Air India

I have to admit that based on the experience of my last three flights Air India domestic in economy is actually quite good. Leg room is much better than Indigo or Jet. Food is actually not bad and you do not have to pay for it. Having a working entertainment system is a plus. Some jet and kingfisher flights have the individual screens but nowadays these are never working. Flight attendants seem to be older on average but I find them polite and pleasant. The interiors are colourful in red yellow and orange. These last 3 flights were on time and really I have few complaints.

My husband and I flew from Kathmandu Nepal to Varanasi. We boarded about 2 hours late and after keeping us inside the plane for 30 minutes they simply said that there was a problem with the engine and we had to get off (no apologies no explanations). They packed us into a run-down bus parked in front of the aircraft and without any further explanation we sat for 2 hours. Almost 4 hours after our departure time we were simply led back into the plane. Arrived 5 hours late in Varanasi. Staff attitude terrible.

BOM-GOI A319. Delayed flight without good explanation. FA's were friendly on this short flight. Mid afternoon flight with just a drink and peanuts I would have liked more.

On time departure from CCU and on time arrival into BLR. Quality of food was good and they served an adequate dinner. Crew could be a little friendlier but the experience was better than expected.

ORD-DEL-HYD-BOM-DEL-ORD. The last time I flew them was in 2007 and I found it to be average. Now the air hostesses were friendly and attentive food was great and the IFE pretty good. The seat and spacing was pretty good and ample in comparison to other airlines. The only downside I see is from Indian security at the airports.

PNQ-GOI in Economy. Flight was on time check-in efficient with friendly ground staff. Served snacks and drinks by a friendly crew on the rather short flight. On the negative side: cabin was dirty with torn and worn- out seats. My seat consisted of a big crater-like hole and was very inconvenient.

Mumbai to Kolkata. Plane at gate on time but apparently staff were not! After 30 minutes without any information the Indian passengers started to complain. Within minutes the complaints turned into loud shouting. Whatever was shouted produce results because the gate opened almost immediately. Full flight. Comfortable seating with good leg room (for economy). Good meal which included veg and non-veg choices. Overall Air India have a reasonably good domestic product but it appears they are struggling with reliability.

JFK-DEL-JFK in Economy over the Christmas period. Flight from JFK to DEL was excellent. The aircraft seemed new was very clean and the IFE selection was good. Boarding etc. were far smoother than I am used to on BA my usual carrier on this route. Food was good and the inflight staff were young professional without being stiff and/or overbearing. My experience was enhanced by having been given an exit-row seat. But even the return flight was good and this time I had a ghastly middle seat. Nevertheless the staff kept up well- fed and hydrated; there was an ample supply of cookies/chips/drinks in the galley and the flight was quite pleasant. Timings again are superb - essentially an overnight flight; leave home in Delhi after dinner; arrive in JFK in time for breakfast. Overall I was pleasantly surprised.

Seoul to Hong Kong round trip. Flight to Hong Kong left and arrived early. The inflight entertainment was good although the English movie selection was a bit outdated. The flight crew was pleasant. Food was really good. Return flight left and arrived on time. Same thing for inflight entertainment. My headphones were broken but the attendant promptly got me a new set. Breakfast (omelette and croissant) was again really good. Overall great value for money.

25 Dec flew Chicago-Delhi connecting Ahmedabad. Check-in was quick and departed on time. Inflight meals plenty with beverages and alcohol offered free of charge. 2 full hot meals and small snacks during flight. Sky bar open for extra snacks with beverages. Comfortable seats and lots of leg room with foot rest a plus. Courteous staff ready to help. Transit in Delhi a breeze. Baggage arrived promptly at Ahmedabad and was out within 45 minutes. Return Ahmedabad Chicago via Delhi. Again no issues except 1hour delay in Delhi. All in all very good experience and would recommend.