I Am a Frequent Flyer, and This is the Reason Why I Would Never Fly Air India Express and Alliance Air.
As a frequent traveller, I have a few basic expectations from any airline I fly— reliability, comfort, and safety. Unfortunately, my experience with Air India Express has consistently fallen short. Even after Tata’s takeover, my hopes for improvement were shattered. In this blog post, I’ll share my harrowing experiences flying Alliance Air (formerly Air India Regional) from Delhi to Gorakhpur and Air India Express from Delhi to Dubai.
Table of Contents
The Nightmare Flight: Delhi to Gorakhpur
Air Ticket Booking, Web Check-in, and Boarding
I originally booked a flight with Alliance Air, mistakenly thinking it was still operated by Air India. However, I later discovered that Alliance Air, previously known as Air India Regional, is now owned by the Government of India. The ticket booking process was smooth, web check-in with PNR went well, and I could easily check the flight status using PNR. But the actual flight experience was dreadful. You can find more information about Alliance Air route maps, schedule, destinations, fleet and other details on their official website.
Turbulence and Terror: The Harrowing Experience in the Air
From the moment the plane took off, it was clear this flight would be anything but smooth. The takeoff was one of the roughest I’ve ever experienced, with the plane shaking and rattling violently. Mid-air, the turbulence was relentless, causing widespread panic among passengers. The landing was no better—a hard, jarring thud that left many of us breathless.
Cabin Conditions: A Crisis in the Air
Adding to the misery was the appalling cabin condition. The temperature inside the plane was a sweltering 45 degrees Celsius, making the environment almost unbearable. There were no sickness bags or tissues available. The severe turbulence led to many passengers becoming ill, and the lack of basic amenities meant the cabin was soon filled with vomit. Although the pilot did inform us that the mid-air turbulence was staff was polite, they were clearly untrained in handling a mid-air crisis.
A Pattern of Poor Service: My Delhi to Dubai Experience
A Consistent Lack of Quality
This wasn’t my first bad experience flying with Alliance Air or Air India Express. On a previous flight from Delhi to Dubai, I encountered similar issues. The flight was delayed by several hours without any communication to the passengers. No refreshments or water was provided. And, the misery didn’t end at the New Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport. The mid-air service was subpar, with indifferent flight attendants. The food served was a stale sandwich, and even for water, I had to beg the airline staff several times. One of the reasons why the crew behaved so abysmally rude could be related to the kind of travellers using it – most were labourers probably travelling for the first time in an aircraft and didn’t know the basic flying etiquette. Therefore, the airline crew could be a little indifferent towards them.
I have consistently been disappointed every time I have flown with Air India Express domestically, whether it’s from Chennai to Mumbai, Delhi to Ranchi, Gwalior to Guwahati, or any other route. When comparing my past experiences with Air India Express, it is evident that the issues are not isolated incidents but are systemic.
Comfort and Convenience: Non-Existent
While the booking process, web check-in, and PNR status checks with Air India Express are relatively straightforward, the actual flight experience leaves much to be desired. Managing bookings can be cumbersome and frustrating, with confusing seat maps and disorganized processes. Changes in seat selection are rarely smooth, adding to the overall frustration.
Air India vs. Air India Express: Setting Expectations Right
Distinguishing the Two: What You Need to Know
It is important to understand the difference between Air India and Air India Express. While Air India is a full-service carrier offering a higher standard of comfort and service, Air India Express is a budget airline that does not provide the frills of a full-service carrier. It is a subsidiary of Air India and part of the Tata group.
Air India has over 150 direct nonstop Air India international flights to various destinations.
Air India, with its non-stop flights, connects to over 40 destinations globally. You can make use of seamless connections to over 710 destinations globally with multiple alliance partners through codeshare, interline and intermodal connections.
Air India flies direct nonstop to around 127 destinations worldwide (40 international and 87 domestic) and over 710 destinations globally with multiple alliance partners through codeshare, interline, and intermodal connections. As of date, Air India operates a fleet of both narrow-body and wide-body Airbus (A319, A320, A320neo, A321, A321neo, A350) and Boeing (777 and 787) aircraft that fly passengers and transport cargo worldwide.
Air India has introduced in-flight Wi-Fi services, becoming the first airline in India to offer internet connectivity on domestic flights. The service is available on domestic and international flights operated by Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo aircraft, allowing passengers to stay connected during their journey. The best part is that Wi-Fi is offered complimentary for an introductory period.
On the other hand, Air India Express operates over 2,500 flights weekly across 31 domestic and 14 international airports, with a fleet of over 70 Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. Despite being budget-friendly, Air India Express often falls short of even basic expectations, sometimes leading to a less favourable experience.
Service and Reliability: A Tale of Two Airlines
When it comes to flight status updates and reliability, Air India generally fares better. My experiences with Air India have been far more positive, with timely updates and a sense of professionalism. On the other hand, Air India Express often leaves passengers in the dark with delayed flights and poor communication.
Booking and Managing Flights: A Frequent Flyer’s Frustrations
The Booking Process: Hurdles from Start to Finish
Booking a flight with Air India Express can be a headache. While the initial process of flight booking and web check-in with PNR is not overly complicated, managing your booking afterwards can be a tedious task. Issues often arise with seat selection and changes, adding to the overall frustration.
PNR Status and Flight Status: The Never-Ending Wait
Checking the PNR status and real-time flight status should be straightforward, but with Air India Express, it often turns into a waiting game. The information provided is not always accurate, leading to uncertainty and anxiety among passengers.
The Future of Air Travel: New Airports and Increased Flights
Expansion Plans: More Flights, More Headaches?
Air India Express is set to operate 28 weekly flights from Ghaziabad’s Hindon airport starting in August. Additionally, the new Noida International Airport at Jewar in Western Uttar Pradesh is expected to handle a significant portion of Air India Express flights. While these expansions may seem promising, they raise concerns about whether the airline can maintain or improve its service quality.
Final Thoughts: Why I Would Never Fly Air India Express
Lessons Learned: My Takeaway from Frequent Flying
As a frequent flyer, the most critical factors are reliability, comfort, and safety. Unfortunately, Air India Express falls short in all these areas. From the lack of basic amenities to the poor condition of the aircraft, the airline fails to provide a satisfactory flying experience. My advice to fellow travellers is to be cautious when choosing Air India Express, especially for long or important journeys.
The Psychological Toll: Stress and Anxiety in the Air
Flying should be a stress-free and even enjoyable experience. However, my experiences with Air India Express have been anything but. The constant anxiety caused by unpredictable turbulence, poor service, and inadequate facilities takes a toll on one’s mental well-being. It’s crucial to find an airline that provides peace of mind, not one that exacerbates flight anxiety.
Alternatives to Consider: Finding Better Options
For those seeking better flying experiences, there are plenty of alternatives to consider. Exploring other airlines that prioritize customer service and comfort is essential. While premium airlines might come at a higher cost, the difference in service quality can make the extra expense worthwhile. Planning ahead and choosing the right airline can significantly enhance your travel experience.
Stories from Other Travelers: Shared Experiences
Voices of Discontent: Fellow Passengers Speak Out
My experiences are not unique. Many other passengers have shared similar stories of discontent with Air India Express. Collecting testimonials and case studies reveals a pattern of dissatisfaction. These shared experiences highlight the widespread issues and reinforce the need for significant improvements.
Positive Spin? Rare Good Experiences
While it’s challenging to find positive stories about Air India Express, they do exist. Some passengers have had decent experiences, albeit rarely. These exceptions, however, do not outweigh the overwhelming number of negative reviews. When compared to other budget airlines, Air India Express often falls short in delivering a satisfactory service.
Strategies for a Better Flying Experience
Tips and Tricks: Navigating Air India Express If You Must
If you find yourself needing to fly with Air India Express, there are ways to mitigate potential issues. Pre-flight preparations, such as packing necessary items and mentally preparing for possible turbulence, can help. Managing your expectations and staying informed about flight status can also make the experience slightly more bearable.
Health and Safety: Taking Care of Yourself in the Air
Coping with turbulence and dealing with motion sickness are vital skills when flying with Air India Express. Bringing your own remedies and staying hydrated can help manage these challenges. Additionally, dressing in layers can help you stay comfortable in fluctuating cabin temperatures.
After the Flight: Recovering from a Bad Experience
Once you’ve survived a rough flight, it’s essential to focus on recovery. Filing complaints and seeking compensation for your troubles can provide some relief. Knowing your rights as a passenger empowers you to demand better service and accountability from the airline.
A Call for Change: What Air India Express Needs to Improve
Service Overhaul: Essential Changes for Better Customer Experience
Air India Express needs to significantly overhaul its service standards. Training staff to be more professional and responsive is crucial. Improving in-flight amenities, such as providing sickness bags and maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature, is a basic necessity that should not be overlooked. Building trust with passengers through accountability and transparency can go a long way in restoring the airline’s reputation.
Infrastructure and Maintenance: Ensuring Safety and Comfort
The airline must prioritize aircraft maintenance to address technical and safety issues. Ensuring that planes are in good condition and that cabin environments are comfortable is vital. Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness is also crucial in providing a sanitary and pleasant travel experience.
Conclusion: Making Informed Travel Decisions
Reflecting on My Journey: A Frequent Flyer’s Perspective
In summary, Air India Express falls short of providing a reliable, comfortable, and safe flying experience. As a frequent flyer, it’s essential to make informed travel decisions based on past experiences and available alternatives. Empowering travellers with knowledge can help them avoid similar disappointments.
Final Words: A Farewell to Air India Express
For now, I’ve decided I would never fly Air India Express and would prefer flying on other airlines that prioritize quality service and passenger comfort. While I hope that Air India Express will learn from its mistakes and improve, my commitment is to choosing better travel options. Here’s to safe travels and better flights for all.
Oh wow, this is good information to know! I know now to avoid Air India on my next trip to the beautiful country…clearly, there are better ways to get where you need to go!
I totally agree with you. In fact I am also not going to fly Air India Express. One of the worst flying experience. I have had with them. Their processes are confusing. Zero customer centric. And Flight stewards and their quality of service are also very poor . I hope they get bust soon
One deserves to feel safe and welcome on any flight. I am sorry you had this experience as it sounds distressing. Thanks for the heads up – hopefully they will see this and rectify their issues.
Oof. That sounds awful! I mean from start to finish, they were not on the ball at all!
The review points out valid concerns about Air India Express, especially with managing bookings and seat selection, which can be quite frustrating. You should always prepay and preselect your seats. And if there are issues, I would be very upset!! Additionally, the hygiene issues, like the toilet paper situation, are definitely off-putting and need immediate attention.
Sounds a lot liked United Airlines. I’m very picky about which airline I use and have no problem paying a bit more for quality.
Damn! what an terrible exprience! Note to myself- avoid travelling with Air India.
**Review for Air India Express**
I recently flew with Air India Express, and I have to say, it was an absolutely horrible experience. My luggage check-in time was 4:50 AM, and due to unexpected traffic caused by construction, I arrived at 5:01 AM. Instead of offering any help, Susmita at the counter simply denied me boarding and acted like I was an inconvenience.
I usually leave my home two hours early to avoid any issues, but this day was different, and I was not the only passenger affected. Rather than showing any empathy, she spent her time on her phone, completely ignoring us. After begging for about 15-20 minutes, she finally called her supervisor, only to demand an extra 4,000 rupees to board with my luggage, claiming I was late. Meanwhile, another passenger with no luggage was also charged 4,000 because he hadn’t done web check-in. It was absurd.
On the return leg, I faced another issue with a connecting flight. My flight was late, and all I got was a 5 rupee water bottle for my trouble. I arrived in Bangalore at 12:45 PM, with a connecting flight at 1 PM. Somehow, the flight was fine waiting for some passengers but couldn’t show the same courtesy to me when I was late.
It’s not just about the money; it’s about the complete lack of professionalism and respect from the staff. If you want to charge extra for being late, just ask. But ignoring passengers while you’re glued to your phone? That’s just unacceptable.
Air India Express, you claim to be part of the Tata group, a name synonymous with hospitality. This experience was the complete opposite. I am extremely disappointed and will never fly with you again.
India is a price sensitive market. If you are able to shell out more money then you can fly MEA and enjoy comfort. Remember things do not change overnight from the Tata take over. After the govt ran it for years neglecting customer service do you expect to change overnight? North American Airlines are same try flying some and comment. I have had worst experience flying some North American Airlines. Wait once the fleet refurbishment is complete and new set inducted.