Air India Business Class - A Review

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This review of Air India's Business Class is based on my experience flying from Toronto to Delhi and back.

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Air India's reputation hasn't always been stellar. The Tata group's purchase of the airline, from the Government of India, is expected to change that.

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My Priorities For Business Class Travel

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Typical Business Class Benefits

So, Here's How Air India Fared On Each of the Listed Criteria, measured on a "Good," "OK," & "Not Good" Scale.

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Air India business class fares are typically over $1K less than the nearest competitor.

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Convenience

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Lounge Access

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Air India Lounge, Delhi

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Comfort & Privacy

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Food Quality

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From consommé to pâté to mainstream Indian fare, and dessert, the food was delectable

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From welcome drink to bar service, the onboard customer service was attentive without being intrusive.

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Loyalty Program

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Entertainment System

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Priority Check-in, Boarding, & Customs Clearance

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With two 32 Kg bags, you get more baggage allowance than you typically need.

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Amenities

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Would I fly Air India Business class again?

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Air India Business Class - A Review

Air India, the largest airline in India operates over a 100 domestic and international routes.

A Racquet Social Travelogue

This review of Air India's Business Class is based on my experience flying from Toronto to Delhi and back.

Air India's reputation hasn't always been stellar. The Tata group's purchase of the airline, from the Government of India, is expected to change that.

My Priorities For Business Class Travel

Affordability

Convenience

Comfort

Food Quality

Onboard Service

Lounge Access

Typical Business Class Benefits

Priority Check-in & Boarding

Excess baggage allowance

Loyalty Program

Upgraded Entertainment System

Amenities

So, Here's How Air India Fared On Each of the Listed Criteria, measured on a "Good," "OK," & "Not Good" Scale.

Air India business class fares are typically over $1K less than the nearest competitor.

Affordability

You Get What You Pay For? Read on...

Good

Convenience

I like the convenience of a direct flight. Some prefer to break their journey into segments. I flew directly to Delhi.

Air India and Air Canada offer direct flights to Delhi.

Good

Lounge Access

I got access to Air India's Lounge in Delhi as well as the Maple Leaf Lounge in Toronto.

Good

Air India Lounge, Delhi

Maple Leaf Lounge, Toronto.

Comfort & Privacy

AI Business Class Seats are lie-flat. However, they do not offer the comfort or privacy of the pods offered by Air Canada & Others.

OK

Food Quality

While the choices included western and Indian options, it made sense to mostly stick with the Indian offerings.

From consommé to pâté to mainstream Indian fare, and dessert, the food was delectable

Good

From welcome drink to bar service, the onboard customer service was attentive without being intrusive.

Onboard Service

Good

Loyalty Program

Air India's Star Alliance Partner Code Share arrangement with Air Canada allowed me to collect points on my Aeroplan account.

Good

Entertainment System

AI's entertainment system is seriously lacking. The technology is old school, choices limited, and the screen not at ideal viewing distance.

Not Good

Priority Check-in, Boarding, & Customs Clearance

The boarding process at Toronto seemed disorganized. Priority Customs & Immigration clearance in Delhi helped me avoid long line-ups.

OK

With two 32 Kg bags, you get more baggage allowance than you typically need.

Good

Amenities

AI's amentities are decent and include a travel kit and night-wear.

Good

Would I fly Air India Business class again?

I would have to say, "Yes."