Old plane, got upgraded to “first class”, shaky and squeaky seats, too many announcements, crew was absent but over friendly when interacting.
Air India Express operates as a separate airline, so it says. Air India Express is a subsidiary of Air India and is part of the Tata Group, which acquired a 100% stake in the airline. (https://www.tata.com/business/air-india-express). Yet Air India express is not a member of Star Alliance, so Star Alliance gold members do not receive the benefits they would had they traveled on a mainline Air India flight. Even though it's a subsidiary of Air India, which is a Star Alliance airline. Very frustrating.
When landing in Hyderabad, the pilot made a hard landing. Everyone in the plane were shocked. The captain landed the plane hard and felt as if we were going to be thrown out from our seats. It was surprising the captain didn't apologize or make an announcement about. Again a surprise no crew acknowledge this. This was an odd experience!
I appreciated a meal on the shorter flight. It was slightly delayed with no announcement but I was able to determine what was happening.
I don't think there were entertainment options (short flight) - which is why I gave the 'ok' sign. Didn't make a diff in my flight experience either way, however
Really old air craft, broken seats and tray tables. Entertainment screens don’t work. Charging ports didn’t work.
Poor, pilot flew as if he was in hurry and had to coverup for wasted time
seats were not comfortable, entertainment was not working and food could be much better, given the airline calls itself full service and india's flag carrier.
Ok, where do I start, hmm! Good things first - the meals/food was tasty, the seats are comfortable and legroom in Economy was ample and foot rest with message roller is simply amazing, Wi-Fi Entertainment works well. Bad things - in-flight entertainment screens and remotes either had physical damage and or simply not working. This was the case for more than 1/2 the flight. Flight that was long haul - 12+hrs non-stop. If you want a cracker or a biscuit with your tea - forget it, they carry none. Feel like having a chilled beer - forget it as they will serve you room temperature always and every time. The crew seem young and inexperienced. Will I fly again, yes I would only because it gets me from Sydney to Delhi in 12.5 odd hours (fastest), otherwise I will never. It has been what a year or so since TATA took over but I have not seen any change, I really hope this changes.
I am sorry but nothing seems to be good experience. Seems like old Air India staff have become accustomed of not smiling to passengers, not helping them, not responding to "call' button. I understand aircraft quality is bad and they have ordered new aircrafts but till then they can start improving on passenger interaction. This they don't need import or buy from any body.
