I have been taking international flights for at least 4 times a year for last 9 years. Of course all official trips. Never accepted ticket from Air India. I have taken flight with most of the international airlines serving around the world. Last year because of no other option I had to fly Air India. My expectation was rock bottom because of the stories I had heard from people. To my surprise everything went so smooth that I prefer Air India as my first choice today.
Today I find Air India more convenient than any other air lines. It is far better than at least KLM, Northwest, British Airways, Air Canada, Air France, Lufthansa etc. Most of the time I travel with my wife and 2 years old son.
Problems with Air India:
Schedule is always a problem, it is always late by an hour consistently. Since I know this, I am ok because I plan accordingly.
Check-in counter is little slow but that seems to be the case with other air lines as well. With Air India at least you have more number of counters so it works out eventually.
Placement of video screen is bad how ever movies and other videos are good.
Flight crew - Few members are always annoying but most of the crew members are good and helpful. Please remember, this is the case with every airline. I would give better rating to Air India in comparison to lot of other air lines.
Things I like:
Food is always great. I love it. Quantity as well as quality.
I travel London and US mostly so in that route, seats are great. Fantastic leg room, seats can recline to comfortable level for good sleep. Not the case with most of the other airlines.
I can check-in 2 bags of 32 kg each for economy class. Other than BA, every other airline charges USD 25 per bag if it is more than 20 kg.
Air crafts are newer and better.
Maharaja Lounge is good at heathrow.
I don’t know any thing about ticketing becasue my office travel agent takes care of that. Price, I am not sure because again that is not my problem. Same is the case of re-routing, cancellation, change is rescheduling etc.
I don’t know about the past but now Air India is my first choice especially if I have to travel economy.