💺 My First Air India Business Class Experience – Worth the ₹20,000?

esztermolnar123
Jul 24
2 min read

Route: Kolkata (CCU) to Hyderabad (HYD)

Flight: AI 9578

Duration: 2h 25min

Fare: ₹20,000 (Business Class)

🛬 Departure from Kolkata – A Cultural Send-Off

As I walked through Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, I was greeted by a burst of Bengali art. A towering installation—vivid, tribal, and dramatic—stood tall, reminding me of how culturally rich and flamboyant Bengal truly is. A perfect “miles and moments” photo-op before takeoff.

✈️ Boarding Air India Business Class – First Impressions

Priority check-in was smooth and efficient. I was one of the first to board, which gave me a moment to take it all in. The cabin had plush burgundy leather chairs, arranged in a 2-2 layout with generous legroom and wide armrests.

The aesthetic? Classic. The vibe? Quiet. And the best part? No middle seats and no elbow wars.

🍱 In-Flight Meal – Better Than Expected

Shortly after takeoff, we were served breakfast. Despite the short duration of the flight, the meal tray was well thought out:

Mini Idlis, Medu Vada & Upma – Warm, soft, and mildly spiced
Paper Boat Fruit Medley – Refreshing and light
Choco Banana Cake – Fluffy and sweet
Bottled Water – Hydration sorted

A hearty South Indian meal that didn’t disappoint. The tray came with cute illustrated packaging—a lovely touch.

🌤️ Above the Clouds – Views Worth Waking Up For

Even though the monsoon clouds danced below us, there were magical moments when the skies cleared. My window seat became a front-row pass to India’s patchwork fields, puffy clouds, and the shimmer of raindrops on the window as we landed.

🛬 Landing in Hyderabad – Smooth & Rain-Soaked

We landed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on time, with rain adding some cinematic flair to the arrival. The airport was efficient and the luggage arrived swiftly.

🧾 Verdict: Is It Worth ₹20,000?

If you're a frequent domestic flyer used to economy class chaos, then yes—Air India’s Business Class is a comfortable splurge. The seats alone made the journey peaceful, the food was a pleasant surprise, and the overall service felt considered.

Would I fly it again? Probably yes, especially on slightly longer routes.

📌 Tips:

Book early to snag better fares
Window seats = best views
Check in early and enjoy priority everything

💬 Final Thoughts

My first Air India Business Class flight wasn’t luxury-laced like an international experience—but it delivered on comfort, calm, and charm. For ₹20k, I’d say it’s a solid “treat yourself” experience—especially when you need to show up in a new city well-rested and well-fed.

Until the next journey,— Miles & Moments ✈️