This is part one of the three part review on Air India because of the different experiences in each case.

I flew IAD -> JFK -> LHR -> DEL -> ATQ. I chose this route and airline because it allowed me to get from IAD to ATQ in the shortest time. The ticket was purchased from Air India, but the leg from IAD -> JFK was operated by Delta.

Boarding was a bit chaotic at JFK and DEL. At JFK, I think this has more to do with how the passengers were crowding around the gate when they should not have been than it has to do with Air india. At DEL, they were boarding two flights through one gate at the same time.

Each leg of the flight departed a little late. Except, DEL -> ATQ was switched from a Boeing 777 to an Indian Airlaines badged 737 that left more than 2 hours late. No apparent announcements that the flight was late. Upon inquiry, I was told that they were late because they were waiting for the crew.

Service was acceptable, and the meals and snacks were all very good. They don’t come around with drinks on the flight as frequently as other airlines, but I don’t mind getting up and helping my self.

The Boeing 777 didn’t have an as updated cabin as other carriers, but it was certainly acceptable. I have no complaints about the 737 either. The cabin temperature was comfortable. The bathroom was clean on the 777 each time I used it. There was plenty of space in the overhead cabin to accommodate carry on bags on both flights.

I only had a carry on - no checked luggage, so I cannot comment on luggage handling other than to say that I was asked at least 6 times when I was checking in if I was sure that I didn’t have any luggage to check in or whether I had checked my luggage through from an earlier port of boarding.

No. of times flown on this Airlines:	Between 1 - 3
Class flown most frequently:	Economy Class