Putting Air India's 787 business class to the test

[@airedition]

Have you had similar experiences with Air India lately? I would be really curious to know!

[@k9killer221]

It's amazing to me that B787's can have dated interiors, to me it seems like yesterday when they first came out. But when I check, they entered service initially in 2011.

[@airedition]

Yeah. Well to be fair these interiors were pretty dated already even ten years ago. A couple of airlines put in seats like these on its 787s, LOT included. Most are now getting around to (soon) upgrading. The wear and tear on these decade-old 787s, on the other hand, is pretty surprising (the window dimming buttons especially!)

[@k9killer221]

@@airedition Oh, OK. They weren't exactly state of the art even when brand new.

[@karlp8484]

@@airedition Yeah there's huge variety on cabin fit-out options. In Germany alone I count 5 different companies that produce seats/suites. Three car manufacturers are in on the party. You can go cheaper or really speccy. Is it worthy of a video all to itself?

[@Jackson34466]

You are the best, what a wonderful presentation, Nice voice and covered all in a professional way compared to Sam, Josh and Noel, you have bright future.

[@flybyanuj]

Love your content Gabe. I honestly love how your criticism is constructive and subtle.

[@airedition]

Thank you very much!

[@theretiredcoupletravelsthe5603]

Thanks Gabe for the nice report! We flew with Air India last year CPH-DEL- MEL. The crew was supernice but the interior of the Aircrafts was not so good, especially the one from CPH-DEL. Perhaps not best presentation of the food in Economy but it was delicious so no complains about that. I believe the refurbishing of the old aircrafts takes longer than initially anticipated. I think and I hope that Air India will succeed to be a great airline again!

[@airedition]

Thanks that’s interesting to hear. Yeah the refurbishment of these can’t come soon enough. I believe it’s due to come in 2025 for the 787s.

[@philliproberts5594]

Another great video Gabe..you 're in a different league to most of the other aviation vloggers. Well done..keep it up. 👍

[@airedition]

Thank you!

[@Bo3amrah]

A very honest review. I love your calm during the flight to assure the most realistic conclusion 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@airedition]

Thank you! 👍

[@totoreilim8351]

Bamo my best buddy was heading the flight. The best and very experienced, top notch and perfectionist. One of the best crew in air India.

[@airedition]

Oh nice! I would agree he was great! Please give him my regards!

[@Ian-Gould]

Excellent review again Mr LeiGh 👍🏿

[@airedition]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gunvaldsandhaland7757]

I Have Experiences Similar Seats Whit Kenya Airways B787-8.Great Video And Info

[@airedition]

Nice! I need to give them a try.

[@martinvareed8756]

That was a nice trip details brother....yes indeed..AI has been doing a lot to get back to its roots of maharajah days..with new airframes on the way, things would definitely look up well. ,,i have had good experience with the soft product and the hard product too......thanks again...

[@airedition]

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing them continue to improve.

[@stuartjgarland]

Those 787 look very old, it'll be interesting to see the makeover of them, they even look rough outside. It's great to see them make a change but the change of interiors will be interesting

[@airedition]

Yes I'm eager to see it as well!

[@MusicAvi8Tr]

These Biz seats might look old and lack privacy but honestly I've had the "best" sleep using these seats on other carriers that have them and partly due to no footwell constraints! Which I think is why I like Korean Air or Gulf Fair J seats as a compromise with privacy, legroom and no footwells!

[@airedition]

Yeah good point, having no constrained space can make a big difference!

[@phuongnhuha]

Do you know the tentative timeline for their B787 refresh? I'm looking to book an award flight with them next summer but have always been hesitant due to popular reviews of Air India in general. Thanks in advance.!

[@airedition]

I heard next spring for refurbishment of the 787 but you never know!

[@Manav-r4w]

Try to get their A350 or the leased 777 from Delta/Etihad. Dont go on anything else including the 787. It’ll be refurbed probably spring or more likely summer 2025

[@phuongnhuha]

@@Manav-r4w Oh how I wish A350 was going on my route. DC only gets 787 so far. Apparently they are adding 777-200LR for the peak holiday and will replace 787 with 777-300ER afterwards...but from what I can see, even with the 777, it's still a hit or miss.

[@brijeshsingha7498]

Hey Gabe, that was a pretty sharp & crisp review of the AI flight into New Delhi from Copenhagen. At $850, this was quite good value for money. Sometimes it's worth checking things out ourselves rather than relying upon hearsay I guess 🙂 Looking forward to more content on other Indian carriers from you.

[@airedition]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed. Had a great time visiting India and can’t wait to return.

[@Michael-ru3rt]

Haven't flown AI so far but have been to India a couple of times in past years, flights were with LH or EK. Your report looks promising in terms of food and service. Once they are done with cabin refurbishment I might give it a try. You might want to share some experience about Delhi's (relatively) new terminal? I found it tidy and really spacious, lots of lanes for immigration and security with efficient processing. Shopping experience is certainly better elsewhere.

[@airedition]

The terminal didn't strike me as anything special, but it was not terrible either (except for security). You'll see some more footage from the terminal in the A350 video just released today!

[@KAMU13]

My biggest beef is if I am flying by business class I’d like to have 1-2-1 seat co figuration. I have never had dated or malfunctioning entertainment system in any business class flights in the last 20 years - and I’ve flown in more than 100. The quality of drinks in AI is subpar compared to what’s offered in top 30 business class. Food is okay, flavorful, nothing like Qsuites, Etihad, AF, or JAL, ANA. The AI crew are good, but it could be hit or miss. For $850 return business ticket, I think it’s a good deal.

[@airedition]

Yeah, if you went in expecting QR, EY, AF et al you'd certainly be disappointed on many fronts. But at that fare, and having heard nothing great about it, it exceeded my expectations in the best possible way. But flying by yourself, for sure, the 1-2-1 config is far better.

[@Topboy32]

🎉 You got a bargain for Business Class even though the IFE wasn't working and the food looked fantastic! 🎉 A well balanced review. 👍 Are you going to try Vistara soon plus Air India Express? 🎉

[@airedition]

Thanks! Yes a real bargain. I have two Vistara videos coming out. No Air India Express on this trip.

[@braniffbud]

Great review the food looked amazing! Air India really has great inflight service

[@krithikganesh2746]

14:15 Butter landing 🧈👍

[@airedition]

🥳

[@Ksandur]

Air India's livery truly didn't age well. The planes look much older than they are. A fresh in and exterior (and perhaps some better cleaning) will make a big change!

[@airedition]

Yeah I think more thorough cleaning is called for!

[@serafinlopez2290]

Great video Gabe

[@airedition]

Thank you!

[@sergejskubraks2454]

yes I remember that sale like 800 euros return to Delhi last summer, then after is was LH sale 800 biz India return ut you need to travel with companion

[@airedition]

Yeah!

[@sergejskubraks2454]

@@airedition I did not go as way to Denmark and back way too expensive even with Ryanair lol summer peak travel times lol

[@favin86]

The best service I ever received was in Air India first class. However, they need better seats and an entertainment system.

[@airedition]

Yep, they’re planning to refit all their aircraft with new seats so fingers crossed it happens soon!

[@khalidansari6013]

I think you Should wait for 2025 for more better flying experience in Air India 787 or you should try the new a350 while going back or" try Delhi London air india flight with a350"

[@airedition]

For sure I'll be back to try them once they're refurbished too!

[@Akshay.Rajbongshi]

Superb 👌

[@airedition]

Thanks 🤗

[@Utkarshdthakkar]

Waiting to see your experience in IndiGo

[@airedition]

Coming next Friday! 🤠

[@harshmarwah4508]

Aren’t you the same person for flight radar 24.

[@airedition]

That’s me!

[@harshmarwah4508]

@@airedition are you in Delhi right now

[@airedition]

@@harshmarwah4508no this flight was taken in August. You can always check the flight info including date in the description.

[@JayBJ-eu9vx]

My food with AI was perfect, my seat was perfect. I care about the flight and service and food, not the color of my seat or cabin.

[@JayBJ-eu9vx]

Whenever I have flown with AI, I have had a perfect flight which is way more than any flight with any other company.

[@ceylanile9437]

I take Air India in Business class from New Dehli to Paris : the service was perfect and the food too but i have no screen no tv during 8h ! or even a book and the style is too old !

[@airedition]

I always load up my own entertainment before any flight - you never know if IFE will be working or any good!

[@pritamkoli]

Five star coverage

[@airedition]

Thank you!

[@JaimeSunday-w1s]

Nice video

[@airedition]

Thank you!

[@MitanshuRao]

❤❤❤

[@JohnLadda]

Oh kanelbulle for breakfast ❤

[@glennkamers]

I just travelled Air India from Europe to Delhi. Business Class and Economy and they still have a long way to go. Soft product is fine but the hard product in their 787's needs a refresh. On the way back in economy none of the IFE's were working. The meals were terrible. The tray tables were all wonky and the seats were very uncomfortable.

[@mkkm945]

They have ordered new seats. Were supposed to be delivered mid 2024 but latest news says early 2025. Can't come soon enough. Once the product is right, I think AI will become a solid choice.

[@airedition]

Interesting to hear, thanks!

[@korrecttime7815]

May be after european standard or service even this looks like high rated. I have flown this old plane first class to SFO , broken seats, no entainment. Very limited food and no night suite . So I prefer SIA or emirates. Rest all are .. blah

[@airedition]

Sure, right now the AI 777 (since you’re talking about SFO) doesn’t compare to SIA or Emirates. The reason I rated this flight so highly was all about the service and soft product.

[@tally1604]

Their planes are old, worn, and dirty. And the only time I flew with them, I got scammed for the frequent flier miles. Apparantly, selling customer info is how Air India back office employees really make money. Unlikely Tata will change all that, because it will require replacing every single employee in a short amount of time.

[@airedition]

What do you mean by getting scammed for the miles and having your info sold? Can you elaborate?

[@tally1604]

@airedition i don't have frequent flier status with air india. About a year ago, I bought a business class ticket with them to Australia from my country via Delhi. Then, out of the blue, I get a call from somebody who claimed to be an air india rep offering enrollment in the miles program, which I did. But when I was checking it, it turns out that all the miles that I earned by flying that one time in business with them, had already been transferred to somebody else and used for a business class upgrade. The check-in agent told me it was a common scam that air india employees ran on international customers to sell frequent flyer miles on the side.

[@tally1604]

@airedition I posted a lengthy reply, but it's gone. To cut a long story short, prior to flying business with air india, i was offered miles and participation in the miles program by an "air india rep." When checking it, i discovered that all the miles for the round trip business class flight had already been transferred out of my account. Not the worst kind of scam, but a common one at air india, it seems, per the check-in agent.

[@tally1604]

@airedition my replies get deleted. Either by you, or youtube. I explained it three times, but every time it was taken down. Make of that what you will.

[@airedition]

@@tally1604not by me.

[@norwayspotter26]

He is slowly becoming Sam Chui

[@airedition]

What do you mean by that?

[@MrFredericandre]

Not Sam Chui at all lol. Fortunately.

[@tally1604]

Why would you ever want to insult an honest reviewer like that?

[@sunnychekrs7597]

Sam Chuing is now become an abuse 😂😂😂

[@gupta__g]

not at all. honest review and no cringeworthy pictures with the cabin crew.