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Picture this: It's my first big international trip after years of sticking to domestic hops. Excited for a 7-hour flight from Istanbul to Mumbai, I boarded IndiGo expecting the budget-friendly reliability I'd heard about. But as the plane taxied, reality hit harder than turbulence. No screens for movies, seats that felt like plywood benches, and when I asked for a simple glass of water, I got tap water served in a plastic cup. By hour three, my back was screaming, and the lack of even a free coffee had me questioning every life choice that led me there. That personal nightmare turned into a harsh lesson: IndiGo's international flights promise savings but deliver endless discomfort. In this post, we'll dive into the real issues plaguing IndiGo's long-haul services, backed by traveler complaints and why "low-cost" often means "low-class."
No In-Flight Entertainment on Long Hauls
Staring at a blank seatback for 7 hours? That's IndiGo international reality. Unlike competitors like Qatar or Etihad, there's zero in-flight entertainment system – no movies, no music, nothing to distract from the boredom. Travelers report feeling trapped, especially on routes like Delhi to Istanbul, where the absence of hardware makes the flight feel endless. Download your own shows, or suffer in silence.
Uncomfortable Seats Leading to Back Pain
IndiGo's seats boast the thinnest cushions in the sky, guaranteeing aches on flights over 5 hours. Passengers frequently complain of back issues post-flight, with one reviewer calling it a "torture device" for international legs. Tight legroom exacerbates the pain, turning what should be rest into regret. If you have any pre-existing conditions, this is a hard pass.
Free Coffee or Drinks – Even Water is Tap!
Thirsty? Tough luck. On international flights, there's limited free coffee, and crew count every sip like it's gold. Seatbelt signs become excuses to withhold service. Worse, asking for water gets you tap in a glass – not bottled, not chilled, just basic. One passenger fumed, "They charge for everything, including buttermilk!" Hydration shouldn't be a luxury.
No Food or Snacks Provided
Forget complimentary meals – IndiGo international offers zilch. light snacks, basically no nothing, leaving you to starve or splurge on overpriced options. Pre-booked meals? Often cold and unappetizing, per reviews. On an 8-hour journey, this bare-bones approach feels criminal.
Rates Aren't Even Lower Anymore
The big sell: cheap tickets. But is IndiGo really lower cost? A resounding no! Fares match or exceed rivals, without the perks. Add-ons like baggage and seats jack up the bill, making it a false economy. Travelers lament paying premium for subpar service.
Paid Food: Soggy Sandwiches That Make You Sick
Want to eat? Pay up for the lowest-quality sandwiches – soggy, stale, and stomach-turning. Reports of passengers vomiting mid-flight aren't rare. One review called the catering "worse than roadside stalls." Skip it, or risk the regret.
The Only Positive: Great Connectivity
To be fair, IndiGo shines in one area: connectivity. With 2,000+ daily flights to 130+ destinations, including 40 international, it's unmatched for linking India's cities and beyond. Domestic routes remain reliable, but international? That's where the cracks show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IndiGo Airlines good or bad?
IndiGo excels domestically with punctuality and affordability but falls short internationally due to poor service, no amenities, and discomfort. Overall, it's mixed – good for short hops, bad for long hauls.
Why is IndiGo rated the worst airline?
Recent surveys rank IndiGo low (103/109) for mishandling claims, low customer satisfaction, and subpar international service like rude staff and no refunds. It refutes the findings, citing strong punctuality, but complaints persist.
Why are IndiGo flights always delayed?
Not always, but delays spike due to weather, crew limits, and high traffic at hubs like Delhi. Fog and operational issues caused 21% on-time in winter peaks; IndiGo notifies via SMS but compensation is minimal.
What are the disadvantages of IndiGo flights?
Key cons: extra fees for baggage/seats, rude staff, no free food/drinks, uncomfortable seats, delays without aid, and poor claim handling. International routes amplify these issues.
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