Airlines often find themselves under the microscope for their treatment of passengers and the quality of service they provide. The latest incident to grab attention involves Air India, where Ricky Kej, the Indian-American music composer and three-time Grammy award winner, recently took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his frustrations over a significant inconvenience caused by the airline. Here’s what happened:
Air India Under Fire For Repeated Downgrades
Ricky Kej shared his experience on social media, recounting an unsettling series of events. Despite booking and paying for a business class ticket from Mumbai to Bengaluru, he was informed at the departure gate that he had been downgraded to economy class without any prior notice or a clear reason. To add insult to injury, the staff at the gate were reportedly rude and unhelpful, refusing to provide a refund or any alternative solutions.
Wow.. 3rd time this is happening to me in one year. I booked and paid for a business class ticket on @airindia from Mumbai to Bengaluru. When I reach departure gate, the staff rudely tells me that I have been downgraded (for no reason) and they cannot give me a refund. What’s up…
— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) August 3, 2024
This was not an isolated incident. Kej mentioned that this was the third time in a year that he had experienced such a downgrade with Air India. He highlighted the lack of proper protocols to address such issues, pointing out that there was no immediate refund, alternative flight options, or even a simple apology for the discomfort caused. Instead, passengers were met with rudeness and a high-handed attitude, making the experience even more frustrating.
Since this “downgrading” on @airindia happens so often (3 times just with me), you would imagine that they have protocol in place. Immediate refund, options for other flights, immediate intimation and apology for discomfort. They do none of the above, and instead are rude,…
— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) August 3, 2024
In response to Kej’s public outcry, Air India issued a statement on X, apologising for the rude behaviour and requesting booking details via direct message to address the issue.
Dear Mr. Kej, we wish to assure you that rude behavior is not at all accepted at any of our contact points and we always strive to offer courteous and hassle-free experience to our passengers. Kindly help us with the booking details via DM to address this.
— Air India (@airindia) August 3, 2024
Also Read: From Anthony Jeselnik Live To Tribute to Bryan Adams, 7 Exciting Events In Bengaluru In August
Grammy Winner Ricky Kej’s Public Complaint Goes Viral
The incident sparked a flurry of reactions from fellow netizens. Many of them shared their own negative experiences with Air India. Comments ranged from surprise that Kej would continue to fly with the airline after repeated issues to outright criticism of the airline’s customer service and operational management. Some users even suggested that Kej take legal action against the airline.
Here’s a glimpse of the reactions:
With such experience who would want to fly @airindia … you must feel sorry & refund the entire amount.
— RAJ BANSAL (@rajbansal9) August 3, 2024
If this happening to a celebrity like you, people like us should think twice before flying from this airline.
— ManishM (@m2_manish) August 3, 2024
i am surprised you still fly this airline…even after 3 experiences.
— Santosh Sirur (@SirurS) August 3, 2024
If @airindia can do this to a celebrated globally well known Indian like Ricky Kej, we mortals would be made to fly in toilets even with business class tickets.
Whenever we feel, we should give out erstwhile national carrier a chance, they do this.— Dr Rajesh Patil (@DrRajeshPatil20) August 3, 2024
4 times in 2024 @airvistara did exactly opposite to me where I booked for Economy Class but on check-in I was told that I have been upgraded to Premium – Economy & once I booked for Premium Economy that upgraded to Business Class. Its time to switch for you to airline that care.
— Abhijeet Sinha (@Abhijeet_Sinhaa) August 3, 2024
Many other disgruntled customers waiting to see how u act on this complaint @airindia buck up..Turkish airways and Srilankan seem way better…what to talk of Emirates or kLM or Qatar airways…no babu type entitlement anymore! Shake it off
— jayashreesridhar 🇮🇳 (@eruditedoc) August 3, 2024
The USP of @airindia – BEING RUDE
— Manuj Bhardwaj (@ImManujBhardwaj) August 3, 2024
As of now, Kej has received a call from Air India. However, there has been no substantial update regarding his refund. He also doesn’t receive a reason for the downgrade or the amount he will be refunded. The lack of concrete answers only fuels the dissatisfaction among customers.
Kej’s situation underscores a broader issue within the airline industry. Operational hiccups and inadequate customer service can certainly tarnish a brand’s reputation.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons and Ricky Kej/X
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.