An Air India First Class passenger endured a harrowing experience on flight AI187 from Delhi to Toronto, highlighting serious maintenance and hygiene issues. Reports include malfunctioning seats, broken USB ports, detached reading lights, and even bed bugs, leaving the 18-hour journey deeply uncomfortable.
Following public outrage, Air India issued an apology and offered compensation of INR 10,174 (approximately $116). This amount represents only a fraction of the $1,500 paid for the First Class upgrade, drawing criticism for being insufficient. The airline stated that the case has been forwarded to its internal team for review and future service improvements.
Despite recent modernization promises, Air India continues to face scrutiny over First Class cabin maintenance. Passengers frequently report torn upholstery, cracked panels, and inconsistent cleanliness, contrasting sharply with the airline’s advertised “luxury in the sky.” Observers note that compensation often varies depending on the social media attention an incident receives, leaving smaller complaints largely unaddressed.
The incident underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining service quality and customer trust in Air India’s premium offerings. Consistent maintenance and fair compensation policies remain vital for restoring confidence in its First Class experience.
