First impressions: I arrived at Delhi’s domestic terminal at 1845 for my 2030 flight. Getting the taxi close to the terminal was a challenge so I jumped out and wheeled my bag. I noticed a big sign saying this was the international airport, but on closer inspection I could see all the flights leaving were domestic.
Inside the hall, my luggage was screened and I made my way to the check-in desks. All were for Economy and I was pointed to the Club Premiere (Business) desks, which were to the left of the main Jet check-in area on the other side of the Air Sahara desks. These had longer queues so I went back to the economy area and checked in almost immediately and was given a card for the lounge. I went through security relatively quickly and then discovered that the lounge was not airside (I had been given no directions either on the card or by the check-in staff). After some persuading of the security staff and some help from a Jet Airways employee, I was allowed to pass back through.
The Lounge: Jet does not have its own lounge but uses the WelcomGroup Port Lounge situated on the first floor. The lounge reminded me of a fading cafeteria. As a Jet customer you can have a drink (wine, beer, soft drink or tea/coffee) and a snack. Other food can be bought from a fairly extensive menu that ranges from fish and chips to curry and burgers. Wireless internet access is available in the lounge, as it is across the terminal, but my attempts to get beyond the landing pages just produced error messages and I was not able to see more.
Boarding: The incoming flight was late and the staff were good at updating me on its status. Passing back through security was quick and I boarded the bus to the plane. Buses are common at Indian airports as terminals do not have enough jet bridges and are even often short of space to park the planes.
Once on the plane the crew helped stow my bag and jacket. Newspapers and magazines were offered along with a hot towel and a welcome drink (water, lime juice or green mango).
The seat: The Boeing B737-800 has a 2-2 configuration in Business Class. The seats are made of blue material and are similar to the older cradle-style Business Class seat you still see on some airlines – except there is only back adjustment and no legrest.
The Flight: The plane pulled away from the stand at 2055 and we were airborne at 2113. Menus were handed out and offered a simple seasonal salad or smoked chicken salad and soup. Main courses included Thai vegetable curry, sautéed chicken in a pepper sauce, Indian vegetarian curry or Indian chicken curry. This was followed by lemon gateau, a local Indian dessert or fruit. Dishes were served on china and the crew worked hard to do so during the 1hr 45min flight. I chose soup and Thai curry, both of which were surprisingly good.
Soon after clearing the plates and coffee being served we started the descent into Mumbai and a selection of sweets were handed out.
Arrival: We arrived about 35 minutes late at 2300 and arrived on stand about five minutes later. The steps arrived at the plane but it was another five or ten minutes before the bus arrived and we were allowed off. There was a bit of a bus jam on the way to the terminal that took another 5-10 minutes to clear but once inside our bags were already on the carousel.
Verdict: The flight and service was very good but the ground experience, most of it not provided by Jet, does not live up to the same standards.
Price: A return fare costs US$656 in Business Class booked via online agent Travelocity.
Julian Gregory
