Originally Posted by enjoystravel

Josh IT and 9W offer different experience. I am not sure if the segments you're flying are on turbo prop (ATR) or Airbus/Boeing. IT uses turbos on some small routes and 9W does the same. The experience on turbos is comparable. On jets it is different. Here is my take.

On the Jets:

IT flies A320s while 9W flies B737s (multiple types including NGs). IT has inflt entertainment including a channel for maps while 9W did not have any (new fleet order for 737 supposed adds IFE). Unfortunately the maps does not work consistently for IT but the Indian TV channels do show up. I did not notice any movies on IT other than TV/satellite channels but I was not looking.

Food wise both are comparable. I prefer 9W sometimes. They seem to have Indian meals with a few western choices. IT had more of snacks and sandwiches on some of the flts. Food is something you can enjoy on domestic Indian carriers - very different from North American and European carriers.

Amenities wise, 9W does not usually provide any amenities. IT provides a small plastic bag with mostly junk stuff (a poor quality pen, ear buds, etc.). I don't take it most of the time. If you're flying with kids, 9W used to have better kid amenties though they're cutting down on that in recent years. 9W's kid stuff is usually better than IT's.

On other factors - IT used to have a far superior ground experience. Staff used to help you with luggage and refuse tips. These days, after the introduction of Kingfisher First (which was fantastic on a recent trip), their economy (Kingfisher class) has definitely seen a downgrade in service.

9W has experienced and better trained staff across. IT has younger, cheerful crowd but often they don't seem to be industry savvy. You see the differences in the way 9W handles baggage or follows procedures - predictable and consistent. Staff at both airlines are generally friendly and do seem to defer to customer requests and needs.

On Turbos:
No IFE for IT also. Food service better on 9W on flts I flew.

Overall, I consider both decent carriers for the 2 to 3 hr flts with superior in flight services. Do not compare with international services of SQ, CX, etc. That is a different category.