Air India Removing First Class From 777-200 Aircraft

But look. Lucky, all first class on Air India is configured 1-1. It's a very bad configuration for a B777, they can always do 1-2-1 and have enough space for everything.
I think that's why they're suspending it, because I can't find a way that they can profit from the configuration.

@ Joe -- Sorry, I might be missing something, but Air India 777 first class is in a 1-2-1 configuration, no?

Possible that they've strategically decided to avoid marketing to the ultra high end traveller?

They promote the "attainable lounge experience," in their recent promotional materials... and ditching F altogether on the new routes.

@ Lucky: Yep.
Etihad remains the only carrier with a 1-1 premium configuration on widebodies.

Just for the looking of the exterior of their planes I have no desire to see the interior. It looks dated and unattractive.

Not a lot of need as most people flying to India can afford it.

Plus more room for the rats on board.

@ Lucky That's what they advertise on their website.
I would never bother going on seatguru, don't have time to waste for that airline.

@Santastico Agree. They would look much better in a white and red rather than the beige/cream color they are using currently.

Okay, this situation is kinda tricky. This is a quote from their website:
"When you snuggle into your newly installed, highly comfortable, 180-degree recline, sleeperette, we will ensure that you disembark at your destination just as fresh. The two-abreast seating ensures you are always in an aisle seat or a window seat. Never in between. The ethnic interiors, you will observe, are designed to be particularly pleasing to the eye. The Air show constantly screens your flight pattern, aircraft altitude and speed. And much more."

I can see from this that it's a "two abreast" seating, but in seatguru it shows 1-2 rows of 1-2-1 seating.

Which of them is right?

@Joe I agree that the wording is confusing, but I think the key is that it says, "you are always in an aisle or window seat. Never in between "

In a 1-1 configuration, all seats would be both a window and an aisle, while in a 1-2-1, the 2 interior seats would obviously not be window seats, but would have direct aisle access (which seems to be the feature that they are highlighting - i.e., that you'll never be stuck in a seat that requires you to climb over another pax in order to get to the aisle.

@Joe @NRTBound they're likely trying to differentiate it from business class which is 2-3-2 (like EK's 777), so each row has a middle seat, and at least 3 passengers in each row have to climb over another passenger to get out.

Looking forward to the Review

"Etihad remains the only carrier with a 1-1 premium configuration on widebodies."

Only the A380, no? All of their other planes offering first class is still 1-2-1.

It would actually be great if you'd review on of the Business class products, given that seems to be the direction most of us would be able to access AI premium class, if they're reducing/eliminating F.

Just a thought.

Makes a lot of sense since it is more within reach of the paying public and I have yet to find a first class cabin on my travels with full occupancy.

@Santastico I agree and would say the same for the big three American airlines. Absolutely dreadful interiors.

Good post.

We flew Biz from DEL to JFK last August and despite hearing negative news about the Food and Service, we had all positive impressions.
Flight was on time. Note to everyone checking in at Delhi. Security will not permit you to enter the airport terminal until 3-3.5 hours prior to departure. We showed up six hours. Not sure if giving a tip would have helped us but we met fellow well to do Indian citizen that this is normal. You may need to pay a few rupees to use the waiting room.

Service, very good. Flight Attendant were constantly walking by. Nice, polite, professional and three wanted to chat with us but the other biz passengers were a bit demanding during the whole flight and took their time away from is.
Food - so much food! I'm not Indian but found the food very good. Flight left New Delhi late, late night so a not so heavy meal was served. But portion was on the big size. There is a snack basket in the galley during the flight. 1.5 hrs before landing it was dinner service even though NY time is 5am. No menu is given it rather given three choices: chicken, vegetarian, and seafood.
Seat. Yes the seat looks old but it was the most comfy biz seat to date. Or that the flight left at 1am and I was just tired. Seat is angle flat seat it and I like this seat angle better especially if you want to sleep after a heavy meal.
Entertainment - I usually watch the map channel.
Amenity kit. We were given in socks, eye shade, and toothbrush in a paper envelope. I thought it was disappointing but the real surprise came when the flight attendant ask us our clothing size. We were given white PJ set. I'm 5'7" and 185lbs and the size was good but the length of the PJ's sleeves and pants were too long for me. Also they offer youth size PJs.
Overall I was pleased and would fly with them again.

@Kevinwdw

I agree with your observations - had the same good experience and found DEL to be a pleasant airport. Another word of warning, you need to show your ticket and ID to the security personnel at the airport before being allowed entry into the airport. We made a mistake of not having this, but AI staff helped us out and obtained the documents for us.

Overall, I would fly AI again.For us, they actually brought all of the dishes on a trolley so my understanding is that consistency seems to be the main issue with AI. Yes - the seats were also worn out but I agree that they were extremely comfortable (maybe because they were worn out and softened?).

Ben - When is this supposed to take effect? My wife and I are booked in CONFIRMED AI First Class DEL-SFO mid December 2016, however there is no seat map available which makes me nervous we will get down-graded to Business Class now?
My last experience with AI in Business Class is NOT something I care to repeat...