[Idyllchat] Air India

[TSchlingel at aol.com]

I flew Air India last in September 2004 from Chicago to Frankfurt.  I  got my 
ticket through Gemut.com and the good Bestor people  At the time,  through 
the Air India website you could choose the type of meal you  wished.  I was 
amused to find about 20 choices depending to some extent on  the various faiths 
and ethnic groups that might be found on an Air India  flight.  My choice among 
several types of vegeterian dinners was  excellent.  However, it was really, 
really spicy.  Ordinarily  that does not present a problem to me but this time 
I was happy to have some  Rollaids handy.
The checkin at Chicago seemed to take an unusually long time.   Most of that 
was because of large families with a stunning amount of  luggage.  I couldn't 
get over the thought that the plane would have to be  overloaded. I had the 
feeling that they were carrying all of their worlds  possessions.
It was truly fascinating and I spent much of the waiting time pretty much  in 
awe at what was happening around me. All Air India personnel were gracious,  
patient, and eventually we all made it onboard and pretty much left on  time.  
Alcoholic beverage service was available, but I felt there was a  little 
reluctance to it.  There was much more juice served  than you might find on a 
Lufthansa, Air Canada, etc.  Again, I attribute  that to the varied ethnic and 
faith groups on board.  I had enough so it  wasn't really a problem but I did 
have to ask for what I did get.  Flight  personnel didn't ever ask whether or not 
I wanted anything more.
Prior to my return to the U.S. I decided while staying for a time in  Vienna 
that I would visit the Air India office to make sure my return  reservations 
were in order as I had been gone for over a month.  Again, the  office 
personnel on the "ring" near the Vienna Opera House were most helpful and  very 
gracious.  I felt very reassured and that I was in good hands.   On the return 
flight I did have another outstanding meal but again by the time I  landed in 
Chicago I had run out of Rollaids and would have paid any price to  find relief.
Would I fly Air India again?  Of course, but only if a low price was  
substantial. 
However, I would gladly pay a little more to go on Lufthansa or Air  Canada.  
If you like adventure, give it a try. 
Tom Erdman, Saint Louis, MO
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