Andy Mossack reviews Air India Business Class and can’t help feeling rather princely.
“Mr. Andy, would you like some loungewear?” Perhaps not the normal greeting I might have expected when boarding an international flight, and I can’t deny it took me aback. How was I to respond? What did you have in mind? A colourful smoking jacket perhaps? A cool trendy onesie? I have to admit, indulging in some retail therapy this early in the flight was not a priority for me right at that moment.
Sensing my abject confusion the flight attendant simply pointed to a packet of clothes she was holding.
“Some comfy joggers and a sweatshirt for your overnight sir. Much more comfortable than daywear.”
I accepted of course, and she was off in a trice to get me a little refreshing glass of something to sip before take-off.
Now that’s what I would call a very impressive start.
I was on my way to Delhi from London Heathrow and sampling the hospitality of Air India Business Class throughout a trip around India including internal flights to Gujarat and Kerala before returning to London. It was also a chance to experience Air India’s new fleet of Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft following the recent deal with Singapore Airlines taking a 25% stake in the company.
Star Alliance Lounges at London Heathrow
With no private lounge at Queen’s Terminal 2 at London Heathrow, Air India Business Class passengers can use any of the four Star Alliance lounges: Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa and United. Generally, any lounge experience always depends on how busy they are, and Singapore Airlines tends to be pretty busy all of the time. Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge Is next door to Singapore and has consistent quality in my opinion and would be my preference if there is room.
My Air India flight was an overnight leaving around 10pm, so I wasn’t going to eat dinner on board, just breakfast the following morning. So, I made sure to enjoy some decent food in the lounge pre flight.
Air India’s A350-900
Once I got over the awkward loungewear debacle with my dignity almost intact, I took a moment to have a look around my seat cubicle. The cabin was laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, and I was at the front middle next to my wife. All the seats had direct aisle access while the centre two had sliding privacy screens.
I have to say there was ample stowage space for all my bits and pieces, including a shelf that fitted my shoes which are pretty hefty. The 21- inch TV screen and headphones were impressive, but it was late, so I was looking forward to rolling out my mattress on my flatbed, pumping up my pillow and getting some shuteye. Speaking of which, my wife’s seat stubbornly refused to go flat, and I have to say the cabin crew were heroic in their efforts to fix the problem. Thankfully they succeeded to do so after trying numerous strategies, and she was rewarded with a decent night’s sleep instead of having to stand the whole way!
Having shunned the late supper, I woke up with just a few hours left on the flight to some choices to make for breakfast. After a welcome kale, spinach and kiwi smoothie and some sliced fresh fruit, I had to choose between a brie and shitake omelette, Turkish eggs, home-style stuffed paratha, or a south Indian platter which included a dosa and gunpowder tempered rice cake with a lentil and tomato broth. I went with Turkish eggs which was effectively shakshuka in any other language and very tasty.
Air India’s 787-9 Dreamliner
For our overnight return leg to London, we bagged the new 787- 9 Dreamliner which was a delight from start to finish despite the 01.40 am take off. Same configuration layout as above, but these were essentially spacious mini pods each with their own sliding entry door.
The 42’’ pitch seat was a chaise lounge while upright which converted into a 79‘’ flatbed for sleeping. There was Bluetooth headphone pairing if you want to use your own favourite headphones, and the 17-inch 4K QLED HDR screen was crystal clear. Lots of nice little touches like a vanity mirror, a hook for your headphones, height adjustable armrest, and a very stylish jaali patterned reading lamp.
Again, very attentive cabin crew and another very tasty breakfast as we neared Heathrow.
Air India Domestic Business Class Flights
During my epic trip across India, I travelled on four Air India domestic flights: Delhi to Gujarat, Gujarat to Mumbai, Mumbai to Kerala and Kerala to Delhi. Each flight was an Airbus A320, a very capable aircraft with a comfortable Business Class section offering personalised service and varied menus.
The domestic Air India business lounges at Mumbai and Delhi were excellent. Freshly cooked curries to order, and freshly baked breads too.
However, the International Encalm Prive Lounges at Delhi were disappointing. Enormous spaces with very average food. There are two, practically opposite each other. One is a Loyalty Lounge, and of the two, that one is the better. Please note, all soft drinks are free, but you will have to pay for any alcohol.
Final Thoughts
Air India faced a very challenging year in 2025 but has since managed to navigate through that pretty successfully. The Business Class check in experience within India was top notch particularly in Delhi and Ahmedabad, and with the new fleet and cabin facelifts now in service across most routes the airline has every chance of succeeding in its transformation.
Tell me more about Air India Business Class
Throughout his Indian Odyssey series Andy flew with Air India. A direct flight from London Heathrow to Delhi, from Delhi to Ahmedabad, Rajkot to Kochi and Kochi to London Heathrow via Mumbai.
Air India is the largest carrier between India and the UK, operating nearly 1.7 million seats annually on routes between the two countries. As part of its Northern Winter 2025 schedule, the airline announced a fourth daily flight between Delhi and London Heathrow with all flights now operated by its new Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
The airline also introduced its new global menu in November, curated by Chef Sandeep Kalra, who was tasked with combining the flavours of India with influences from global cuisines. It includes signature Indian dishes such as Murgh Massalam and Gen-Z delights like Chicken Bibimbap and has already been introduced on most international ex-India routes, including flights from Delhi to London Heathrow
