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Jet Airways B737-700 Economy Class

Originally published on www.businesstraveller.asia 31/10/2009 - Filed under: Tried & Tested » Airlines » Tried & Tested » Tried & Tested » Airlines » Jet Airways »

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CHECK IN Conscious of Mumbai’s unpredictable and wearying gridlocks, I left the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Towers by the Gateway of India at 8.30am. I was to catch my flight 9W336 at 11.05am to Trivandrum, capital of Kerala. Either the driver was so skilful in navigation or traffic was unusually light because we arrived at Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport Terminal 1B at 9.20am, which was quite a feat.

I was met by the Taj Hotel rep, who escorted me to the check-in counter and brought my luggage to the scanner. As there were no other passengers, I was processed instantly. Next was the usual security hassle of Indian airports where passengers have to put their handcarry through the X-ray machine and proceed to an enclosed booth to be patted down. I am always fearful that my laptop will be snatched when not within (my) view. I wonder if they will ever find a way to solve this annoying procedure.

Don’t leave your boarding pass in your bag as the guard has to stamp it to let you through. The departure hall was cavernous.

BOARDING Announcements were made at 10.40am and passengers were asked to board the buses to take them to the waiting aircraft. The lines were orderly and people seemed extraordinarily cheerful. Was it because they were going somewhere nice?

This Boeing B737-800 featured a 3-3 configuration in Economy, which was quite full, although there were still some empty seats.

Water was offered as we settled down. We pushed off at 11.20am.

THE SEAT I was in the first row of Economy Class in an aisle seat, 10D. There is more legroom in this seat, though don’t make the mistake of extending your legs (or arms) out into the aisle or you will either trip up one of the cabin crew, or be run over by one of the trolleys. Also be prepared to experience the comings and goings of the cabin crew more intensely as row 10 is nearest the bulkhead separating Business and Economy Class. If you want privacy, better to choose a seat by the window.

As it’s a long way to the washroom at the back, consider going before the meal service  rather than after, when queues are certain to form. Perhaps, when Business Class isn’t full and you’re able to charm one of the crew, you may be allowed to use the washroom there.

THE FLIGHT Lime juice Indian-style, tasting both sweet and salty, was offered. A light lunch followed, consisting of either a vegetarian meal or chicken croissant with spicy potatoes on the side. The sponge cake had an appealing crunchiness to it. Real silverware was used.

ARRIVAL The trip took an hour and 40 minutes but seemed shorter.

VERDICT Smooth flight and staff who respond quickly to requests.

PRICE Return Bombay-Trivandrum fare is from US$236.

Margie T Logarta

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COMMENTS » 

Aravindha - 01/12/2009 09:22

Dear Business Traveler Asia Editorial team,

I am an avid traveler and a fan of Business Traveller Asia for many years. While I have enjoyed your articles and review on a number of occasions, nothing has stirred me up so much than the latest review by Ms. Logarta on Jet Airways- Mumbai- Trivandrum Flight on Economy Class.

Ms. Logarta in her review talks about the usual Security hassle of Indian Airports. I take great offense to this statement. As a strong patriot and a realistic business traveller, I come to understand the need for extra security at all Airport. Terrorism has redefined the way we interact not to mention the way we travel.

Mumbai has been the epic-centre of many terrorist attacks with the latest and most tragic happening in November 2008. India has also seen its fair share of aircraft hijacks. I see no hassle if the armed personnel wants to personally peruse through my hand luggage or impose carry on restriction on to the flight to ensure safety on board. It is ok to error in the side of caution. Further, the security mechanism in each country is its own and is to be respected and refrained from comments.

I am a frequent traveler and I have encountered many airports across the globe where there is a standard practice of having the laptop X-rayed separately (Australian airports have the same procedure). I recount travels to Israel which is accompanied by security investigations prior to persons boarding the flight plus compulsory frisking of personal carriage.

While India is a developing country and lacks utmost modernity and comfiest seen in developed countries, I can assure Ms. Logarta that the security staff value their importance and will not make a dash for her laptop. I can also assure her that the security in Indian airports is required and unless personally affected by terror like millions of Indians in their everyday life, she will continue to fail to understand the importance of security and the "necessary hassle" while travelling through sensitive areas.

I understand she is the chief editor and this letter may not be published but it wont be too much to ask her to please mend her opinion and keep in mind the country's history and the level of terror threat before making such statements.

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