I flew jet Airways flight 9W211 from Mumbai to Kolkata on 11.06.2006. The check-in at Terminal 1-B at Mumbai Airport was a breeze and I got seat 17A -a window seat on the wings to the aircraft’s left. The queue for security check had around 160 pax, all with hand-baggage. In order to save the time on the queue, it always helps checking all the luggage, unless it is a fragile item or a lap-top. A separate queue for passengers without hand baggage is significantly smaller. Boarding announced at 4.10 pm, the departure was scheduled at 4.40 pm. The aircraft was a Boeing 737-400, and pretty old by Jet’s standards. The window beside me had the date imprinted as 06-1998. However the aircraft was well maintained and clean. Departure was delayed by 10 minutes as they probably set something right in the landing-gear, as it seemed from my window. The interiors of the aircraft was refreshingly cool and the flight attendants, as usual with Jet were cordial and warm. No trace of artificiality in treatment. The way they handled a hot tempered guy who seemed to be carrying all his frustration in office to the aircraft, seated on 17C was a lesson in patience and attitude.
The meal served was adequate by any standard and bore the TAJ SATS quality. However they need to look after their 200 ml bottles, some of whose caps are so tightly sealed that water ofter spills out of the bottle on attempting to twist open the cap.
The ride was pretty smooth and so was the landing at Kolkata. Scheduled time of arrival was 7.10 pm and so was the actual time, inspite of the 10 minute delay at Mumbai.
I fly often with Jet and I have found that contrary to some complaints that they are ’high brow’, etc. they are not and handle their dealing with passengers at all levels right after check-in with absolute professionalism and sincerity, not like some other airlines who appear to invest heavily in exterior appearances of staff without making them seem genuinely sincere and involved.
The best part of the flight was reserved at Kolkata when I found my checked in luggage luggage at the belt within a minute of waiting as was the case with most passengers- all the more reason that when you are flying with Jet , do check in all the luggage and you will get them as soon as you are in the terminal.
Of course when it comes to domestic flying, I would fly Jet as long as they offer a service in the desired sector and remember that when it comes to booking of tickets, I have found that the prices of some other airlines are higher than that of Jet for the same date of departure. Always check with Jet even if you are flying on a ’low cost airline’. May be for that day you are travelling, a Jet seat may cost you less, yes believe me, less, than that of a ’low cost one’ as it happened in this trip of mine itself.