Would you travel Air India?

[Bell21]

I find it strange to be posting such a general question about a mainstream airline, but I'm going to fly my son on Air India (aeroplan points) home from Europe in July and I'm wondering what the 'community' thinks of the risk of flying with them?

I was actually meant to fly J in Air India last May but cancelled the trip for non-airline related reasons --- that was pre their airline disaster, but even then, I was reading about all the general choas on some of their flights (flights having to turn back for all kinds of unusual issues), and then the airline disaster happened, and then I think they had a plane(s) given non-conformance notices for flying without the proper certification.

I still think I'd take the risk, as in the scheme of risks (eg, driving a car), it's probably quite low, but it's the first time I've had any concern flying on a major airline.

 

[DC3]

I still think I'd take the risk, as in the scheme of risks (eg, driving a car), it's probably quite low

 

[AuSammy]

My Indian colleagues and workmates, before I retired from work, advised "only if there is no other choice".

Their employer paid fares were most often to SIN and then on to Indian ports via various airlines (Not AI) despite often a very long layover in SIN or a roundabout route

I accepted their advice without querying it. I have no personal experience.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

My Indian colleagues and workmates, before I retired from work, advised "only if there is no other choice".

Their employer paid fares were most often to SIN and then on to Indian ports via various airlines (Not AI) despite often a very long layover in SIN or a roundabout route

I accepted their advice without querying it. I have no personal experience.

Part of that could be due to perceived status? SQ is probably considered a higher-end product.

But it’s sort of moot given SQ and Tata now own AI. The new hard and soft products would give top tier carriers a run for their money… which is what AI is going after.

 

[RB]

Definitely an airline that is on my "Only if there is absolutely no others (including road or rail) options".

I made the mistake of once buying a J fare on Air India thinking, perhaps their service would be better for business class customers. Nope. Admittedly, my avoidance has meant I haven't stepped foot on them since 2007.

A long time to carry a grudge

 

[blacksultan]

I'd personally disagree with several of these comments but agree with others.

Delhi is a pretty modern and easy to navigate airport. The only zoo component is security, but that's just India. It's really not that bad if you know what to expect. Eg, all electronics out including cables.

As for hotels, not sure what your comments refer to. Hotels near the airport at Aerocity are all modern big brand hotels. No cash needed.

The civic sense of people is worse than Mumbai . Whole atmosphere is different .

 

[SeatBackForward]

A long time to carry a grudge

That last time wasn't the first strike.

 

[clifford]

I've flown AI business a couple of times (DEL-LHR) and found it to be completely awful. Of course, this was several years ago, but from what I read, it hasn't improved.

From my experience flying AI and getting into and out of India, I'll never go there again, or fly another Indian airline.

And it's worth noting that I've been to BOM, DEL, MAA, BLR and SXR, so I've seen just a little bit of the sub-continent. Not a complete novice.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I've flown AI business a couple of times (DEL-LHR) and found it to be completely awful. Of course, this was several years ago, but from what I read, it hasn't improved.

From my experience flying AI and getting into and out of India, I'll never go there again, or fly another Indian airline.

And it's worth noting that I've been to BOM, DEL, MAA, BLR and SXR, so I've seen just a little bit of the sub-continent. Not a complete novice.

The 777s with 2-3-2 angled business class are to be avoided. Not sure if they have any of those left for London?

There has been a dramatic transformation recently. (But I would recommend doing the research to make sure one avoids the 777s in the old configuration.) Newer cabins have suites with doors in business.

It’s the trade off with the price point on AI in terms of product.

 

[jase05]

I've flown AI business a couple of times (DEL-LHR) and found it to be completely awful. Of course, this was several years ago, but from what I read, it hasn't improved.

From my experience flying AI and getting into and out of India, I'll never go there again, or fly another Indian airline.

And it's worth noting that I've been to BOM, DEL, MAA, BLR and SXR, so I've seen just a little bit of the sub-continent. Not a complete novice.

Similar experiences with AI, shocking J in long haul but Vistara J long haul one of the best I’ve had.
I’d hoped that the merger/takeover would see some of Vistara’’s qualities would be incorporated into the new entity.
As for India, we have done a few trips nd have enjoyed our time there.
The DEL transit experience is a debacle but I’ve found it ok if you are entering the country. BOM has been very easy to navigate and pretty decent immigration experiences

 

[mel-world]

Air India Review

This may provide an updated review. Gabe is the reporter from FR24. Note though that he is flying the first of a new aircraft type for Air India.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Air India Review

This may provide an updated review. Gabe is the reporter from FR24. Note though that he is flying the first of a new aircraft type for Air India.

I believe those are the collins horizon suites? They’re a newer version of the Qsuite and iron out all the QSuite problems. Aside from having no armrests, a good seat!