Air India Domestic Business Class Review from Kochi to Mumbai
I flew Air India International Bussiness class an year ago on 787 Dreamliner and it was a memorable experience. Hence I wanted to explore their domestic service to see if it is in par with it. So I decided to fly Air India Business Class from Mumbai from Kochi during my recent trip in Jan 2019. Here’s everything you need to know,
Booking
I booked the flight using AirIndia Miles that I accrued in 2017 using my SBI Air India signature credit card . Booking was done on the website and it was all quick and easy.
- Revenue Ticket: ~Rs.17,000
- I Paid: 20,160 Air India Points + Taxes (Rs.315 )
Given that I value Air India miles far lesser (~50Ps), I’m happy to see that I’ve got a nice value with this redemption.
Flight Info
- Flight: Air India AI 682
- Route: COK – BOM
- Seat: 1F (Business Class)
- Depart: 08:15Am Arrive 10:15Am
Flight Experience
Check-in
I arrived early morning at the Kochi airport and figured out the dedicated check-in counter for Air India Business Class. But hey, there was a big queue. Looking at the passengers, you could easily say that they’re not really flying business class.
So I skipped the queue and went to the counter. The agent immediately responded when I said I’m flying business class. He quickly checked-in my luggage and got my boarding pass.
Its OKAY to use the business class counter when economy lines are full, but allowing the business class counters queue up isn’t fair.
Lounge
Along with the boarding pass comes the lounge invitation card which gives me access to one of the beautiful lounge in the country with good food, great views, comfortable seating & more.
Check out my review of the new Earth Lounge at Kochi airport, domestic departures.
Boarding
No priority boarding for Business Class passengers. No one seems to care about their existence either. So I had to board last.
In-Flight Experience
Welcome Drink
My favourite coconut water arrived as soon as I reached my seat. I wish they serve coconut water on every flight in the world.
The Seat
The seat was soft & comfortable which I prefer, over the firm & leather seats .
Food
I hardly had few options to choose from and I don’t remember they had a concept of menu card for dining either. I went with omelette and it looked like below.
While it may look like half-boiled and not so attractive, surprisingly the food was really tasty. Thank god!
Service
The flight attendants were all aunties (as usual) and they never cared about anything. After being spoiled by the amazing Vistara Bussiness class service, Air India’s Business Class felt like poles apart, Jet being in the center.
