Before this Air India Business Class review, I had very low expectations. I had read One Mile at a Time’s review of the same flight and route. In short, it sounded awful. So much so that I was looking for other options on my mini RTW Aeroplan booking. With no other viable route I settled on Air India to get us to Sri Lanka. I did spy lay flat pod-style seats on an Air India 787 flight between Delhi and Mumbai which made me optimistic things had changed.
This is my Air India Business Class Review.
Seats
After a rush to our gate from the Air India lounge we to found our flight was delayed. A stuffed and muggy bus ride followed before finally boarding. My hope of an up-to-date cabin got squashed when I stepped inside. Instead of the pod style seats I was teased with on my 787 leg, I was greeted with the worn out seats @OneMileataTime warned of. On top of being dirty and used, there was a distinct smell that can only be described as spicy, and not in an appealing way.
Although they were not pod seats nor lay flat, on the positive, they were roomy with ample leg room.
Service & Amenities
Service began with a selection of juice (not champagne as I have become accustom to) and a scolding hot towel. Amenities bags (brown envelope) were handed out and contained an eye mask and yellow socks similar to what you would find at a hospital.
I will say the service highlighted this Air India Business class review. Our flight attendant was awesome in an adorable way. When we asked about the meal options he insisted in bringing out each dish and parading it in front of us. When we asked about the limited wine selection, he brought us a bottle of each. It was great.
Entertainment
Possibly the funniest and biggest downfall of this Air India Business class review is the in-flight entertainment, or lack there of. There is covers over the in-seat screens, even though there are controls for the system in the seats. More hilarious is the bulk head screens…
Either the system is broke and Air India failed to fix it or it never existed in the first place. Either way, its disappointing and hilarious. Even more so as on our 787 flight in economy there was a decent in-flight entertainment system.
Food & Drink
Another highlight on this Air India business class review is its food. The beer selection is limited to Bavaria so no points there. Although the meal service presentaion is the same as economy meals, the quality is good. I had butter chicken and it was great, especially the spice level.
Air India Business Class Review – Conclusion
Overall, this Air India business class review lines up with what I read about in advance. Sadly, a year later since that post and Air India has not addressed its shortcomings. I would avoid this specific aircraft in the future but would give Air India another chance if in one of their new 787’s.
What say you?
Thoughts on this Air India Business Class Review?
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