Tried & Tested

Flight Review: Jet Airways B777-300ER Economy

3 Nov 2016 by Neha Gupta Kapoor

CHECK-IN

I arrived at Terminal 1 of Dubai International Airport at 1845 to check-in for my 2205 flight. There was already a winding queue when I got there. The check-in counters weren’t open yet, but sensing the rising impatience of its passengers, Jet Airways’ ground personnel worked fast to get the process rolling soon. At 1900 sharp, three economy check-in counters opened in addition to two others for business/first class and one self-check-in baggage drop counter. The line moved quickly and by 1920 I was on my way to security.

BOARDING

My flight was departing from Concourse D, so I had to take the airport’s shuttle train, after security, to the new terminal. The journey is barely 120 seconds short. Boarding started at 2150. If there was an announcement to board in groups, it wasn’t audible to me. Passengers formed a line, in no particular order, to board. The ground staff was apologetic for the delay, efficient in moving the line quickly, and prompt when needed. Boarding was complete by 2210.

Jet-Airways-B777

THE SEAT

There are 308 economy class seats in a 3-4-3 configuration. They’re upholstered in maroon fabric with beige headrest covers, and lack the much appreciated USB charging point. Foldable tables are sturdy and provide enough space to squeeze in a 15-inch MacBook Pro and a glass of water. The seat-back in-flight entertainment (IFE) touch screen (10.6-inch) wasn’t very responsive, but the detachable remote below it came to the rescue.

WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE?

Legroom seats are in rows 26 and 30 (ACDEFGHK), 50 (ABCHJK), and 52 (DEFG) in the economy cabins. Rows 50 and 52 are just beside the galley. Seats DEFG of row 14 also have basinet access. Front row, aisle seats are more convenient as you don’t feel confined to your seat. Lavatories are at the rear of the economy cabin and just after row 29, which means there can be disturbance from passenger movement.

THE FLIGHT

We pushed back after a 25 minutes delay and took off after waiting in queue for another four-five minutes. Once airborne, drinks and food service started about ten minutes after the seatbelt signs were switched off. We were asked to pick between a biryani or an Indian veg or non-veg meal option. I chose the chicken, which came with rice and vegetables. It was better than expected, in fact, I would even go as far as saying it was tasty.

The IFE library had a decent collection of Hollywood and Bollywood movies, as well as TV shows. Most of the recent Hollywood releases were available — I watched Happy Mother’s Day.

Jet Airways B777-300 seatplan

ARRIVAL

We landed three hours after takeoff, at 0300 IST (0130 UAE time). We didn’t have to taxi for long. Immigration was quick as usual at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

VERDICT

The staff was attentive and friendly. I was exceptionally thirsty during the flight and the attendants were happy to serve me with as much water throughout. Even though I had a window seat, I didn’t feel cornered — overall, it was a comfortable journey.

DEPARTURE TIME

2205

JOURNEY TIME

3 hours 5 minutes

AIRCRAFT TYPE

B777-300ER

SEAT PITCH

31-inch/79cm

PRICE

Internet rates for a return economy flight from Dubai to Mumbai in mid-November start from ₹29,601 including taxes and surcharges.

CONTACT

jetairways.com

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