Air India EWR To BOM: My Flight Experience

Hey guys! Planning a trip from Newark (EWR) to Mumbai (BOM) with Air India? I recently took this long-haul flight and wanted to share my experience. Buckle up for a detailed review covering everything from check-in to landing. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time flyer, this will give you an inside scoop on what to expect.

Booking and Check-in

Booking my Air India flight from Newark to Mumbai was pretty straightforward. I used their website, which, honestly, could use a little sprucing up – it felt a bit dated. But hey, it got the job done! I was able to select my seats and add my frequent flyer number without any major hiccups. Keep an eye out for deals; I managed to snag a decent fare by booking well in advance. The real adventure began at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). I arrived about three hours before departure, which I highly recommend for international flights, especially with Air India. The check-in line was… chaotic. It wasn't terribly long, but it was disorganized. There seemed to be some confusion among the staff, and the process was slower than I anticipated. Make sure you have all your documents ready – passport, visa (if required), and your ticket confirmation. Having everything in order will definitely save you some time and frustration. Once I finally reached the counter, the agent was polite and efficient. They checked my baggage, confirmed my seat, and handed me my boarding pass. Security was next, and thankfully, it was relatively smooth. After that, I headed to my gate, ready for the long journey ahead. Pro-tip: Download the Air India app! It's handy for tracking your flight status and getting updates on any delays or gate changes. Plus, you can store your boarding pass on your phone, which is super convenient.

The Aircraft and Seating

Let's talk about the aircraft, a Boeing 777-300ER, which is a pretty standard workhorse for long-haul routes. The plane felt reasonably well-maintained, although you could tell it had seen some miles. I was flying in economy class, so my expectations weren't sky-high (pun intended!). The seating configuration was a typical 3-4-3 layout. I had pre-selected an aisle seat, which I always prefer for long flights to make those bathroom breaks easier. The legroom was… adequate. I'm about 5'11", and my knees were definitely touching the seat in front of me. If you're taller than that, you might want to consider splurging on extra legroom seats, if your budget allows. The seats themselves were reasonably comfortable, with adjustable headrests. Each seat had a personal entertainment screen, which was a lifesaver for keeping boredom at bay during the 14+ hour flight. I did notice that some of the screens were a bit glitchy, so be prepared for the possibility of some technical difficulties. The cleanliness of the cabin was generally good, although I did spot a few crumbs and stray wrappers. Nothing too egregious, but it could have been better. Overall, the aircraft was decent, but the legroom in economy could definitely be improved. If you're planning this flight, think about investing in a travel pillow and maybe some compression socks to make the journey more comfortable. Trust me, your body will thank you!

In-Flight Entertainment and Amenities

The in-flight entertainment (IFE) system on Air India was a mixed bag. On the positive side, there was a decent selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. I found a few recent blockbusters to keep me occupied, as well as some classic Bollywood flicks. The screen resolution was acceptable, and the headphones provided were standard airline fare – not amazing, but they did the job. However, the system itself was a bit slow and clunky. Navigating the menus could be frustrating, and there were a few times when the system froze up completely. I had to restart it a couple of times, which was a bit annoying. One thing I appreciated was the availability of power outlets. Each seat had a USB port, which was essential for keeping my phone and other devices charged. There was also a shared power outlet between seats, which was a nice touch. Air India also provided a basic amenity kit, which included a blanket, pillow, and a pair of socks. The blanket was thin but adequate, and the pillow was small but provided some neck support. The socks were a welcome addition, especially on such a long flight. Wi-Fi was available for purchase, but I didn't try it out, so I can't comment on the speed or reliability. I'd recommend downloading some movies or TV shows onto your devices before the flight, just in case the IFE system decides to act up. Overall, the in-flight entertainment and amenities were decent, but there's definitely room for improvement.

Food and Beverage

Now, let's talk about the food – a crucial aspect of any long-haul flight! Air India offered two meal services during the Newark to Mumbai flight, as well as snacks and beverages in between. The first meal was served shortly after takeoff, and the second was served a few hours before landing. I had pre-ordered a vegetarian meal, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and taste. The food was flavorful and well-prepared, and the portions were generous. My meal included a vegetable curry, rice, dal, and a piece of naan bread. There was also a small salad and a dessert. The non-vegetarian options, according to my fellow passengers, were also quite good. They offered a choice of chicken or fish, and everyone seemed satisfied with their meals. Between meal services, the flight attendants offered snacks and beverages. There was a selection of soft drinks, juices, water, and tea and coffee. Alcoholic beverages were also available for purchase. The flight attendants were generally attentive and responsive to requests. They came around regularly with water and snacks, and they were quick to address any issues or concerns. Overall, the food and beverage service on Air India was above average. I was particularly impressed with the quality of the vegetarian meal. If you have any dietary restrictions, I highly recommend pre-ordering your meal to ensure you get something you can enjoy.

Service and Crew

The service and crew on my Air India flight were a mixed bag. Some of the flight attendants were incredibly friendly, helpful, and attentive, while others seemed less enthusiastic. There were a few standouts who went above and beyond to make the flight more comfortable for passengers. They were quick to respond to requests, always had a smile on their face, and seemed genuinely concerned about our well-being. However, there were also a few flight attendants who seemed less engaged and less attentive. They weren't rude or unhelpful, but they didn't go out of their way to provide exceptional service. Communication could also be a bit of a challenge at times. Some of the crew members had thick accents, which made it difficult to understand them. This wasn't a major issue, but it did require me to ask them to repeat themselves a few times. Overall, the service on Air India was decent, but it wasn't consistently excellent. There were definitely some bright spots, but there's also room for improvement. One thing I appreciated was the crew's willingness to accommodate special requests. I saw them helping passengers with disabilities, assisting families with young children, and providing extra blankets and pillows to those who were cold. Their flexibility and willingness to help were commendable.

Arrival and Overall Impression

After what felt like an eternity, we finally touched down at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai. The landing was smooth, and the disembarkation process was relatively efficient. Immigration and customs were a breeze, and I was out of the airport in no time. Overall, my experience with Air India from Newark to Mumbai was… okay. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't amazing either. There were some positives, such as the decent food, the availability of power outlets, and the generally friendly crew. However, there were also some negatives, such as the disorganized check-in process, the limited legroom in economy, and the glitchy in-flight entertainment system. Would I fly Air India again? Maybe. If the price was right and the alternatives were limited, I would consider it. However, I would also explore other options before making a final decision. My advice to Air India would be to focus on improving the consistency of their service, upgrading their in-flight entertainment system, and providing more legroom in economy class. These changes would go a long way towards enhancing the passenger experience and making Air India a more competitive airline on the Newark to Mumbai route.

So, there you have it – my detailed review of Air India's EWR to BOM flight. I hope this helps you make an informed decision when planning your trip. Safe travels!