Travelling with Air India London to New York (Air India)

Member Name: pinkk15

Product:	Air India
Date:	03/08/05 (2264 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap

Disadvantages: Safety, service, favour 1st class

I travelled with Air India in 2003 from London to New York. Check in was relatively uneventful and quick.
Once my husband and I boarded we sat in our seats waiting for take off. My husband's seat was faulty in that it would not go into the upright position fully. We contacted a steward, who asked us to wait and see if the plane was full and he would move us. Luckily the plane was nowhere near full, so we were able to move.
The service of the staff in economy is grudging to say the least. They were not overtly rude, but lacked politeness, enthusiasm and were not keen to go out of their way to help. The in-flight entertainment was a screen half way down the plane showing a film. Unfortunately neither my husband or I could hear the film, as our headphones were faulty.
Just before landing the cabin crew started handing out pieces of card that we apparently needed to fill in. When they got to my husband and I they explained that they had run out. I had never been to America before so was confused and worried as to what we were missing and how we got one. I was told not to worry! with no other explanation offered as to what the card was for and where we could get one. When leaving the plane my husband saw two of these cards on the floor in the aisle so we were able to pass through immigration control without the extra hassle not having them caused some passengers on our flight.
Now this is the thing, after our break in America which was fantastic. My husband and I complained at check in about the faulty seat (having already complained when landing and being told that there was nothing they could do). We were bumped up to first class after much arguing about the validity of our claims from a supervisor.
First class on the way back was a totally different experience. The staff were immensely polite, the inflight entertainment could be seen and heard and we were given as many drinks as we liked, which was not offered in economy.
I do not think that I will ever fly with this airline again, but if I had to I would only fly in first class, because economy was a nightmare.

Summary: The problem that I encountered with this airline was the blase attitude of staff in economy