Toronto-Chennai Recommendations
 

Hey everyone,

I'm interested in your opinions for a flight between Toronto and Chennai. I have two main options:

1. AI via DEL
2. 9W via BRU

The fare for AI is much cheaper (about CAD200pp) which is tipping us in its favour, but I have a few questions regarding AI:
1. When we fly via DEL, is the baggage checked through to MAA or will we have to pick up the bags and re-check in? How does the new terminal factor into all this?
2. DEL-MAA is on an Airbus A321. How are these doing? Any PTVs?
3. How has the Air India service, especially on the ULH legs, been recently? Any issues with ground handling that I need to be worried about?

And regarding the Jet option:
1. The leased A330's are used on the BRU-YYZ runs I believe. How do these compare with the normal (owned) A330's? Same PTVs? Any difference in seat comfort, etc (we're flying economy btw)

Thanks very much for your help!

Hello. Welcome to FT!
1. In INdia, you have to clear immigration, pick up bags, clear customs at the first port of entry. So you will get bags at DEL. Then hand over again to AI for the MAA segment. Your luggage will probably be "tagged" to MAA> But, you still have to get them at DEL.
Transferring in the new terminal at DEL is not extremely hard.
(everything is one terminal. But, you would have to walk a bit).

2. They are fine. Sometimes I have seen PTV's on this route (with a video/movie looping through). This flight is not too long (DEL-MAA; compared to YYZ-DEL) to be worried about AVOD, etc. You will get a hot meal (veg or non-veg). However, DEL-MAA (and CCU-MAA) are the longest domestic indian routes.

3. AI has improved ..and its ULH flights are pretty comfortable in economy.
Search around and you will find trip reports in economy class in these flights.


Dont know the answer to your Jet airways question.

Regarding your questions about Jet, on the YYZ - BRU run, the seat pitch is not as comfortable as the one on the BRU - MAA sector. However, it is still comfortable.

I have traveled the sector and the entertainment options are the same as the other sectors.

I personally find the 9W seat pitch and service to be excellent!!

However, as snod08 pointed out, the ULH flights on Air India are pretty good nowadays and transiting in DEL is not that big a hassle as it used to be.

Flying via BRU is better IMHO by far. 9W is a more professional organization. I would much rather break my journey into two similar duration flights rather than one ULH and a shorthaul on a 320 at the end of that which can be really exhausting... Plus 9W is much more reliable than AI with delays etc... anyday go with 9w for CAD 200 more...

and thus, in support of my dear old Jet Airways, I complete my 600th post!

^

i'm a fan of ai but jet is far better....if i were in the op's position then i would pick jet....

Thanks a lot for your suggestions guys!

The fare on Jet dropped to what AI was so it's booked! Looking forward to the trip...

Cheers

Thanks for updating.

Whats ULH?

Ultra-long-haul