Advice needed for AI Flight ex-FRA
 

Good morning dear "neighbors",

I'm usually more around the neighboring Air France KLM forum, but thought I would come around here today because I need your advice/help on a travel plan that could involve Air India.

For a trip to BKK ex-FRA I have 2 options, both at the exact same price:

• Air France via CDG in Premium economy 123° recline
• Air India via DEL in Executive class 180° recline

The thing is I have never been on AI and don't know anything about their safety, reliability, service etc.

- The hard product (the seat) looks absolutely great. It's a full flat bed on the brand new 787 Dreamliner for the first flight (FRA-DEL).
- On the second leg (DEL-BKK) it's an Airbus 321... I could not find the seat plan or a picture of the Executive class.

Meanwhile, what do you think of the transfer time at DEL? On the return flight, it's just 1h30. I read lots of threads here but they mainly referred either to transfers from AI international to domestic or from AI to another airline.

Do you think 1h30 is enough to connect from BKK-DEL to DEL-FRA both on AI???

What about AI's policy in case the luggages don't make it on time? For instance, AF would bring the luggages to your address (wherever it is) and also pay for clothes and first needs (€100 per person).

Finally, in terms of miles earned in Executive class... What can I expect?

Thank you for your help in advance!

Some quick answers.

- with that choice I would always take AI J over AF PE. Every single time!
- AI seat comfort alone would outweigh any potential service issues. And I don't think AI J catering will be any worse than AF PE!
- AI will also deliver delayed luggage to your address
- you can credit AI flight miles to your LH M&M a/c. Earning rates on miles-and-more.com
- international airside connection at DEL - 90 minutes should be okay if your inbound is on time.

Thanks AJLondon for your quick answer...

What is the A321 Executive class like?

As well, if the inbound flight is late and I miss the outbound one, what is usually AI's policy (put you on the next flight, no matter which airline/cost or let you sleep at DEL and put you on the next day's AI flight?)?

In terms of pitch and width, it's slightly better than AF Premium Voyageur. It's a normal regional J product...
It'll probably take some pushing, but AI will put you on another airline. If there is no availability, they will put you up in a hotel until the next available flight.

In that kind of situation, as always, it's best to know your options beforehand and push for them.

With ANA and other airlines facing issued with their new 787s, and AI willing to investigate their own Dreamliners, not sure if the FRA-DEL will still be with the 787 in March ;-)

Here's a question for the frequent travelers among you:

When traveling for a long distance, let's say 12+ hours, on which you have to split in 2 flights, what's the best split?

• 1 flight of 1h + 1 flight of 11 hours
• 1 flight of 7h + 1 flight of 5 hours

The AI solution implies the second solution...

^ With the more comfortable seating, id vote for option 2. If seating class were same, id pick option 1 :)

Short of a fleetwide grounding (very unlikely, but possible), FRA will probably still be operated by a 787 - it's the last route to get subbed.
In Y, I'd say second option. In C/F, first option is probably better.

However, the better timing split is not as important of a consideration as whether the bed goes flat or not IMO.

It is 'absolutely great' compared to airlines that have angled-flat seats, such as AF and KL. Note, however, that the J seat does not go perfectly flat; the bottom section hangs down a bit. (This is based on 777 seats, but the 787 seats look exactly alike in photographs.) Also, the seats are unimaginatively arranged in parallel rows, they are not designed for privacy like CX J seats or BA/EY window seats. You will be sleeping close to your neighbor.

AI J food is unexciting but the portions are generous. Service is not overly eager, drinks do not exactly flow like on AF. Remember also that AI's biggest problem is poor handling of irrops, especially when they happen outside India.

Your transfer time is fine as long as the flight is not late; even if it late, the next flight will probably leave late also.

787 has been grounded by FAA in the US, DGCA is expected to follow suit sometime today. Looks like FRA will be on the 777 until they figure out the latest battery issue.

The AI 787s are now grounded:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/b...w/18056706.cms

another vote for ai business over af premium economy....just flew this route a few weeks ago....

Hi,

Well, I didn't think that my post would be so "in the news" ;-)

Do you know what AI is doing on the flights operated by 787 when they're grounded?

I mean, do they have enough 777s sitting around waiting to be used?

Longhauls are being operated by 77Ls, domestics/regionals may also use A332s.

No significant changes in the flight schedule are expected.

Since the 787 is a new aircraft, AI has more 777s on standby than usual.

Dear all,

I have an upcoming flight (in C / J - Class) on AI 120/121 (FRA-DEL-FRA) in June. At the time I booked the flight, it was scheduled on the 787. As this bird is still grounded they are serving that route on the worn 777-200 at the moment. The C-Class seat is way worse than that on the 787. Has anyone been on AI 120/121? Have you been offered an upgrade to F maybe???

AI is scheduled to re-start its 787 flights later this month. I think that you should be able to fly on the 787 in June.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...286988308.html