Feb 29, 2004 12:39 AM
2582 Views
(Updated Feb 29, 2004 12:44 AM)
The first time I travelled Indian Airlines was in 1981 and the last in 2002.On first occasion it was the only domestic carrier so you had no choice but to fly IA. I have read so many reviews about non-cooperative /uncaring attitude of IA staff. My two personal experiences are somewhat different. We were a group of 4 persons and could not get confirmed tickets for DLI-BLR. So instead got tickets for DLI-MAA. Checked in for the flight.
While we were discussing our problem of travelling from Madras to Bangalore some guy from IA approached us and asked whether we would like to travel by DLI-BLR flight which was delayed.We thought nothing could be done at that stage ,but our tickets were rerouted, checked -in luggage taken out and we checked in again for bangalore flight. That was IA in monopoly days. And we got a refund of Rs 8 for each ticket. Delhi-Bangalore fare was Rs.1109 and Delhi-Madras 1117. And those were the days with nominal security. Can you imagine such a situation today? This happy incident happened in 1981.
The second pleasant experience was in 1995. I was to travel by 7-00A.M. Delhi-Patna flight. I reached the Airport exactly at 7-00. No Show and no refunds as per rules of that time. I requested Duty Manager if anything could be done? He referred me to some official , I don't recall the name but some Mr. Sharma. Mr. Sharma did not buy my story about being late and all and said nothing could be done now, as plane was already cleared for take-off and doors were closed. I requested him to help me in whatever way he could. And I did not believe it when he endorsed my ticket for travel by any subsequent flight on the same sector. I could not travel even by evening flight of the same day,as it was cancelled due to heavy rains at Patna; but I did travel on the same ticket two months later without paying a single rupee extra.
These two are real Believe it or Not stories of Indian Airlines .If somebody else has had similar good luck, I would like to know? My last trip was on Calcutta -Bangalore flight. I really enjoyed, because I had all the three seats to myself, rather most passengers had the same comforts as not more than 25-30 passengers were travelling? I don't mind the extra space. But where has all the pride and glory gone, is there anyone in Indian Airlines who is thinking?
