Apr 19, 2006 08:37 PM
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(Updated Apr 19, 2006 08:37 PM)
The opinions about this no-frills airline are a mixed bag. There are people who've vouched for it, and then there are some with 'over-my-dead-body' reaction. Truly admire the spirit of Capt. Gopinath, the man behind the success of Air Deccan. It is absolute bare bone travel, besides it is targeted at less privileged classes who cannot afford the luxury of any normal airliner.
However, the staff can be a bit more professional in their approach, functionality. As one of the MS writers, Ravidutt has pointed out in his review that there are no seat number and that thank God for not filling up the aircraft like a DTC bus, is a huge drawback. Yep, I have had the occassion for travelling Air Deccan on a few occassions. About a couple of months ago when I was travelling to Mumbai from Bangalore. The journey was hell all the way. I was to take an afternoon flight to M'bai. Gave them a call in the morning to find the flight on time. Reached airport to find the flight delayed by 45 mins. Okay, we are used to this.
So far so good. Some time later, there was chaos at the Air Deccan counter by the waiting lounge. The update: flight expected an hour late (hopefully). Thankfully, the flight arrives in the given time. Now, here is the twist. While checking in, it is announced that the flight will be re-routed via Goa. There was general unrest among the junta, but grumbling, everybody boarded the plane. Even in Goa, we were stranded for over 2 hours. No one knew what was happening. We were not even allowed to step outside the aircraft. Can you beat that?
Confusion, chaos, irate passengers ranting, babies crying, my hungry stomach growling... end result, a migrane attack. We all heaved a sigh of relief when the plane took off for Mumbai. The journey which is normally completed in 1 hr 30 mins, that day took almost 5-6 hrs. All this riggamarole only to save Rs 800 on other airline tickets.
Go-Air is another no-frills airline. Yet far more professional. Far better quality of service, assistance and definitely not a rattly aircraft. Air Deccan deserves a lesson. And lets hope it spruces up its flawed ticketing systems. I have flown by this airline quite a few times. But after this incident, I dont mind spending a few bucks more for other airlines. If it is the cost of comfort, I am willing to pay for it. Dhakkan, never again.
