I managed to do it again! I disappeared for a while last week. I had to go to Mumbai on some personal work. This time around, I chose to fly with “The King of Good Times” – KingFisher Airlines. Here’s what I think. (Breaking convention, the verdict comes before the justification.)
Verdict:
KingFisher is certainly the best domestic airline flying the Indian skies today. This is one agile airline. The others better catch up – fast. Else, Vijay Mallya is sure to become a baron of the airline industry. Long live Vijay Mallya.
The KingFisher experience:
Everything about KingFisher is different. The online reservation system (you can even reserve the seat number you want), the check-in counters, the well-positioned staff at the security check counters, the aircraft, the in-flight service, the in-flight entertainment, the food served, the feedback form, and baggage claims – everything is top-notch! You feel pampered.
For instance, consider the food. On the onward journey, I actually ate hot and tasty Masala Dosa with Chutney and steaming Sambaar. Wow!
The menu on the return journey read:
Vegetarian:
- Paneer aur Methi Ka Dulma
- Achar aur Aam ke Aloo
- Zafrani Sufeda Pulao
- Double ka Meetha
Non-vegetarian:
- Malai Murgh Kali Miri
- Achar aur Aam ke Aloo
- Zafrani Sufeda Pulao
- Double ka Meetha
There’s even a small note that reads: “Your well-balanced meal has been prepared using the freshest of ingredients without any preservatives. Bon Appetit!”
There’s no segregation of classes. Everyone flies “KingFisher Class.” The seats are spacious and comfortable (3 in a row; 2 columns). The cabin has the right ambience. Communication is clear and precise. The staff (mostly cute, cute, … cute ladies) are efficient and wear a genuine smile.
There are some quirks, however. The flight navigation information (displayed on the screen in front of you) seems to be screwed up. When the aircraft is perfectly stationary and on ground, it says you are 10,000 metres above the ground, flying at a speed of over 850 km/h, while the temperature outside is -46 degree Celsius. It looks like a stupid complaint, but it certainly makes you wonder what the pilot must be seeing on his navigational systems.
Q: Would I fly KingFisher again?
A: The other URLs are already out of my bookmarks.
7 thoughts on “The King of Good Times”
Vinaya,
Are you in the payroll of KF airlines (just kidding).
Another point, you are taking flights for personal trips. What is the cost of the flight like?
I am rushing for lunch after going over the mouthwatering menu on your return flight.
-Raja
Other than my flight being rescheduled, the Kingfisher experience was very good. They even got my bag x-rayed themselves.
The flight navigation information worked fine on one flight but it was stuck in the second.
I’ve already booked my next flight woth them :)
Hi Vinaya,
Wow….you had great trips with KF…
Usefull and nice info…
Keep the blog flowing…
Regards,
Girish
Hi Vinay,
Very useful information. I wish our(Indian) airlines expand into international market and make a place for themselves.
Good One !!
– Venky
Talking about Indian Airlines matching up with KF Air … Long long way to go!!! Any public sector in India or a Govt. undertaking needs to understand the hallmarks of a Service Industry. They first need to understand the meaning of the word – Service.
I am a great fan of Mr. Vijay Mallya. Its all about attitude – Think Big. Call him the “Richard Branson” of India ?
Sorry, if somebody doesn’t like comparisons.
merely by wearing a red skirt and a tight top, cannot make one airline superior to another, I personally feel that the pilots as well as the crew and the style of Indian is beyond comparison – they are much more matured and warm.