We have read many opinions about Indian Airlines, all having different experiences, some saying its good, some saying its worst. I would write what I felt about our national carrier.
I am a frequent traveler in Indian Airlines between Kochi and Sharjah. Most of the time the flights have arrived and departed spot on time. Whatever delays that had happened was due to reasons , I believe, were not in the control of IA. The food served was excellent, I am sure there is no second opinion about it.
And about the "smiles on faces" of the Air Hostess ..... , which was written in many opinions;
Why would they smile, if you switch on the mobile phones while the flight is about to land ? Why would they smile, if you take out your luggage from the overhead locker and keep it by side of your seat, while the flight descends to land ? Your intention was to get out of the flight as quick as possible and meet your dear and near ones quickly. Why would they smile, if you try to, under the influence of alcohol, try to misbehave with the air hostess ? I read few years back in a news paper that , Jet Airways had brought back one of their flight , which had gone for take off, to deplane a passenger, who misbehaved with the crew, under the influence of alcohol. If you are good at them they are good at you. This is what I have felt about the crew of IA flights. Of course, there may be exceptions. But its nice to earn respect by giving respect, than to get hollow smiles and undue respect. What most of us Indian have to learn is to behave with others in a way we would have liked other to behave with us.
The only thing I disliked about the Indian Airlines is the upkeep of their air craft. They are very old probably of late 70’s (Airbus 300s) and high time they are upgraded, I don’t know about the engineering side, but at least the internal cosmetics.