Air India is under fire after popular travel vlogger Drew Binsky shared his “miserable” experience flying business class from London to Amritsar. The influencer, who has a massive following across social platforms, described the nine-hour journey as “pathetic,” claiming he paid $750 for an upgrade that did not live up to expectations.
A “Hair-Infested Pillow” and Broken Seat
In his Instagram post, Binsky highlighted the series of issues he faced onboard:
- Non-Reclining Seat: Upon taking his business class seat, he was informed it was broken and would not recline.
- No Functional Table: With a broken tray table, Binsky was forced to eat his meal using a pillow on his lap. To make matters worse, the pillow was reportedly covered in human hair.
- “I had to eat my meal on a pillow covered in human hair. What kind of business class is this?” he lamented.
- Dirty Surroundings: Binsky showcased filthy seat corners and visible dust and grime, which painted a poor picture of Air India’s cabin hygiene.
Outdated In-Flight Entertainment and Poor Amenities
Binsky didn’t hold back his criticism of Air India’s in-flight entertainment system:
- The screen looked like it was “from the 1980s” and the remote did not work.
- Although connected to onboard WiFi, he was unable to access the internet.
The influencer also expressed disappointment with the amenities kit, stating it contained only one “motel-quality lotion” instead of premium skincare products typically offered in business class. He further noted that the hot towel turned cold by the time it reached him.
Binsky’s Final Word: A Warning to Travelers
In his video, Binsky concluded:
“Thank you Air India for this miserable nine-hour experience which I spent $750 to upgrade for. I will be sure to never fly Air India again and I recommend you all to stay away unless you want this.”
Impact on Air India’s Reputation
This scathing review has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many travelers echoing similar sentiments about Air India’s service quality. Such high-profile criticism from a globally recognized influencer like Drew Binsky could impact the airline’s image, particularly among international travelers who expect top-tier service in business class.
Air India, which has been undergoing fleet upgrades and service improvements since its privatization, now faces increased scrutiny to ensure passenger satisfaction matches its premium offerings.
While Air India continues its efforts to improve, Drew Binsky’s experience highlights areas of concern that need immediate attention. Delivering a premium experience consistent with customer expectations is vital for maintaining trust and enhancing the airline’s global reputation.