Recent reviews on Emirates and Air India

Hi there,

For my upcoming trip to Thailand, I’ve narrowed it down to Emirates and Air India and would love to hear recent feedback from members who’ve flown with them.

I’ve noticed on several sites that reviews for both airlines are pretty negative. I’m not surprised about Air India, but I read they’ve been acquired.

I flew Emirates twice in 2018 and was surprised by the drop in recent reviews. It almost makes me think of Etihad, which I initially liked but then declined (I’m not sure what their situation is like now).

hello, I took the Lyon-Dubai-Kuala Lumpur route with Emirates and had nothing to say—it went really well. On the way back, I was able to get an upgrade on the Dubai-Lyon flight, which was really nice. But my criteria might not be the same as other travelers...

Qatar Airways usually tops the rankings for the best airline. Emirates comes right after, way ahead of the others. The layover is right in the middle of the journey, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and check out the duty-free shops.

I recently flew with Emirates and we were super satisfied. We even noticed a big improvement in the snacks and meals compared to last time—really high quality.

About ten years ago, I wouldn’t have given Air India a passing grade. Maybe they’ve improved since then.

Anyway, Emirates wins hands down.

Hi,

I’ve flown Air India twice, including this past winter. It’s an airline that’s really improved, and I didn’t have any issues this year—unlike several years ago, when it wasn’t great. Tickets are cheap. Just make sure your layover in New Delhi isn’t too short; security lines are *very* long.

Is Emirates still well-stocked with French-language films?

I tried Qatar again last May—personally, I found the seat really tight. Not great for French films either, just 3 movies and a 4-hour delay. I wouldn’t fly with them or Air China again; I feel like their service has dropped since pre-COVID.

I don’t take flights to watch movies that I could see uncensored in infinitely more comfortable conditions.

From Paris, we had the A380 for both flights. That was partly why we’d chosen Emirates.

I don’t fly to watch movies that I could see uncensored in infinitely more comfortable conditions.

So, if I understand correctly—and with all due respect—you take flights exclusively to watch movies on a screen instead of enjoying the final destination and making the most of the journey. That’s really expensive for a cinema seat 😛 No, I’m out =>

I was left speechless by this message and I’m not sure if it’s a misunderstanding, sarcasm, or provocation 😉 Thankfully, the immense respect we have for each other is way above these trivial considerations.

Oh no, it’s none of that. I just got the subtlety.

I don’t fly to watch movies that I could watch uncensored in far more comfortable conditions.

From Paris, we had the A380 for both flights. That’s partly why we chose Emirates.

I get that.

My issue is that I can’t sleep on planes, so I don’t really have a choice (sleeping pills aren’t my thing) 😅

Same here—I love the A380, so I’ll be picking flights that use it for my round trips

It's only in the last few years that I've managed to sleep on planes, and even then, just a little, so I totally get you. It's made even harder by the fact they turn the lights on way more often than before, and meal services always seem to happen right when you're about to fall asleep.

You can go for Emirates without worry—right now and on this route, I'm convinced it's the best option. Plus, it offers the best value for money.

Just a heads-up: in recent years, when booking with Qatar, one or more A380s were listed, but on the day of departure, it was an A330 or A340. Last year, I had the huge Emirates A380 right in front of me at Roissy, leaving an hour before ours (Qatar), and it was a real letdown when we boarded our flight instead.

Note that in recent years, when booking with Qatar, one or more A380s were indicated, but on the day of departure, it was an A330 or A340. Last year, right in front of me at Roissy, there was Emirates' huge A380 leaving an hour before ours (Qatar), and it was a letdown when we boarded ours.

Last time with Qatar, after 1 or 2 hours of waiting on the plane, we still hadn’t taken off from Doha. We were roasting because the air conditioning was broken.

After that long wait, they made us disembark with bottles of water (not enough for everyone), and we waited another 3 hours for a new plane. 😅

Better Qatar than never. 😎

Meh. I’ll try other airlines to see.

Air India someday when they’ve really turned things around. Same for Vietnam Airlines

come on mr Jojoone, I wouldn’t have dared do that one 😉 Still, don’t lose sight of the fact that Dubai’s a major hub for heading to Asia. So the airport’s pretty much at capacity, like a lot of big airports these days. When the B777-300 taking me to KL was about to take off, we had to wait a bit on the taxiway before the other planes could depart

With some aircraft models, doesn’t landing in one piece with all doors and windows intact make you forget all those minor inconveniences?

I flew Emirates last spring to go to Japan. On the Paris/Dubai, Tokyo/Dubai, and Dubai/Paris legs, we were on an A380 (one of the reasons I chose this airline). The space was more than decent. Lots of movie choices in French. For the NRT/DXB leg, we opted for premium economy. We even got lucky and had a French-speaking flight attendant on the DXB/KIX flight. It added a bit of time to our trip, but I don’t regret it. I understand why this airline ranks at the top of the charts.

Thanks. 😊

So it's still the same one I knew a few years back.

Is there a big difference with Eco Premium?

yes with the B737Max but Emirates doesn’t have that type of aircraft

That’s exactly why you’re able to answer me. QED 😉

More space (plus we were in the first row, so no seat in front of us, but the screen was far, really far! 😄), more attention from the staff (a little juice before takeoff), and more allowed baggage weight. Photo found online:

There might be some unusual takeoffs: https://www.air-journal.fr/2024-12-09-des-pilotes-dair-india-tentent-de-decoller-dun-taxiway-a-laeroport-de-goa-5259668.html 😕

It’s scary. You’d hardly believe it.

There may be some unusual takeoffs: https://www.air-journal.fr/2024-12-09-des-pilotes-dair-india-tentent-de-decoller-dun-taxiway-a-laeroport-de-goa-5259668.html 😕

Guess I’m right to wait then 😅

Alright, booked with Emirates for 704 € 3 weeks in Thailand in June 🤑