How good is Kingfisher First?
 

I normally don't use F in domestic US/EU itins but I have been hearing about IT and am wondering how good the service is. I am sure it blows UA domestic out of the water, but how does it stock up to UA intl C? How good are the seats ? Better recline than UA domestic C?

Kingfisher's forward cabin seat is significantly better than UA's (non-P.S.) domestic C seats. IT's forward cabin seats are far closer to UA's international C seats (at least in terms of recline, leg rests, etc.) than they are to UA's (non-P.S.) domestic C seats.

And IT service is generally better than it is on UA's domestic and international service, although in terms of "stock[ing] up", UA international C has a stock of alcohol.

I think if you search here and in trip reports forum you will find several reviews. I think I've written about Kingfisher First in a couple of threads in both spots.

It's the only way to travel within India in my opinion. You will get curb-to-curb service and a private car to the airplane after everyone else has been bussed there. And as GUWonder notes the seats are nice recliners that rival int'l C on many carriers and the service is great. I took Jet Airways in F lately and it convinced me to stick with Kingfisher from now on. The Jet seats were old and worn, had very little pitch/recline and the service was weak compared to Kingfisher. On many routes these guys have the exact same fare, given that I'd take Kingfisher in a second over Jet or the other domestics.

I have significant experience with UA (UGS/1K/MM) and have recently flown IT in India. No question IT blows away all UA classes in terms of soft service. Seating is equal to UA C and as has been observed IT has no alcohol.

Good food, good service, better seats
 

The food and service in Kingfisher First is better than typical domestic First class service or even typical international business class service of US airlines. The seat is more closer to international business class seats (not the lie-flat bed kind, but ones with a lot of recline).

The price differential is quite high between Kingfisher class and Kingfisher First and not worth it for domestic trips. Jet business class is probably a better compromise.

There are a few reviews in FT Forums on IT First.

Kingfisher the company would love to ply you with booze, but Government regulations require that no alcohol be served on domestic flights. In my opinion, that's probably a good thing.

Yes, and thus my comment about "stocking up" and "a stock of alcohol" above. :D

The Indian Air Force VIP unit's planes, however, can be another matter from time to time. :D

Does Kingfisher serve hot meals during non-mealtimes? Trying to decide between a 2.05pm flight and a 7pm flight from DEL to BOM and wanted to sample their food offerings.

Also, what lounge offerings do they offer for NW/DL/CO club members in these airports?

I recently posted this in another thread about IT in this forum recently:

Try J on IT! You'll definitely notice the difference.

Starts with the kerb side meet and greet service. The porter met me at the kerb at DEL and took my bags, got them x-rayed and then took me to check-in. He then carried my hand luggage and escorted me to the lounge and told me he'd come and collect me from there when it was time to go thru security. He also carried my bag thru security, and then came with me onto the "First" bus and took my bag up the aircraft steps and put it in the overhead locker!

The meal selection is much superior to 9W too. Besides the usual Indian chicken and veg options, there are also mains like Lobster Thermidor. The 4 course meals are served course by course and you can even take as many desserts as you like! I quite liked the little petit fours platter. They serve (almost!) proper cappucinos & espressos etc too.

Seats are obviously much more comfortable than 9W, and this does become an issue on those 2 hour + flights. Especially when you end up spending 30 minutes in a hold over BOM or DEL!

There is an amenity bag offered as well. (Contains the usual pen, socks, face cream, lip balm etc etc, but I think it is a first for domestic flights in India.)

The little touches in the service are great. Before landing one of the FA's will come up with a lens cloth and spray and offer to clean up the eye-glasses of pax.

And when I last checked, the coupon prices were virtually identical for 9W and IT. (I'd even be happy to pay a small premium for IT though!)

All flights between DEL and BOM will have a hot meal, irrespective of time. Either lunch/dinner (as detailed above) or an extensive hot (& cold) selection of savoury snacks that are large enough in quantity to be considered "meal-replacement" in their own right!

Sorry I should have been more clear. Im referring to Y class. Does Kingfisher have its own lounges?

Hot meal: Also available in Y, albeit less choice.

Lounges:

DEL: ITC lounge run by Maurya.

BOM: Clipper lounge that used to be run by Oberoi, but now it appeared to be an IT-exclusive lounge.

Your summary was right on. The amenity bag offered is a first for domestic coach flights in India for at least the last 50+ years.

The curbside luggage assistance is also available to Kingfisher passengers in coach, at least it comes our way in DEL.

The food service on Kingfisher in biz has an edge over the food service on Jet Airways in biz. But in coach, I find that Jet Airways is more likely to have a more tasty meal than Kingfisher. Not a huge difference but a slight one.

There is an amenity kit in Kingfisher coach too. It includes a pen, the menu, headset, etc., but no socks, eyeshades or toiletries.

Kingfisher's coach cabin has personal TVs, something Jet does not have; and Kingfisher's coach cabin is also substantially more roomy than Jet Airway's pack-em-in coach cabin. Your legs will notice the difference.

I've had it at BOM and GOI as well in coach.