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This is a review of Air India Economy class flight – Boeing 787 – 8 Dreamliner to let you decide whether, Good or Bad – Air India? As you must know that I have my own rating system called Comfys (based on 30 comfort factors), the highest Comfys I have ever Awarded is to Emirates, don’t forget to read that review here.
I had a very bad experience with Air India on my trip to Bangkok last year so I never adviced my readers to board Air India after that, but this flight to Dubai changed my mind as this was a completely different experience.
This is a Boeing Dreamliner, comfortable and worth my recommendation. Let’s explore the facilities provided by the airlines and find the Comfys it deserves:
SEAT SIZE
This Dreamliner has a 3x3x3 seating arrangement and the seat width is comfortable enough to accommodate a person wearing XL size(36 waists).
The armrests are perfect, completely foldable. If you are lucky enough to get a vacant adjacent seat then put the armrest up and enjoy more space.
All overhead panels are different, really they are, check out Emirates review or Etihad Airways review to find the difference. Some have bigger lights or no lights, some have fans and some don’t and so on.
There are individual fans and lights for each passenger in this flight cabin which are desirable features for sure.
LEG ROOM
The leg space is sufficient for tall people, say 6’2” (I am 5’7″). I didn’t feel the need to reclaim my seat at all.
The seats have a footrest which I feel are absolutely mandatory for your comfort. However, if you feel differently then you can easily push the footrests up.
There are two pockets for each passenger so the storage space is enough.
ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM & MAGAZINE
The touch screen works fine, you will not have to dab the options again and again (90% of the time). There are many options to choose from for all age groups. You will not find many latest movies but yes you will definitely be able to keep yourself busy.
The movies are available in different languages and there is another section for kids as well. There are many types of TV shows available, maps, and flight information as well.
A video on this review will soon be published on my YouTube channel, don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated.
You can keep an eye on the flight’s timeline and similar parameters. There is no camera view available, if you are not sure what I mean then definitely check out the review of Emirates flight.
There is no option available for minimizing the video you are watching in case you wish to check the flight details (like time left to reach the destination) so you will have to close the player and open the desired option.
Duty-free shopping is not yet available on board but I guess it is soon going to be launched.
There are games available for entertainment. Also, you can charge your phones with the USB port.
The Air India’s magazine Shubh Yatra (Bon Voyage) is decent and provides information on travel destinations and on their new ventures as well.
REMOTE & HEADSET
You can switch the overhead light on(or off) and call the hosts with the remote.
The headset was fine but you might need frequent adjustments with the socket, some are loosely connected hence comes out very easily.
Klook.com
Klook.com
OTHER FACILITIES
Pillows are not provided but can be asked for from the crew. Sheets are given to each passenger. The headrest is foldable from each side, which is good.
Windows have no shutters but each window has a button to adjust the shade levels up to 5 times according to your need. I find this option far better than the shutters as this allows passengers to enjoy the view in sunlight as well.
There is no Wi-Fi or calling facility on board. There is a USB port available to keep your electronic devices charged.
FOOD
There is no prior information given about the food items being served. You can only choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. However, during booking the flight tickets you get options for the kind of food you would like to have.
The food is not that good. I did not enjoy the main course but the dessert was fine. The appetizer was nice, it was a simple masala pack, so if you don’t like spices then you should avoid it.
Alcohol, juices, and soft drinks are served along with the appetizers. Tea and coffee are served after the meal however, you can request for the beverages any time you like.
The tray table size was standard and adequate but I felt a need for a cup holder, it was missing.
SERVICE & RIDE
The host and hostess were kind and prompt. The ride was smooth, right from taking off to landing. Captain Sanjay Kareer did a very fine job.
The web check-in is easy and the fares are also economical. Air India offers membership to passengers and the good thing is that you can avail miles for the trips taken in the past 6 months.
VERDICT
The flight overall was comfortable, you may want to carry some food with you though(said because the taste of the food was not that good). I would like to award Air India 7.1 Comfys. I would recommend this airlines to you but make sure it is a Boeing plane, don’t go with other planes.
Tip: Check your seat once properly because the USB port and the footrest might be broken for some seats.
Other frequently asked questions:
Q: How bad is Air India?
A: Airbuses are not good (Delhi to Bangkok not good) but Boeing/dreamliners are good (Delhi to Dubai/Singapore, good). All depends on the carrier as the services/facilities change with it.
Q: Is Air India safe to fly?
A: Yes, it definitely is.
