Ever heard of booking a ticket on an airline, from point A to B, with two stops in transit and not flying in an aircraft of that airline at all? Well however improbable it may sound, it’s true. This time when I was traveling back home to the US from India I happened to book myself an Alitalia ticket, to fly via Abu Dhabi and Rome. However I did not experience Alitalia at all because, I flew Jet from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi, Etihad from Abu Dhabi to Rome and Delta from Rome to the US. In this era of airline tie-ups and codeshare flights one would assume that one would be flying on the aircraft of the airline with which you booked the ticket atleast on one leg of the journey. Never mind, I am not complaining, just stating facts. It was pretty amusing as I was expecting to fly Alitalia to or fro Rome. But like the good old saying goes – I experienced best of both the worlds, in this case ‘all’ the worlds given that I flew on three different aircrafts of three different airlines.
The first leg of the journey felt like a home run what with flying in Jet Airways and getting the same home-like Indian meal, red wine being the only differentiator. Young and pretty hostesses with their ever smiling countenances at your service at the click of a button, has always made flying with Jet a pleasure for me. That I’ve been a frequent flyer for over a decade now has also a good reason for the good service. It was a nice and comfortable three hours of flying in a familiar aircraft with familiar faces around me.
I was really looking forward to the Etihad service as I had heard so much about them but never flown with them before. I was impressed by their level of sensitivity when I fell ill on the aircraft. They handled the situation well and made me feel that I was in safe hands. Though they didn’t serve hot meals the food was decent; but nothing earth shattering. It was a comfortable flight and the crew was very helpful. I was lucky to get the window seat at emergency exit row with no co-passenger on the middle seat. This made the six hours of flying even better.
The last leg was with Delta. I’ve flown with them a lot of times to Europe and the US and it is almost like Jet Airways for me. The stark difference between the first two and Delta though is that the crew on board is pretty senior. Apart from Air India (where the less said is better), Delta is the only other airline were I have seen senior crew members as hostesses and pursers. The service is commendable; I’ve never had any issues with them. The only bummer for me is the food part. I have to book the Asian vegetarian meals which are often a disappointment and I also miss out on the goodies which they serve otherwise. Usually vegetarian meals also have eggs which I don’t eat so food becomes a slight problem for us vegetarians. But otherwise, it was a great eleven hours of flying with Delta.
All in all it was an enjoyable albeit really long journey and I hope I do get to experience the Alitalia service the next time I book myself into an Alitalia flight!
Been a fan of Emirates and love it, though heard Etihad damn good from a colleague. Her mom works there.
Yei Etihad is good, Vishal… thanks buddy.. 🙂
I am getting enriched with experience sharing by you.. Thanks Archana..
RS
Hey RS… I couldn’t be happier 🙂 Cheers!
As wonderful as always. Love the picture and the quote!!! 🙂 🙂
Thanks sweetheart 🙂 Glad you do… 🙂
Three airlines’ flights for one? This is new information for me 😀 This way, I can say that I have traveled in three airlines 😉
LOL… you bet Teny… thanks buddy 🙂
Even I have the same issue. I too have eggless food and I usually book jain meals then. Which like you said cancel out a lot of goodies 🙁
Then we can totally relate with each other… thanks for reading and the comment Richa 🙂
This was something absolutely new for me to learn… thanks a ton for sharing Archana 🙂
Pleasure Maitreni xx
Thanks for sharing Archi..:)
Pleasure UK 🙂
Great experience barring your illness on board!
And yes, a windfall may come your way with Etihad…my daughter a frequent flier to Europe (12-15 trips a year) on a Bombay to Milan flight was upgraded to business class to her surprise and was treated with lavish luxuries which come attached! So you never know what is waiting for you:) All the best, Archana!
Hi Amitji… oh yes, I have been upgraded many a times on Jet and Delta, being a frequent flyer…
Thanks for the best wishes… trust the book is rocking!! 🙂
Quite an experience! That’s a new info as well for me 🙂
Hey Deepa, howdy? long time..
Glad the info was useful for you… 🙂
A bit unusual… and a bit tiresome to get into 3 different airlines in spite of booking in one. But all’s well that ends well. 🙂 I have tagged you for the quotes challenge in the post https://prepforum.wordpress.com/2015/06/13/a-quote-by-tagore-clouds-come-floating-into-my-life/
Happy quoting!
The tiring part was the long transit time at Abu Dhabi Somali… but all in all it was a nice journey… and as you rightly said… all’s well that ends well..
Will take up the challenge soon… thanks for the tag 🙂
I’ve flown on Etihad with Jet ticket to Abu Dhabai. 🙂
Oh yes, because they are tied up. Thanks Ravish 🙂
Ohhhh… let’s say, it’s been an experience to you too 🙂
Oh yes Abhi.. you bet! 🙂
Hey… this “Oh yes Abhi…” sounds pretty much like the same as we used to see in cricket ads just a few months back… 😀
hahaha…. LOL… true that 😉
A great experience it appears even though we never traveled to US on Dubai or Abu Dabi Routes since we used so far BA, Lufthansa, Air France and Cathay Pacific Airlines for our earlier Travels.. Best Wishes!
Thank you so much Sreedhar sir … traveling is always fun 🙂
Oh great! You never got to fly the airline you booked on! But it worked out well for you and that is what that matters!
Oh yes, thanks to the networking amongst airlines…. 🙂 Thanks Mridula 🙂
A great experience undoubtedly…. thanks for sharing, Archana… 🙂
Absolutely Mani… 🙂 hugs!
Quite a long journey for you Archana (19 hours in 3 different airlines) but full of experience. Like Delta (as you mentioned) I experienced another airlines which have senior crew members. It’s United Aircraft. Looks like its a different experience to have connecting flights. What say, next year I think I should plan for a connecting flight with stop over at Dubai airport for Delhi-New York flight.
Hey Vishal. Happy to see you after so long… Yep, United is also an American airline, I guess the ‘senior’ bit has got to do something with the American rules. Will try and figure that one out!
You must come and visit us in Atlanta whenever you come to this side of the world. Desh and I would love to have you over in our city! Cheers 🙂
ohh… thats so nice of you. Thanks for the invite Archana 🙂
The pleasure is all ours Vishal 🙂
Rare occasions… I’m glad that you happily experienced it 🙂
Oh yes, it was fun… Thanks Anunoy 🙂