Just flew AI F NYC-DEL

(1) Limo pickup bang on schedule from Manhattan hotel Clean car friendly Sikh driver
(2) Met at T4 and escorted to check in where my boarding formalities were complete in 2 minutes
(3) Escorted to lounge, which is before security. A nice lounge with a sort of separate area for First Class passengers. Had a cup of masala tea served at my seat, nice There was WIFI and a nice view of the ramp area

(4) Boarded last -- invited to board no queue escorted to seat by Auntyji (Chief Purser)

(5)Auntyji offered choice of drinks I settled for Perrier.

(6) Huge (and very artistic) menu, Amenity kit and sleeping suit provided immediately. Eat when you like policy explained

(7) IFE worked beautifully great choice of Hindi AND latest English movies

(8) Seat not a suite but cocooned off from the rest of (very small) cabin. Bed reclines flawlessly.

(9) Excellent selection of drinks and snacks, unlimited Caviar Sevruga with all the trimmings, Main meals wide variety (Lobster, Rogan Josh, Biriyani I tried therte were many other choices) Great indian sweets (Rasmalai, Gulab Jamun) fantastic Cheeseboard, superb port. I drank excellent royal Salute Whisky Noted that the Gin was Tanqueray Ten and the Vodka was a Premium Stoli There was a Premier Cru Burgundy from an exclusive terroir and a good year (2002) (first rate with Rogan Josh and Naan by the way) and a Premier Cru Chablis. Served plated on proper China and the table is prepared for you including the cutlery service each time you eat

(10) Was served at various times by pretty young Miss Kaul, happy chubby friendly Mr Chakravarty and overall attended to by Auntyji when she was not being the boss...Excellent crew! Captain Yadav, post his break, came over for a brief and friendly chat. I refrained from talking shop or asking him about his psychological health as the flight was way too enjoyable to spoil :-)

(11) Bed made for you. Duvet and real huge pillow(s) Bed rolled up for you. Twice during the flight without asking in my case

(12) Inseat power worked impeccably the Map is great -- I dig the Hindi flight data!

No escort on arrival -- long walk to Immigration but no queues at arrival (circa 1640 pm) Bagaage awaiting me in hall

One of the best First Class experiences I have had... way better than BA, TAM and Thai. EK beats AI on the seat and possibly the range of IFE but I thought AI service was friendly and stylish compared to EK.

I really got treated like royalty, all equipment and amenities State of the art, Fantastic cuisine, top notch service. Everything a First Class experience should be. Congratulations, Air India cabin crew, I'm so proud that you continue to excel despite the best efforts of everybody else to destroy your airline!