Air India EWR To BOM: My Flight Review

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Air India EWR to BOM Review

Hey guys! So, I recently flew Air India from Newark (EWR) to Mumbai (BOM), and I wanted to share my experience with you all. Buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into everything from check-in to landing.

Booking and Check-in

Let's start with the initial steps. Booking the flight was pretty straightforward through the Air India website. I found a decent fare, and the process was easy to navigate. One tip: keep an eye out for promotional offers; they can sometimes save you a good chunk of change.

Now, onto check-in. I always prefer doing it online to save time at the airport. Air India's online check-in was relatively smooth, though the website could use a bit of a modern touch. I managed to select my seat (window seat, always!), and downloaded my boarding pass. At the airport, the check-in counters were clearly marked, and the staff were generally helpful. There was a bit of a queue, but nothing too crazy. I did notice that some passengers were having issues with their baggage allowance, so make sure you double-check the restrictions before you head to the airport. It's always better to be safe than sorry, especially when dealing with international flights. Overall, the check-in process was decent, but there's definitely room for improvement in terms of efficiency and website design.

The Aircraft and Seating

Okay, let's talk about the plane itself. The aircraft was a Boeing 777, which is a pretty standard workhorse for long-haul flights. The exterior looked well-maintained, but let's be honest, it's what's on the inside that counts, right? Stepping inside, the cabin felt a bit dated. The seats were comfortable enough for a long flight, but the upholstery showed some signs of wear and tear. I was in economy class, and the legroom was decent – I'm about 5'10", and I didn't feel too cramped. However, if you're taller, you might want to consider upgrading to a premium economy or business class seat for extra space.

The entertainment system was a mixed bag. The screen was a bit small and the resolution wasn't the greatest, but there was a decent selection of movies, TV shows, and music to keep me occupied for a good portion of the flight. I did have some issues with the system freezing up a couple of times, which was a bit annoying. The headphones provided were basic, so I'd recommend bringing your own noise-canceling headphones for a better experience. The seat recline was adequate, allowing for some level of comfort during the overnight portion of the flight. Overall, the aircraft and seating were acceptable, but definitely not the most modern or luxurious experience. It's an area where Air India could definitely invest in some upgrades to improve the overall passenger experience.

In-Flight Service and Amenities

Let’s move on to the in-flight service and amenities. The Air India crew were generally polite and attentive, but their service felt a bit inconsistent at times. Some of the flight attendants were incredibly friendly and helpful, while others seemed a bit disinterested. Drink service was offered regularly, and they were quick to respond to requests. The meals were… well, let's just say they weren't the highlight of the flight. The food was edible, but nothing to write home about. I had the vegetarian option, which consisted of a curry dish with rice and some vegetables. It was a bit bland and lacked flavor. I'd recommend bringing your own snacks if you're a picky eater or have dietary restrictions. The amenity kit was pretty basic, containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a pair of socks. It's always a nice touch to have, but don't expect anything fancy.

One thing I did appreciate was the availability of blankets and pillows. They were clean and comfortable, which made it easier to get some sleep during the flight. The cabin temperature was well-maintained, which is always a plus on long flights. Overall, the in-flight service and amenities were decent, but there's definitely room for improvement in terms of food quality and consistency of service.

Entertainment and Connectivity

Regarding in-flight entertainment, Air India offered a selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. While the variety was acceptable, the system itself felt outdated. The screen resolution wasn't great, and the interface was a bit clunky to navigate. I found myself resorting to my own downloaded content on my tablet for a better viewing experience. The selection of Bollywood movies was a plus for those interested in Indian cinema, but the Hollywood selection was a bit limited. The music library was decent, with a mix of genres to choose from.

Unfortunately, Wi-Fi was not available on this flight, which was a bummer. In today's world, having in-flight Wi-Fi is almost a necessity, especially on long-haul flights. It would have been great to stay connected and get some work done during the journey. Hopefully, Air India will consider adding Wi-Fi to their fleet in the near future. Overall, the entertainment options were adequate, but the lack of Wi-Fi was a significant drawback.

Arrival and Baggage Claim

The arrival process at Mumbai Airport was relatively smooth. We landed on time, and the disembarkation was quick and efficient. The airport staff were helpful in directing passengers to immigration and baggage claim. Immigration lines were a bit long, but that's to be expected at a major international airport. The baggage claim area was well-organized, and the carousels were clearly marked. My baggage arrived in a timely manner, and there were plenty of baggage carts available. Customs was a breeze, and I was out of the airport in no time. Overall, the arrival process was efficient and hassle-free, which is always a great way to end a long journey.

Overall Impression

So, what's my overall impression of flying Air India from EWR to BOM? It was a mixed bag. The booking and check-in process were decent, but the website could use some improvements. The aircraft and seating were acceptable, but a bit dated. The in-flight service was inconsistent, and the food was underwhelming. The entertainment options were adequate, but the lack of Wi-Fi was a major drawback. The arrival process, however, was smooth and efficient. Would I fly Air India again? Maybe, if the price was right. But I would definitely consider other airlines as well. Air India has the potential to be a great airline, but they need to invest in some upgrades and improvements to provide a better overall passenger experience. The airline needs to focus on consistency in service and quality to truly compete with other major international carriers.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Decent fares
  • Polite and attentive crew (at times)
  • Clean blankets and pillows
  • Efficient arrival process

Cons:

  • Outdated aircraft and seating
  • Inconsistent in-flight service
  • Underwhelming food
  • Lack of Wi-Fi
  • Outdated entertainment system

Tips for Flying Air India EWR to BOM

Before I wrap up, here are a few tips for those of you planning to fly Air India from Newark to Mumbai:

  1. Book in advance to get the best fares.
  2. Check the baggage allowance carefully to avoid any surprises at the airport.
  3. Bring your own snacks and drinks, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
  4. Download movies and TV shows on your tablet or phone, as the in-flight entertainment system might be limited.
  5. Bring your own noise-canceling headphones for a better listening experience.
  6. Consider upgrading to a premium economy or business class seat for extra legroom and comfort.
  7. Arrive at the airport early, especially during peak travel season.
  8. Be patient and polite with the staff, even if things don't go as planned.

That's it for my Air India EWR to BOM review! I hope you found it helpful. Safe travels, everyone!