HELP needed: INDIGO AIRLINES, INDIAN AIRLINES and MEWAR EXPRESS
May 8th, 2009, 05:50 AM
#1
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HELP needed: INDIGO AIRLINES, INDIAN AIRLINES and MEWAR EXPRESS
I have searched the forum for information without any success.
We are going to India at the end of this month and the TA suggests either one of the above airlines instead of jet air; the latter doesn't fly Nagpur-Delhi in June and July.
Indian Airlines has got a pretty scary safety record. So that is not an option.
What about Indigo Airlines? Cannot find anything about that carrier.
One leg has to be in a train. TA suggest Mewar Express. Now, having seen trains in India can be quite overloaded I am thinking of doing that leg Delhi-Rathambore by car.
I would highly appreciate your input and avise here.
Thank you!
SV
We are going to India at the end of this month and the TA suggests either one of the above airlines instead of jet air; the latter doesn't fly Nagpur-Delhi in June and July.
Indian Airlines has got a pretty scary safety record. So that is not an option.
What about Indigo Airlines? Cannot find anything about that carrier.
One leg has to be in a train. TA suggest Mewar Express. Now, having seen trains in India can be quite overloaded I am thinking of doing that leg Delhi-Rathambore by car.
I would highly appreciate your input and avise here.
Thank you!
SV
May 8th, 2009, 06:46 AM
#2
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SV,
Why are they suggesting an alternate to Jet? Jet Airways is one of the best airlines here - See if Kingfisher flies that route - they are also a very good airline.
Indian Airlines has a good safety record - why would you think otherwise? Indigo is a budget airline. Indian Airlines has dodgy on-time records, though...... could be running late a little. Atleast, that's the reputation they have developed over the years.
Delhi-Ranthambore. Try to fly to Jaipur and drive from there to Ranthambore can be easier if you don't wish to do the train journey. The roads in that part of India can be absolutely chaos so ensure that you are in a proper car with a good driver.
Good Luck,
Hari
Why are they suggesting an alternate to Jet? Jet Airways is one of the best airlines here - See if Kingfisher flies that route - they are also a very good airline.
Indian Airlines has a good safety record - why would you think otherwise? Indigo is a budget airline. Indian Airlines has dodgy on-time records, though...... could be running late a little. Atleast, that's the reputation they have developed over the years.
Delhi-Ranthambore. Try to fly to Jaipur and drive from there to Ranthambore can be easier if you don't wish to do the train journey. The roads in that part of India can be absolutely chaos so ensure that you are in a proper car with a good driver.
Good Luck,
Hari
May 8th, 2009, 08:05 AM
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Hello HariS
Thanks a lot for your quick response!
Jet Air doesn't fly the leg in June and July and therefore the TA mentioned these aboven mentioned options.
Anyway - I will ask him to check the options you have mentioned.
Regarding safety record:
http://www.airsafe.com/events/regions/asia.htm
Reg. Indigo Airlines - I could not find any report, advise whatsoever.
Again, thank you for your advise also in view to driver!! Very much appreciated!
SV
Thanks a lot for your quick response!
Jet Air doesn't fly the leg in June and July and therefore the TA mentioned these aboven mentioned options.
Anyway - I will ask him to check the options you have mentioned.
Regarding safety record:
http://www.airsafe.com/events/regions/asia.htm
Reg. Indigo Airlines - I could not find any report, advise whatsoever.
Again, thank you for your advise also in view to driver!! Very much appreciated!
SV
May 8th, 2009, 10:41 AM
#4
Indian trains are not all overloaded like those pictures. You can reserve seats on most, and trains are so cheap you can purchase a first class seat if you want isolation and AC comfort in big seats. I have taken the train from Sawai modhopur- Delhi and it was quite nice. Take food with you and go to the bathroom before you board and you'll be fine. I'd certainly not choose to do that trip by car.
And if there is no good air option nagpur to Dalhi, you can get a sleeper on a night train for that leg. I think it is a 16-18 hour trip.
And if there is no good air option nagpur to Dalhi, you can get a sleeper on a night train for that leg. I think it is a 16-18 hour trip.
May 8th, 2009, 12:00 PM
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Thank you lcuy for your input regarding "bathroom" before boarding!
I am really worried as I have heard horror stories about domestic travel (train, flights).
I hope it's not coming out that bad.
Frankly - I would rather prefer to spend hours on end in a train than flying a kind of never-come-back-airline.
Airline is my major concern here.
SV
I am really worried as I have heard horror stories about domestic travel (train, flights).
I hope it's not coming out that bad.
Frankly - I would rather prefer to spend hours on end in a train than flying a kind of never-come-back-airline.
Airline is my major concern here.
SV
May 8th, 2009, 02:21 PM
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Perhaps you are worrying too much about air travel...air travel in India is safe, generally. Not to say, it's guaranteed safety. Sometimes, one or two incidents will affect an airline's safety record and make it seem worse than it really is. From the website link you have above, their last incident was in 1999...ten years ago!!
While Jet airways and Kingfisher provide outstanding service, Indian Airlines flies all over India not just the prime cities, so more choices for flight schedules.
Also, train travel in India is safe, comfortable, and cheap....you just need more time to go from one place to another...and being on a train for a long time can be tiring. As lcuy as aptly put it, make first class/ AC reservations, carry your own food, and don't go to the bathroom on the train (OMG, that will limit you to only short train trips).
Perhaps you should consider a mix-and-match approach...some flights, some trains and some car travel. This could work for you.
While Jet airways and Kingfisher provide outstanding service, Indian Airlines flies all over India not just the prime cities, so more choices for flight schedules.
Also, train travel in India is safe, comfortable, and cheap....you just need more time to go from one place to another...and being on a train for a long time can be tiring. As lcuy as aptly put it, make first class/ AC reservations, carry your own food, and don't go to the bathroom on the train (OMG, that will limit you to only short train trips).
Perhaps you should consider a mix-and-match approach...some flights, some trains and some car travel. This could work for you.
May 8th, 2009, 04:02 PM
#7
My trick with Indian trains is to take surgical gloves along with toilet paper.Toss them after using the bathroom. I've heard some people use Depends, but I wouldn't go that far!
The main issue with all types of travel in India is lateness. I try not to cut dates adn times too close. I actually love indian trains.
The main issue with all types of travel in India is lateness. I try not to cut dates adn times too close. I actually love indian trains.
May 8th, 2009, 06:52 PM
#8
Take a look at http://www.seat61.com/India.htm for lots of info on train travel in India. It's fine in the AC classes. And once you get used to squat toilets, you shouldn't need to stress too much about the bathrooms - take your own toilet paper, and Purell. It never occurred to me to take surgical gloves, and I did fine! I took bottled water, but I ate the veggie thalis that you can buy on board, and did not get sick.
You'll be a lot safer on the train than the roads, and you should certainly stay off the roads after dark, although taking a short car trip is worth it for the experience.
You'll be a lot safer on the train than the roads, and you should certainly stay off the roads after dark, although taking a short car trip is worth it for the experience.
May 8th, 2009, 08:22 PM
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That train Journey from Delhi to Sawai Madhapur is no more than 4-6 hours. I have been on it, but, a long time ago in 2001 or so. There is also a really comfortable train from Jaipur to Sawai(3 hours, i think). That's what we did - and flew from Jaipur to Delhi.
SV - there's really nothing wrong with Indian Airlines - they are one of the largest carriers in India. Infact, I flew them about 10 days ago. Besides a 45 minute delay - I have nothing to complain about them. If you are flying, just pick the most convenient schedule....... I have not flown Indigo, but, if that's the most convenient timing go ahead. They are all short flights, anyways.
Another thing - Indian Airlines will beat out Air Botswana any day....... so, since you are already used to that - this will be much better experience. Only thing, I already mentioned that they run late at times ......
SV - there's really nothing wrong with Indian Airlines - they are one of the largest carriers in India. Infact, I flew them about 10 days ago. Besides a 45 minute delay - I have nothing to complain about them. If you are flying, just pick the most convenient schedule....... I have not flown Indigo, but, if that's the most convenient timing go ahead. They are all short flights, anyways.
Another thing - Indian Airlines will beat out Air Botswana any day....... so, since you are already used to that - this will be much better experience. Only thing, I already mentioned that they run late at times ......
May 9th, 2009, 05:51 AM
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You are quite GEMS!
Thank you so much for your advise! I try to get Kingfisher or Indian Airlines and avoid INDIGO.
The travel agent who is responsible for putting together that trip knows our aim is on the andBeyond lodges and because he is within India I would expect him to plan the itinerary in a way the whole thing makes sense.
I'll report when I am back!
Again Thank you very much to all of you!
SV
Amazing how positive posts can calm down the worries.
SV
Thank you so much for your advise! I try to get Kingfisher or Indian Airlines and avoid INDIGO.
The travel agent who is responsible for putting together that trip knows our aim is on the andBeyond lodges and because he is within India I would expect him to plan the itinerary in a way the whole thing makes sense.
I'll report when I am back!
Again Thank you very much to all of you!
SV
Amazing how positive posts can calm down the worries.
SV
May 9th, 2009, 06:11 AM
#12
"because he is within India I would expect him to plan the itinerary in a way the whole thing makes sense."
Not necessarily!!! I've seen some horrible itineraries put forward by Indian TAs.
You should do your own research as well. There are many guidebooks to India around - besides Fodors take a look at Lonely Planet and Footprints. And people here, as you've seen, are happy to answer questions.
Not necessarily!!! I've seen some horrible itineraries put forward by Indian TAs.
You should do your own research as well. There are many guidebooks to India around - besides Fodors take a look at Lonely Planet and Footprints. And people here, as you've seen, are happy to answer questions.
May 9th, 2009, 07:36 AM
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'...because he is within India I would expect him to plan the itinerary in a way the whole thing makes sense...'
That is the most laughable comment I've ever seen. He will almost certainly plan your itinerary in a way that makes him the most money. Your convenience, well-being, comfort and pleasure will come a very distinct second. Caveat Emptor.
BTW - I hope your so-called TA gets you the off-season cheapo rates at the andBeyond properties. You might also care to check the forecast in these places... there is, I have discovered, a reason why it's OFF season. Gee, I wonder what that might be...?
But I'm sure your trusty TA has already told you about all this...
That is the most laughable comment I've ever seen. He will almost certainly plan your itinerary in a way that makes him the most money. Your convenience, well-being, comfort and pleasure will come a very distinct second. Caveat Emptor.
BTW - I hope your so-called TA gets you the off-season cheapo rates at the andBeyond properties. You might also care to check the forecast in these places... there is, I have discovered, a reason why it's OFF season. Gee, I wonder what that might be...?
But I'm sure your trusty TA has already told you about all this...
May 9th, 2009, 09:10 AM
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dogster
I can't help but you sound quite disillusioned....by far not disillusioning!
Of course we know about the off-season rates at andBeyond
lodges.
The TA I am talking about is working closely with the German Taj and andBeyond reps in order to make that trip a success.
We are aware of the weather which we might be facing (40°C/90+%) but being experienced in travelling besides other HOT/HUMID places PapuaNewGuinea's rain forests should have hardened us for that ;-)
I am not at all fearing the weather, people or living circumstances. I was worried about the means of transportation
Thank you for your advise ;-)
SV
I can't help but you sound quite disillusioned....by far not disillusioning!
Of course we know about the off-season rates at andBeyond
lodges.
The TA I am talking about is working closely with the German Taj and andBeyond reps in order to make that trip a success.
We are aware of the weather which we might be facing (40°C/90+%) but being experienced in travelling besides other HOT/HUMID places PapuaNewGuinea's rain forests should have hardened us for that ;-)
I am not at all fearing the weather, people or living circumstances. I was worried about the means of transportation
Thank you for your advise ;-)
SV
May 9th, 2009, 09:59 AM
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Bless you spassvogel: good luck. You sound like good people.
I'm in Madhya Pradesh right now. I left Maheshwar this afternoon. It was 47 degrees. I've been to P.N.G. too, five times. It ain't the same kinda heat. Go sit in a dry sauna. It's THAT kinda heat.
Disillusioned? Nah. I don't use travel agents. Somehow I've survived. But I keep on meeting people on my travels in India who are on The Trip From Hell - courtesy their trusted T.A. As a breed, Indian travel agents are far more dangerous than Indian airlines.
Not yours, of course.
But I do wish you well. You'll get what you pay for. As you're gonna be paying a LOT, I'm sure you'll get the full Taj treatment.
Yup, I know you were concerned about transport - but, as those fears were based on misinformation - or no information at all, I decided not to deal with that. I don't know how many hundreds of thousands of people fly in India every day - it seems that most of them get to their destination alive - including me. So relax. Enjoy. I hope you see a tiger.
I'm in Madhya Pradesh right now. I left Maheshwar this afternoon. It was 47 degrees. I've been to P.N.G. too, five times. It ain't the same kinda heat. Go sit in a dry sauna. It's THAT kinda heat.
Disillusioned? Nah. I don't use travel agents. Somehow I've survived. But I keep on meeting people on my travels in India who are on The Trip From Hell - courtesy their trusted T.A. As a breed, Indian travel agents are far more dangerous than Indian airlines.
Not yours, of course.
But I do wish you well. You'll get what you pay for. As you're gonna be paying a LOT, I'm sure you'll get the full Taj treatment.
Yup, I know you were concerned about transport - but, as those fears were based on misinformation - or no information at all, I decided not to deal with that. I don't know how many hundreds of thousands of people fly in India every day - it seems that most of them get to their destination alive - including me. So relax. Enjoy. I hope you see a tiger.
May 9th, 2009, 11:05 AM
#17
Thanks for the weather info, dog. I think I'll stick to India in the "cold" season [sarcasm icon here]. Except I'd love to make it to Ladakh, and you can't do that in the winter...
Hope you've had a good rest. I'm looking forward to the cruise saga.
Hope you've had a good rest. I'm looking forward to the cruise saga.
