Need some FT input. Looking at R/T LAX to Frankfurt via Air India in April '06.
Have you used this airline and/or itinerary? Many thanx for your help.

what class are you considering (F, C or Y?)

in the past, they have had low fares to europe...

only flew them once, jfk-del in j.... service was good, but the indian meal was too hot for me to handle....they did give me another which was good....this was over 10 yr's ago though....

Just flew Air India ORD-LHR on Sunday (in Y) - and was positively surprised.

I basically flew with AI just because I had never flown with them before, and accidentally (after a few beers I thought it was a great idea) ended booking on their web-site during my previous trip to the US in November. At least the price was good (247.10USD all-in one-way), although that benefit was diluted by the fact that I had to buy connecting SK flights LHR-ARN-HEL and that I actually had to fly from YOW to get to ORD.

The experience
(i) Check-in: arrived ca. 100min before departure, had to queue maybe 10-15min. No problems whatsoever.
(ii) Boarding: AI started boarding from the back of the a/c, and the process was relatively smooth.
(iii) Cabin: 747-400, a bit worn but clean enough. I had heard horror stories about toilets, but I didn't find anything to complain about. Seat-pitch was good, on par with UA Y+, I'd say - certainly much better than my outbound flight CDG-ORD w/ AF.
(iv) Food: Food was ok - the curry was a bit bland, but I had eaten at ORD so no worries there. Having finished my 3 bottles of water I made several trips to the galley to get more water - however, I'm not sure about alcohol on their flights (they do have some available).
(v) Entertainment: Some music channels and big bulkhead screens. This time they were showing some sitcoms and a film featuring Tom Green. I chose to read and chat with my seatmate instead.
(vi) On-time performance: arrived at LHR 30min ahead of schedule. This had been my major worry as I needed to connect, but it worked out perfectly.

I was positively surprised by my experience with Air India, and I wouldn't hesitate to fly with them again (provided I could afford possible delays). I believe my next trips across the Atlantic will be with European/American carriers, although I'm tempted to give PIA a try at some point.

Conclusion: if the price is good, and FRA is your final destination (i.e. no connecting flights), Air India might be a good option.

My first experience with AI was several years ago, the plane was a little shabby but not too bad sat down and went to fasten my belt but one end came away in my hand, quite a surprise?
Otherwise no problems, also had a flight in business which was ok, not the lap of luxury but pleasant enough.

Thank you for your info. You are right the R/T non-stop LAX ->FRk is a great Y fare at abt $550 and J @ $8000 is too rich for me. The boarding and flight info was very good. Were you on a 747 with 3/4/3 seating? How crowded?

Yes, it was 747-400 w/ 3+4+3. I had a window seat and the seat next to me was empty - a bloke from Alabama had the aisle, also going to LHR.

I would say the load-factor was around 80-85% in Y. This estimate is hardly of any value to you, I'm afraid. Do note that the seat-pitch is decent though.

See this cautionary trip report.

Thank you Movie Man for the link. Certainly don't recall reading anything like this in the newspaper.

I have never flown them. I have heard horror stories. In addition, my two Indian co-workers will try hard not to use them when they go back home. They talk about the issues from check in to arrival. Check http://www.airlinequality.com/ for reviews and seat and stuff.

Flew them from JFK to LHR in F thisn past June. I did a trip report, which you can find under my name in the trip reports forum.

Overall, I was very pleased.

In coach, most routine travellers -- including those ethnic South Asians who live in America -- will avoid Air India unless saving every penny today is the goal. (I say that because Air India is often the cheapest carrier to India from the US and thus they still fill up often enough.) Business and First on Air India are another matter entirely and not to be lumped into the same boat as Air India coach.