DEPARTURE SERVICE

On arrival at T4 LHR separate check-in for First passengers. Porter to help with baggage and label everything and place on conveyor belt. Smooth, quick and efficient. Offered invitation to use Skyteam Lounge as Kingfisher do not have their own lounge. Skyteam lounge busy on a Friday evening as used by fellow member airline passengers. But good drinks selection and evening snacks with selection of international newspapers. No fast track offered through security check-point.


CABIN APPEARANCE

Cabin only has 30 seats. 12 in front section and 18 immediately behind, but separated by the on-board bar and galley. Cabin clean and roomy as no central overhead cabins which gives impression of more room. Bar has 3 stools with leathers sofa either side. Toilets clean, with fresh flowers, Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries and shaving kits and toothbrush sets. Amenity kits no longer offered on long-haul flights anymore - cabin crew mentioned people were not using the products which proved expensive hence stopped.


SEATING COMFORT

2x2x2 sitting. With red leather lie-flat 180 degree seats with large seat-like foot rest. Large pillow. 17 inch TV with AVOD. Bed-making service with, sheets, duvet and pyjamas. Ample leg room. Massage functions in the seating. With starry night effect on fuselage ceiling.


ONBOARD CATERING

On boarding offered non-alcoholic beverage of either fresh orange, sweet lime of coconut water. Drinks and dinner menu offered. Offer of drink at seat or the bar after take-off. Champagne offered. Two red and two white wine options. Selection of cocktails and mocktails. As well as usual spirits and liquers. Numerous tea and coffee options including masala chai. Starter, at least 4 options. Main had Western and Indian options with veg and non-veg option. Indian options are a Shahi Veg or Non-veg thali with food from the famous Chutney Mary restaurant in London. Served on silver thali crockery. At least 4-5 dessert options. Selection of drinks at the bar after dinner. Popcorn and ice-cream during flight. Breakfast, fresh juices, smoothies, fresh warm pastries, cereals with warm or cold milk, any coffee you wish. Fresh fruit platter. Dining on board is akin to a restaurant and the best I have experienced on an international flight.


INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Large 17 inch screen with AVOD. Not as user friendly as one would like and did require resetting by crew on both outbound and inbound sectors as it froze on a couple of occasions. The range of Bollywood and Hollywood movies is limited and outdated. Music options especially western as severely lacking. Emirates AVOD definitely beats Kingfisher in this respect.


CABIN STAFF SERVICE

Excellent ratio of cabin staff to passengers in First. Very attentive, sociable and personable crew who tend to every need - nothing is too much. Even spectacle cleaning service.


FLIGHT ARRIVAL

Priority baggage arrival at conveyor belt with porter to help remove baggage from belt and in Mumbai porter to take baggage outside on arrival and inside terminal on departure.


CUSTOMER TRIP VERDICT

Kingfisher First is an excellent product on the LHR-BOM-LHR sector and definitely a cut above its competitors on offering a direct service on this route. Well deserved of its 5* rating. Definitely provides some old-fashioned glamour to long-haul travel. I just hope it is sustainable.