. We do have severe scarcity mindset. Everything is limited and the demand far exceeds supply.. so over time this has got into our genes. Hence all the behaviour that we see all around,” quipped one person.
Another said, “That is not even the worst part. Indians often have no consideration for others in public. They’ll pester the staff at the front desk, and waste everyone in line’s time. You either have access, need to pay, or leave.”
“They are shameless and disgraceful opportunists. Totally lack of class. They think the are ‘there’ in society but not realising that they will be forever be at bottom of the barrel. Low IQ idiots,” an individual remarked.
Meanwhile, a person said, “What a senseless post. Why won’t any one optimize space to rest and eat free of cost. Note that they have paid credit card subscriptions charges which include these costs. Have you paid for a meal outside the lounge at the airport for one person?”
Someone else asked, “What’s wrong with it? I will rather spend 10-15 mins in the queue than spend Rs. 2000/- for 1 dosa for a family of 4. Food is prohibitively expensive and not worth spending. There is nothing “scarcity mindset” about saving money.”
“There is crowd outside the lounge because there’s only one lounge for such a big airport,” another user mentioned.
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