No infotainment | No overhead reading light | No Crew Call Button
I was warned and prodded at the same time—one person said it would be hell (really bad) of an experience while the other one confirmed from his own experience that it is one of the best options—to fly direct from Bengaluru to San Francisco with Air India.
Another one lamented why there’s no direct flight from Bengaluru to Atlanta—well occupancy and economics might be the reasons for that, but he did feel that at least the food will be better.
Well, I had booked a direct flight to SFO from BLR—my first ever on the fourth trip to the States.
When I completed the web check-in, the airlines prompted me to buy an aisle seat (economy class meant 3 options), but I didn’t want to spend extra and went for the middle seat. Lo and behold, when I boarded the flight, both seats around me were empty. I don’t know what’s the logic of charging an extra fee for choosing a seat when the flight is not even full. I have faced this issue with Vistara also.
On D-day, my mind was full of apprehensions and true to the many news that keep coming about various issues that Air India faces, unfortunately, my flight was also no better.
Throughout the flight—16 hours—the infotainment system did not work. A lot of people relied on their smartphones, tablets, and laptops, but it does help to have something to play with just to take your mind off sometimes, and sometimes to get tired so that you could doze off. They rebooted the system many times, but it didn’t work and the crew kind of gave up almost some tries.
Interestingly, their overhead light (for individual use and reading) also worked from the screen; the crew call button also worked from the same system—meaning, if you want to use the light, you have to make a request to the crew and also when you want to switch it off; but how you ask the crew (there is no call button)! So, it kind of complicated things that if you need or want anything, you either have to wait for the crew to pass by or get up yourself and make a request.
Personally, I don’t blame the crew or the airline for that matter. At a very deep personal level, I believe air travel is full of travails and tribulations, and the only thing a passenger wants (or should want) is to land safely; though I do not deny that all the services are needed. I am just saying I can get over the lack of entertainment and some other issues etc. But it also shows the unprofessionalism of the airlines.
What is your experience with long-haul direct flights, particularly with Air India or with any other airlines for that matter? Please, do share your views through the comments section.
Have a safe journey!
(This post was written during the aforementioned flight to kill time and share real-time experiences)
