Taking the plunge with Air India from SFO to Chennai was my $200 discount-fueled decision of the year. Having been spoiled by the likes of Emirates and Singapore Airlines, I braced myself for, well, mediocrity. But guess what? The onward flight? A surprisingly solid experience!
The plane was comfy, the crew was friendly, and—wait for it—the food was edible! Yes, on an airline! Plus, the direct SFO-Delhi route shaved hours off my travel time, and the transfer was smoother than my attempts at making round chapatis.
Now, the return leg? That’s where things got… interesting. It was like the plane had developed a personality—and a quirky one at that. No WiFi (of course), my TV went on strike (along with an entire section’s screens), and every seat around me was playing a game of “what’s broken today?” There were wobbly trays, rebellious footrests, and wires popping out like they were auditioning for a horror movie. Honestly, I was half-expecting a seat to announce its resignation mid-flight.
Despite the mechanical drama, the crew stayed polite and helpful—A+ for patience. The food remained surprisingly good, and the after-mint? Oh, it was minty perfection. The highlight, though, was the “apna” vibe: 99% Indian passengers, kids running marathons in the aisles, and blankets doubling as DIY forts. It felt like a chaotic family road trip—but in the sky.
Verdict: For the price, I can’t be too mad. But dear Tata-led Air India, please fix those seats. You’re almost there—just a few screws (literally) away from greatness.
Rating: 3.5/5 (it would’ve been a 4 if the seats didn’t feel like they were held together by jugaad and nostalgia).
Fly at your own risk—or for the discount! 😉