We just returned from our trip to India.
This time, we preferred to book in Continental
Airlines since it provides a non stop flight from
Newark to Mumbai and we thought we would save some
time.
Little did we know that it is worse then Indian
Railways !
Our flight plan was Boston to Newark at 4:30 PM and
Newark to Mumbai at 8:40 PM. On reaching airport,
we were informed that since flights are running
slightly (!!) behind the schedule due to weather
conditions, we have been put to 3:30 flight just to
ensure that we do not miss our connection.
The 3:30 flight got rescheduled to 5:30 and again to
6:40.
When I inquired about status of Newark -- Mumbai
flight, I was informed it was on time and CO Agent
advised us to take an earlier flight to Newark
(Originally scheduled at 2 PM, rescheduled to 4:55
PM).
The flight was taxing for about an hour and took off
at 6 PM. At around 7 PM, we were informed that there
is bad weather and the flight did not have enough
fuel to wait. No ALS, CAT-3 helped. So they took us
back to Boston. We were imprisoned in the flight for
about 45 minutes and then allowed to deplane.
The staff in Boston airport is the rudest I have ever
seen. They mentioned that the options available to
us are to cancel our trip or travel to Newark in next
flight and wait in airport for next available
international flight. They categorically mentioned
that CO will not provide any accomodation.
Well, we took the risk to travel to Newark and reached
at 11:30 PM. CO did not provide food or even water
during this trip. We were out of food from 5 PM
onwards !!
All international flights have left. After some
cajoling, we were provided hotel accomodation
vouchers in ... guess what .... HOJO !! However,
CO was again negligent but this time, it was good for
us. On reaching HOJO, we were informed that they
are fully booked and pushed us to another hotel
(Wyndham) ... a decent one.
Next day, they put us in a flight to Paris and then a
connecting AF flight to Mumbai. Eventually we reached
Mumbai 27 hours after the scheduled arrival time (did
I say it is worse then Indian Railways) .
Irony is, Mumbai - Newark flight which we missed
earlier day was delayed by over 2 hours and had we
travelled by our original flight (3:30 PM rescheduled
to 6:40 PM) we could have made it. In fact, our
luggage travelled to Mumbai one day before us
Apparently, the CO staff at Boston had no information
that the Newark- Mumbai flight has been delayed.
Also, the CO flight was the Only flight which could
not land on Newark on that day.
Well the story does not end here.
During the return trip, in Mumbai airport, I was
told that our booking has been cancelled .... reason
.. we did not travel per our original booking during
onward journey.
It took me over 30 minutes to explain them that my
travel plan was changed because of CO's fault.
Finally, they made some arrangement even though we
did not get our preferred seating.
The non-stop flight (16 hours) is not bad except that
the quantity of food is not sufficient.
Have sent a complaint to Continental and waiting for
their response.
I have seen people bashing Air India in various
forums, but compared to Continental, Air India ground
staff are angel.
Up until now, I have mostly travelled AI and
occassionaly BA. This was my first attempt with CO
and I think I will stick to AI or Jet (or Kingfisher
if they start US operation)
Will share my Mumbai / Guwahati experience in another
posting.
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