Jul 07, 2008 02:24 PM
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Travelled on Indian Airlines from BOM-HYD on the morning of June 14.
I had travelled on Air India on a couple of occasions earlier and was not amused at their hygiene standards. The only reason I selected Indian Airlines this time was because it provided me the earliest connecting flight.
Bombay Airport: Landed at BOM-International terminal and hurried to the domestic terminal.
Check-in: The check-in area is being renovated. So it was hot, humid and with a dank odor. When you reach the check-in counter, it almost feels like you're at the cash counter of CBI bank(without the wire mesh ofcourse). Dull and expressionless clerks. And each clerk(all females) has an attendant(all males) sitting behind them. I wonder whether they are there to supervise the clerks or to assist in baggage handling. Anyways, check-in was quick and we got the requested seating arrangement.
Near the IA check-in counters are the check-in counters of Kingfisher Airlines(KF). So, I couldn't help but compare IA with KF services. KF seems to treat all their passengers as if they were flying First-class! The'Kingfisher experience' seems to start from outside the airport. very impressive. But ofcourse, KF is a premier airline and more expensive.
Waiting area at BOM domestic terminal: Hot, humid and malodorous. We were counting the seconds waiting to get out of that area. Were transported by old buses to the aircraft. The ticket-checkers at the gate were kind and helpful to the elderly and women with children.
Flight: Aircraft interior was old but cleaner than the last time I had flown with IA. The seats were a tab bit small for my comfort. Food was served which was mediocre in taste. It certainly wasn't fresh. The flight attendants were kind enough to provide coloring books and toys for the kids. The flight attendants, in my opinion, require to be re-trained in manners and hospitality. I had seen them ordering passengers to wear the seat-belt instead of politely requesting it. The tone and manner of speaking makes a big difference. I had seen a flight hostess shouting at a female passenger concerning her seat-belt. simply appalling! That's just simply unacceptable behavior from a flight attendant.
Baggage claim: The baggage arrived on the conveyor belts within 8mins! I was impressed! No damage to luggage.
Summary: If you're looking for courtesy and comfort, there are better options available than Indian Airlines for the same price. On the other hand, they delivered us to our destination on the stated time.
