AI = ALWAYS INCORRIGIBLE

I don't think the $200 was worth all the hassle. But an interesting Trip report indeed. Sometimes we think that we will save a few bucks but end up paying more with the distress and the inconvenience. Would it have made a difference if you had flown upfront ?

I am sorry that you have had such bad experience with AI. Thanks for sharing your story.

For my trip to India sometimes around November of this year, AI is definitely not the airline that I would touch with a 10-foot pole.

Wow, that is absolutely terrible. Reminds me of Tower Air. Thanks for the heads up though, I will make sure to never fly AI in my lifetime. You should've flown across the Pacific, I think it is less mileage that way but I don't know about headwinds. BTW, Delta just started direct MAA to CDG flights .

First, since no one has done so, let me welcome you to FT.

Since this is your first post, I can only say that now you can realize what a valuable tool FT is. Before any trip, post your questions here and you will receive some of the most accurate and helpful information about travel you can receive anywhere.

Better luck in the future and be sure to visit here first!!! BTW, I also dislike AI because of my horrible one and only experience on them. I will try to avoid them if at all possible.

Well, I had considered an AI flight a few years back and ultimately did not chose AI. After reading this TR, I need a major drink.

Glad everyone lived to tell about it.

Nearly 15yrs since I last flew AI. Since then, UA, LH and SQ. UA & SQ being the best, LH serviceable.

I even pay the premium for SIN-India sector on SQ v. hop onto AI or Indian Air.

But re. comments re. "Indian" airlines in general vis a vis US - Jet Airways is a good model for many a US airline to aspire to, in terms of service.

For domestic flights within India, I usually stick to Jet Airways or Air Sahara. No problem so far.

I flew Air India a number of years ago, and was appalled by the filth inside the aircraft. Two hours into the flight, I thought I might use the restroom. Upon opening the door, it looked as though it had literally been turned upside down - there was stuff everywhere, and I couldn't even see the floor due to all the paper towels and toilet tissue that was on it. Talk about mind over matter - I didn't feel the urge to go to the bathroom for the remainder of the flight!!

Slightly OT- I flew LHR-BOM-LHR with Jet Airways recently. Excellent service very good seats in Biz including flat beds and duvets- I would say one of the best biz services I have recently experienced (including CX, SQ etc.). I am dumping BA and LH since 9W is much better (and cheaper too!)
So the problem is AI, not India

Very strange that AI does not offer a better service as it is surrounded by the best airlines it the world,SQ CX MH ANA etc...

Not so strange... it is a government-run company, and like anything else government-run in India, it is a mess. Was a good airline way back in the 50s and 60s when it was privately owned and managed. Been downhill all the ways since it was "nationalised" in the early 1970s...

But as others say, the privately-run airlines in India -- especially Jet Airways -- are world class, and are expanding internationally, so there is hope for those who wish to fly an Indian carrier to India.

Air India was nationalised under the Air Corporations Act of 1953, not in the 1970s.

Full history of Air India and its fleet can be found here.

Even SOE Indian Airlines puts Air India to shame -- especially in coach. Fortunately/unfortunately they are principally a domestic-focused carrier.

... given the OP's trip report, is it any wonder that I don't consider AI when looking at the impact it has (or doesn't have) on BA?

Some Indian businesses certainly provide service like they have their act together. This includes parts of the Indian hospitality industry and Jet Airways; it does not apparently include Air India.

Sadly AI does let the side down, but now that Jet and Sahara are competing internationally (although rather limited) they will soon start to lose business.

You're right, Sean; nationalisation was indeed in 1953.

However Air-India managed to function pretty well in the 50s and 60s as the government stayed out of the way and allowed JRD Tata, AI's legendary founder, a pretty free hand for most of that time. The decline really began in the 1970s though due to a confluence of factors, amongst which:

1. Increasing pressure of government-owned entities to function more as job factories than as commercial enterprises due to Indira Gandhi's strong tilt left in the early 1970s (bank nationalisation, war on poverty etc (this was way before Live 8!))

2. The removal of JRD Tata as chairman in 1978 (by Morarji Desai, Indira's successor); JRD's strong positive influence had been waning in the 1970s in any case due to (1) above

3. Continual decline even after JRD was re-appointed Chairman in 1980, by which time his role was more ceremonial and had very little executive power.

By the mid-late 1970s, Air India had become a caricature of its former self.