Air India

[magicicada]

Does out there have any experience flying Air India? They have an unbelievably good deal flying to Paris. I did some quick research and the primary negative comment which I found was that their planes were too old. This flight would be on a fairly new 777, so I think I can set that criticism aside.

The truth is that I really don't like flying, but accept that France is on the other side of a good sized ocean and this is the best way to get there. It's also a good amount of money, even at 1/2 to 2/3 of the cost of comparable flights. Oh yes, and I'm scared that I'll mess up the times, not get my passport on time, lose my ID, miss my connection, etc. I am delighted about the opportunity, but there may be some nervousness peeking out in the next few months.

Edit:
h_postmortemus has found some rather unflattering information about cancellations and cleanliness. On the plus side, authentic indian curries and Bollywood films.

http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/air_india.htm

sigh.

Comments

[bexfiles.livejournal.com]

I know a few people who flew Air India to NY from LON for same reasons, it's almost always the cheapest. Haven't heard any personal horror stories from them.

[gardenwaltz.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the insight. This is what I have been hoping, but Jeff found details of some bad experiences as well so now I am really torn.

[bexfiles.livejournal.com]

to be honest, I've had some pretty shitty experiences with the big names (ie. American, British Airways.. ), and I'd still fly them if they gave me the cheapest flight. At worst you have a crappy 9 hours, at best it's an ok flight. But then again, I've done a lot more flying long-haul and for us, money is almost always the chief concern :p

[cadrys.livejournal.com]

I remember reading in the past week or two that passport applications will take longer, especially first-timers. Take care of that immediately--it's not expensive, they last 10 years, you'll want it eventually, even if this trip goes wahooni-shaped for some reason.

[gardenwaltz.livejournal.com]

submitted last weekend :). the printed materials say to allow 8 weeks. the delay is now up to 10 weeks which should still leave me 2 weeks of margin, although i do not want to cut it that close. i just wish i didn't have to pay for (most likely) nonrefundable plane tickets trusting that the gov't is going to do their part on time.

[fuzzygabby.livejournal.com]

I flew Air India to London in 2005. I thought they were fine.

[fizzgig-bites.livejournal.com]

You might find this site useful. Everyone at work depends on it.

[knobody.livejournal.com]

ya know, i looked up ToadAir on that website, but it isn't there. strange. fortunately i happen to know the seating layout already.