S.R

Thought I'd share my experience in AI F DEL-JFK today.
I think it can be summed up in one word: Yikes

Let's start with the good. Escort in DEL from my connection to the JFK gate was great, one guy carried luggage and another one to supervise/get our Covid tests stamped and checked and skipping all lines. And FA's were friendly and provided the best service they could with what they had to offer.
It all started to go downhill from there. Not sure when AI refreshed their F cabins on the 777, but something about this new design felt cheap. The old F seats were more comfortable, but I only ever flew them on short HYD-DEL flights on 77W a few years ago. Also getting rid of the little closet in the seat doesn't make sense to me.
There were no real blankets or pillows, just the tiny little gold pillow and a blanket you get on domestic flights. Unacceptable for a 15hr flight. And the menus were just printed on regular printer paper. Saddest part was the options for the "lunch" service in first class was exactly the same options in J for my flight HYD-DEL.
There was an amenity kit, but no pajamas, so I'm happy I brought a pair of shorts with me. The IFE was also quite annoying to use.
We were met with agents to escort us on arrival from the gate through immigration, but they were quite useless. Didn't offer to carry our bags and were clueless when we asked which carousel the priority bags would be coming off (as the screen listed 2 carousels for our flight). Might as well not even offer an escort service at that point.

It's really shocking that anyone would pay for a flight on AI F, when there are much better options out there (EK, QR, etc). When AI is charging almost the same price as EK for First Class India-USA-India, you would think they would offer something better. Sadly AI was my only option after the UAE ban on India was extended (thankfully it has been lifted as of tomorrow 8/5/21!) and QR J was more expensive than EK F.

All in all, what a sad product and airline. So glad I only booked one way.

oliver2002

Very weird that no bedding was loaded on your flight, especially from DEL. The B77W and B77L have different cabin interiors, there was no refresh or refurb of the F cabin since they were delivered. In fact AI considered removing the F cabin entirely about 1-2 years before the pandemic, but that modification would have cost them cash which they don't have.

S.R

Are you sure about there being no refresh? The seat I had was the same as in OP's pictures in this TR with only 1 row of F. It was definitely different and seemed newer. And I'm pretty sure we were on a 77W for DEL-JFK.
But the old seats I remember with 2 rows of F were these (perhaps that was a 77L). Did the 77W always only have 1 row of F?


And according to this TR of a 77W F cabin, it shows the 1 row only but the seats are the older ones as pictured above, and not the new ones as in OPs TR and the one I had. So I think there indeed was a refresh.

deadinabsentia

I never understand why people do this. AI is just horrific. It's almost like you want to punish yourself.

If you're a Y pax wanting a cheap ticket ok, but ANY other carrier J is better than AI F. Sula is feral, the food is disgusting, and the staff lazy.

oliver2002

Some time ago there was a tender for new seat covers for the entire aircraft cabin. There were no structural changes to the B77L or B77W cabin.

chanp

Anyone take this recently? How is this LONG flight with current covid restrictions? United direct is quite a bit more, really not wanting to do this, but def consider it being direct.

superboi

Some recent reviews of AI Covid-era longhaul service on this thread: Current AI soft product on longhaul flights during COVID

chanp

Thanks, I'll have a look

dsam22

Hello,
for the first time I will travelling in Air India business class. I have no idea if there is any additional benefits or perks for the business class. Could someone please let me know? My flight is from chicago to delhi. Thank you.

PiperAtGatesofDawn

Additional benefits over??? There will be plenty of trip reviews pre and during covid in different threads here...

dsam22

over economy class.

Keyser

Flat bed seats, more food options, priority boarding & the other usual business class perks. What more are you looking for?

dsam22

Thank you. Like can I ask for food/drink when I want or is it still during the meal services only? Can I ask for something specific, for example hot water for my son's food. If I dont feel like eating the meal they serve before landing, can I ask them to pack it?

PiperAtGatesofDawn

It's not dine on demand. So meals will be served at meal times. They are generally quite accommodating so you can make a request and see what happens.You can ask for snacks and drinks at any time. You can ask for hot water for your son's food (in any flight class). They won't be able to pack your meals but maybe able to provide you with a plastic bag or similar at very best.

Keyser

Generally during meal service only. I have once or twice asked to be served later & they have obliged.

Sure. Ask away.

I would be really interested to know what they say here. Even if you don't feel like eating, please ask them this question & report back here.