DELHI- Tata-owned Air India (AI) has fully refunded Anip Patel, founder of Chicago-based CaPatel Investments, following his viral Instagram video showcasing the airline’s poor first-class cabin conditions.
The airline took action despite Patel not filing an official complaint.
Air India First Class Passenger Refunds
Patel revealed on September 18 that Air India contacted him after seeing his video and refunded his entire airfare. He acknowledged the airline’s effort to rectify the situation, stating, “They did make it right and it’s worth noting.”
The incident began when Patel shared a video on Instagram detailing his unsatisfactory 15-hour non-stop flight from Chicago (ORD) to Delhi (DEL). In his post, Patel expressed disappointment, saying he had hoped for improvements under new management but found the experience fell short of expectations.
Patel’s video, posted on his Instagram account MondayswithMohan, quickly gained traction. It amassed 6.9 million views, 97,100 likes, and 8,749 comments, highlighting widespread interest in airline service quality.
Anip Patel’s viral Instagram post has shed light on the inadequate first-class service provided by Air India on a Chicago to Delhi flight. Patel paid $6,300 for a one-way first-class ticket, expecting a premium experience.
Poor Service
The post revealed significant shortcomings in the airline’s first-class offering. Patel reported that 30 percent of the items on the food menu were unavailable.
The flight only stocked one of each menu item, despite four passengers traveling in first class. Patel described the situation as “basically a first come, first serve” scenario.
Entertainment systems on the flight failed to function properly. The cabin crew attempted to resolve the issue by resetting the systems four to five times, but their efforts proved futile. Patel also noted that various items in the cabin were taped to the walls, indicating poor maintenance.
Adding to the list of deficiencies, Patel mentioned the absence of a Wi-Fi system on the flight. This lack of connectivity further diminished the expected first-class experience.
These revelations have raised questions about Air India’s ability to deliver a high-quality first-class service commensurate with the premium price tag. The airline’s swift refund response, while addressing the immediate issue, highlights the need for systemic improvements in its premium offerings.
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