Tata-owned Air India has refunded the complete airfare to Anip Patel, founding father of the Chicago-based enterprise capital agency CaPatel Investments, after his viral Instagram video detailing his disappointing first-class journey from Chicago to Delhi attracted widespread consideration.
Patel’s refund comes even supposing he didn’t lodge a proper grievance with the airline. He revealed on September 18 that Air India reached out to him straight after the video gained traction on social media.
“I didn’t file any grievance with @airindia, however via social media, they noticed this video — they referred to as me as we speak and refunded my complete flight,” Patel stated in a touch upon his Submit. “They did make it proper, and it is price noting,” he added, acknowledging the airline’s immediate motion to rectify his disagreeable journey expertise.
WHAT WAS THE CONTROVERSY
The controversy started when Patel shared a video on Instagram describing his expertise throughout a difficult 15-hour nonstop flight.
“I had heard damaging issues about Air India prior to now, however I hoped the latest modifications below new administration would enhance the expertise — sadly, that wasn’t the case,” he acknowledged. The video shortly garnered consideration, amassing 6.9 million views, 97,100 likes, and over 8,700 feedback since its posting.
In his video, Patel highlighted the poor situation of the first-class cabin, which he claimed was unfit for a premium fare of $6,300 for a one-way ticket. “Every little thing was ripped, ruined, or had mildew on it. I perceive it was put on and tear, however this was subsequent stage,” Patel exclaimed. He additional elaborated on his grievances, noting that the meals menu was lacking about 30% of its choices and that solely certainly one of every merchandise was obtainable for the 4 first-class passengers on board that day. “It was mainly a primary come, first serve,” he remarked.
Compounding his frustration, Patel reported that the in-flight leisure system was inoperative regardless of makes an attempt by the cabin crew to reset it a number of instances. He famous that objects within the cabin seemed to be taped to the partitions, and there was no Wi-Fi service obtainable through the flight.