I’ve flown in hundreds of international business-class seats, but I’ve never wanted to stay on the plane after arriving at my destination — until a trip to New Delhi on Air India changed everything.
Let’s face it, travel — no matter what class — wears the body down, but the 15-hour flight in business class on Air India’s upgraded A350 from Newark to New Delhi was an unexpected pleasure.
Here’s how the journey went.
One of the first things I noticed was that my business-class seat was actually a suite
When I walked over to my seat, the first thing I noticed was that it was a private suite with lots of storage space for my belongings. There was even a wardrobe for hanging clothes, like a jacket.
After putting my belongings away, I familiarized myself with some of the suite’s features.
For example, outside every numbered suite was a light that turned red if you pressed the “do not disturb” button. This signaled to the flight attendants that they shouldn’t stop by for a check-in. I thought this was a nice touch for those trying to get some rest during the flight.
My suite also had a large window with built-in electric blinds that allowed as much or as little light as I wanted. Once closed, the blinds darkened the cabin for a good night’s sleep.
There was a 21-inch “entertainment screen,” too, which featured a cool selection of Bollywood and Hollywood blockbusters, as well as international TV shows.
Overall, I was impressed with the business-class cabin as a whole, and thought the design was sleek and upscale. I also had quite a bit of room in the aisles to stretch and stand if I wanted to visit with someone or get up to read a book.
The food and drink menus were extensive, and the snacks kept coming
Just moments after getting settled in my suite, I was offered a glass of Laurent-Perrier. (Yes, please.)
The food menu was extensive, and I chose tomato and bocconcini caprese with toasted almonds, Kalamata olives, and garlic toast, as well as rice, beans, and chickpeas.
My meal even came with a salt and pepper shaker shaped like a tiffin box (a traditional Indian lunch box, often made of metal, with tiers to store different foods).
After dinner, the crew offered me snacks, including a cheese plate with Emmental, Brie, and English cheddar, as well as a chocolate rind cheesecake. Along the way, I also had a delicious Bloody Mary.
During my flight, I also visited the dedicated social area behind business class. The delightfully decorated area was a warm and inviting enclave for visiting with fellow passengers and crew members. It was complete with more snacks, including cookies, cakes, cheeses, nuts, and fruit.
After the flight attendants saw that I’d grabbed a bag of nuts, they grabbed another bag and warmed them up for me. I thought that attention to detail was really special.
I continued to receive warmed bags of nuts and popcorn, seemingly every 45 minutes.
Bedtime felt luxurious, too
My seat reclined into a 79-inch lie-flat bed, and at 5-foot-9, I had plenty of room to spare. The crew made my bed with a duvet, and I was also provided a soft blanket, so I slept like a baby.
Business-class passengers also received Tumi pajamas and amenity kits designed by Ferragamo, which included body lotion, hand cream, lip balm, and more, in an elegant keepsake bag featuring a gold Maharaja charm.
I thought the pajamas were extra soft and comfy — a much-appreciated bonus for an overnight flight.
Altogether, my experience in Air India’s business class was enjoyable and comfortable from start to finish. With ample storage, delicious meals and snacks, and plenty of room to relax, I think it rivaled most international first-class seats I’ve been on.
By the time my trip was over, my only thought was: Would anyone notice if I stayed?
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