As a US based traveller trying to support our homeland AI, I have to confirm the many dismal reviews that have come into the common media. The savings were not that great, in prices, but the service on air, on terra firma, and over the internet etc were not too bright or convincing to try one more time. The Newark Paris sector was usually very crowded, and the aisles always cramped and seats placed very tight.
The constant reminders about safety, security and the need to ever-greater vigilance and the non-chalant service did cause major stress levels for one and all. The food was exceptionally bland or extra spicy, even Indians were sweating out on their foreheads. The choices were , either go hungry or accept the plates, alsmost shoved down the coach areas. Wonder why we were all asked to empty the overhead bins, and escorted with little time in between , from one floor of CDG airport, . only to be rechecked for security, all within few minutes, to catch the same aircraft to Mumbai.
Apparently, we were ill advised about the transit status , as we were just continuing passengers. The arrival formalities were beyond explanations, as we were shoved, jostled and accosted by many unnecessary airport staff, where the AI staff were not that helpful.
Just imagine having to conect another flight to other parts of the nation, after long and tiring flight of some 16 odd hours, disoriented, to say the least. The support staff (4) on departure were pre-occupied with the latest gossip machine or cricket or film news, and it took , what looked like 3 + hours to sort through some 150 USA/Paris bound passengers. Their service was at least more cordial, compared to the flight cabin staff. I wonder who is organizing AI the senior managment. It is no point blaming the front room staff.
The maharajah’ turban ( senior head honchos’’ have to be re-tuned to common sense service/cleanliness and basic amenties. Any comment about the toilet/restroom conveniences would be echoed by thousands who have been affected, on these long flights. The rooms are dismally small, cramped, filthy, and the cleaning supplies scarce and non existent.
Apart from the poor cleaning service enroute, one wonders whatever happened to basic personal hygine and decency. May be a good orientation for the senior managers is to make them compulsory restroom visit on long-haul flights.