Apr 19, 2006 09:44 AM
1432 Views
(Updated Apr 19, 2006 09:44 AM)
Hi Everybody,
I am staying in Pune and had to go Delhi/Haridwar to meet my parents ( in April). Since I had planned it earlier, I thought of going through airways and in February, I booked the ticket of Air Deccan.
The Air Deccan ticket was priced at 2150 (inclusive of all taxes). I was bit worried about Air Deccan because I had heard that the flight is NORMALLY delayed. The time of flight was 9:15 am. and was supposed to reach Pune at 11:15 am.
I reached Delhi Domestic Airport at around 7:00 am. With some hazzles of checking the weight of baggage (it could be a hand bag allowance if the weight is less than 10kg), I finally checked - in my single bag (of 11 kg). I got my boarding pass and was asked to be at the gate by 8:55 am.when the boarding of the flight shall start :)
Well I had few hours with me. I started reading newspaper, that I had bought earlier and was seeing the Star-news rating of cricketers on Star News (which was probably given free to airport and advertisement too).
As I was knowing that Air Deccan has some charges for in-flight snacks, I bought a bottle of water, some chips and some biscuits from my side.
There was huge rush for Air Deccan, because probably most of the flights were belonging to Air Deccan, which was yet to be flown at various places like Hyderabad.
The clock stroke 8:55 am. and I was worried because there was NO announcement for the Air Deccan flight. Finally at around 9:05 am. there was an announcement and I went to the air Deccan bus, which took me to the flight.
While entering, I came to know about the ''funda'' of free seating which was mentioned. Please note that on your boarding pass, many junk things would be written, but please IGNORE them.. :) In Free Seating, you can go early and can have a choice. I was bit late and found out that the 1st row was pre-occupied by some fellow passengers. I found out the reason that it had more leg space for the 1st row. So next time you are trying to catch air deccan flight, start early, so as to get 1st row (with window).
I sat on the 2nd row (window seat), so that I can have a look on the area around. Please prefer it, if you love nature ..
At 9:40 am. the flight started, and I again thought, 9:40 + 2 hours = 11:40 but the Air Deccan hostess, which was OK types told me that flight shall be reaching there by 11:15 am.
The flight took off and after a few minutes of introduction and ''what to do in case of emergency'', I was relaxed. The hostess came with some cookies and offered it to me.. since I had my own stuff, I refused her.. She was kind enough to give me menu of the available things... .This was really good as I never expected it..
Finally the flight reached Pune at 11:30 am. I came out from the airport, after collecting my bag (it takes some 15-20 minutes to collect it) and reached my office at noon.
So I would like to summarise my trip and your plans in the following way
(a) Do reach well in time in the flight, so that you can get 1st row seats.
(b) Ignore the details of ''seat number'' mentioned on your ticket.
(c) Bring your own snacks (which are definitely cheaper), while on Air Deccan.
(d) Book early to avoid paying high prices. One sardarji (sitting near me) booked flight in Jan and paid only 1200/-
and the last
(e) If you are late, you cannot do anything, so be COOL. Try to pass the time either by reading some novel.
Enjoy !!
Adhir Garg
