I had to visit Delhi on office duty and when asked for my choices, I preferred Indian Airlines simply because I have not traveled in them before.
My return flight was Kingfisher(expect my review soon). After hearing this, one of my office colleague said “**You are traveling on both the extremes". But I found it was not to be**.
So as it happened, my flight from Chennai was at 8.05 PM and I could reach the airport only around 7.25 PM. But the uncle ji at the Check-in counter didn’t even mind to check my identity and after giving the boarding pass, he said in a rather uninterested tone “The flight is delayed and will leave at 8:45 PM".
After the security checks, we were waiting for the announcement, but none came. I approached the Gate counter at 8.30 and was informed that the flight will start from Gate 4 at the first floor. So we(my colleague had also joined me) went with our luggage and waited. Until 8:45 no announcement was done. Then came the announcement that the flight will leave at 9.15 PM from Gate 1, ground floor. So we went downstairs again and finally finally stood in the queue at 9:05. The travel to the flight was in a pretty decent bus, but with lots of people around.
The plane was good. It was an Air bus A-320 and surprisingly new and clean. The sari clad air-hostesses did remind our culture, but they looked odd with a forced smile on their face. In fact one of them reminded of a typical government staff of the yesteryears.
In the demo for safety measures, when everyone was going along with the announcement, this lady was lagging behind. We could clearly see that she wasn’t really interested. And when we asked for head rest, she took her own sweet time.
*Then came the take off at 9.20. The experience of the IA pilots could be witnessed here. It was very very smooth that we did not even realize that the plane was up. Too good.*
The announcement from the cabin reminded us of the faulty local phones. The announcement had more sounds than the voice of the announcer. And whatever they communicated through the phone was heard clearly -).
We did have some anxious moments when the flight was wobbling in the air, but later I found it happens in other airlines as well due to bad weather.
One of the passengers was asked to switch off his mobile even when he told the crew that his phone was in Flight Mode. Sigh! Guess these aging air hostesses need a refresher course.
*The seating was just ok. I am 6ft tall and the space was just enough for me. And the food was not great but ok.*
*Then came the landing. As smooth as the take off. No uneasy jerks.** It was but just fine. We reached around 11:45 after a good flight. Had a tough time with these Delhi Taxi drivers(looters). I had to literally shout at the driver at 12 in the night to ensure that he doesn’t demand and loot more money expect for the pre paid amount. As a matter of fact, all the two days of my stay in Delhi did not give a pleasant experience with these taxis and autos.
Overall, Indian Airlines does have some issues like Delay in timings, still with some typical govt attitude crew etc., but overall the flying experience with them is good. You are rest assured that you are in the custody of safe hands. I think that’s more important than the fancy airhostesses and fancy stuff inside.
-Raj