Welcome to my trip report on Vistara Part 1!
My ride: VT-TNW
Cheers to all of you readers out there!
Introduction
I always rated this airline very highly especially after reading trip reports on them and when they announced the merger between this airline and Air India, I had to book and fly with this airline before they disappear from our skies. The question was when and finally I decided on the time and that was a few months before the end of 2024 to stay on a safe side. Initially I wanted to do a return trip with Vistara, however later on I decided to go with SQ A350 J Class for the SIN-DEL (Changed to SIN-BOM) later on and do the return flight with Vistara (one-way), I decided to fly out of Chennai with Vistara as I found a great business class deal with a stopover at New Delhi and that allows me to check out the Encalm Prive lounge (in my next blog post). So without further ado, let's check out Vistara in my part 1. Also, I like to dedicate this trip report to all the Vistara staff for the wonderful memories and joy you bring to each passenger. Your airline may be disappearing but you will always be part of our memories.
About Vistara
An announcement of TATA Sons and Singapore Airlines joint venture was done and become TATA SIA Airlines Limited. This group set up Vistara in 2013. The airline started commercial service in January 2015 and set up its hub in Delhi. This airline is a full-service airline is the first to include Premium Economy class and currently has a fleet of 70 aircraft comprises of Airbus A320neo, A321neo and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. In 2022, another announcement was made when the TATA SIA Airlines announced the merger between Vistara and Air India (which the group purchased the airline from the government), this merger requires approval from the governments and once approved, the merger will be completed. So with the merger going ahead, the Vistara branding will be terminated. Air India has started intergrating some of Vistara's vision to the airline to improve what the national airline was missing all this while.
The merger will take place officially from the 12th November 2024 and all flights operating under Vistara will be under AI (Air India) flight code and gradually the aircraft under Vistara will be painted in the new Air India's livery, along with Air India's aircraft in the old livery.
This is Vistara's current livery
Soon, it will be repainted into this livery
Booking with the airline's website/mobile app
The airline's mobile app and website were easy to use and I was able to get my booking done without issues.
I had a few flight options, I went for the later timing as it was cheaper and I didn't have to leave the hotel too early to get to the airport.
Once decided, I had to choose between the Value and Standard fare and the difference is not a lot.
This is the itinerary for my flight from Chennai to Singapore via New Delhi. For those wondering, Vistara doesn't operate direct flights from Chennai to Singapore therefore I had to choose to fly via Pune, New Delhi and Mumbai airports. The flight timing for the Delhi layover was better and also a chance to visit the Encalm Prive lounge at this airport.
Booking with Business Lite with this airline still gives you complimentary seat selection.
As this is the A320neo aircraft, only 2 rows of 8 recliner seats are offered. I chose seat 2F for this leg.
For my connecting flight, initially I chose seat 3F but later on I changed my seat to 1A.
Once that was done, I received an email about my seat selection.
This is what you see on your mobile app.
I did my online check-in about 48 hours prior to departure.
However, I was only able to do the online check in for the 1st leg, while for the international sector I thought I would have to do it at DEL airport, but it wasn't the case when the staff at Chennai airport managed to check me all the way to Singapore.
As you can see, the mobile app only issued the boarding pass of the first leg.
I tried adding my Krisflyer number into this section but fail to do so but I managed to do it at the airport.
During my time at Chennai
I visited Palladium mall where it is a good place to do some shopping, it is also connected to the Phoenix Market City.
I had Chicken Briyani at one of the restaurants and it was delicious.
This is my accommodation at Ramada Chennai Hotel, you can check out my review, coming up soon.
On the day of departure
This is the view from my hotel
The ride to the airport took around 10 minutes.
About Chennai Airport!
Chennai International Airport is one of the oldest in India, it was opened in 1930 and is located in Tirusulam in Chengalpattu. Currently the airport has 4 terminals with 3 passengers terminals and 1 cargo complex. Terminal 1 and 4 are used for domestic routes and terminal 2 is used for international routes. The old terminal 3 was replaced by the expansion of terminal 2 and there will be a new satallite terminal to allow the increase of international traffic and once that is opened, more route and perhaps more airlines are able to fly to this airport.
The map of Chennai Airport (Goggle)
Welcome To Chennai Airport!
The driver stopped me at the wrong terminal but it wasn't his fault as I didn't inform him which terminal I was alighting. After I stopped, I seeked for direction to Terminal 4 and managed to grab a ride on a buggy which the driver was kind enough to drive me to terminal 4.
This is Anna International Terminal 2
Thanks to the driver for the ride and that saved me a bit of time.
Opposite side of the terminal is the Aerohub, a shopping mall.
If you have spare time, you could check out the mall while waiting for departure.
Here we are, this is terminal 4.
Entering the terminal was a breeze, hardly any people around.
The check-in desks for Vistara
Air India, Air India Express, Alliance Air and Vistara operate from this terminal.
As there was no one at the check-in counters, I received two boarding passes within minutes. I was pleasantly surprised to received my boarding pass for the 2nd leg and the staff informed me that it was possible to check in all the way to Singapore so with that one less worry for me.
This is the business class queue. Where are the passengers?
The beautiful boarding passes of Vistara became part of my collection.
For my lounge review (Travel Club Lounge) at this airport, click here.
After the visit to the lounge
I hanged around at the gate area for about 10 minutes before boarding commerced.
The airside is quite small and nothing much to explore so if you have a lounge access, you can hang around there until near departure time.
You can also hang around here to rest but do not forget your flight.
There are few cafes at the air side. Below is a smoking lounge.
Air India Express' old livery on the 737-800 were getting ready for departure.
At this point, Air India and Vistara are merging in November 2024 and soon both of these liveries will disappear from our skies.
Departure gate for the Air India's A320.
As you can see, I had some time before my flight.
Blue Dart's Boeing 757-200F was being towed to the cargo hanger.
One last look at the airside before I headed towards my gate.
Later on after the Air India A320 departed, my flight came in and parked at this gate.
My ride: VT-TNW
Business class passengers got to board first.
Hello VT-TNW!
My ride: VT-TNW (Photo: Dn280)
Airbus A320-251N (Leased from AerCap)
Configuration: C8 W24 Y123
Engines: 2 X CFM Leap-1A
Delivered to airline in December 2019
9421th Airbus aircraft built
Age: 4+ Years Old (July 2024)
Built in Toulouse (TLS)
Flight route: MAA-DEL
Miles: 1,090
Seat map (Aerolopa.com)
Date of departure: 19th July 2024
Airline: Vistara
Flight: UK836
Route: Chennai to New Delhi
Aircraft: Airbus A320neo
Registration: VT-TNW
Seat: 2F
Departure Terminal: 4
Gate: 17
Load: 100% in J Class
Flight Time: 2 hours 25 mins
Actual Flight Time: 2 hours 19 mins
Schedule Departure: 1125
Boarding: 1043
Push Back: 1116
Take Off: 1132
Schedule Arrival: 1420
Actual Arrival: 1349
Departure Runway: 25
Departure Weather: Cloudy
Arrival runway: 11R
Arrival weather: Cloudy
My In-Flight Experience
Boarding was done in order but we were stuck at the aerobridge for a while as the cabin was not ready, I guess they wanted us to wait so that we could board as soon as it is ready and depart on time.
Once on board, the crew came around to offer us a pre-departure beverage and distribute menu to us for us to select our in-flight meal. Unfortunately for the crew, my seat mate made a big fuss of his beverage and the poor crew had to come around a few times before he was finally satisfied with his drink. Once our meals were selected, the crew took our glass back and safety demonstration was shown to all 3 classes (No IFE on board). The Captain did the usual announcement and on this flight, we would be taken care by 2 Captains (on duty).
This time, both of the engines were started after pushed back so no PTU (Power Transfer Unit) - 'barking' noise was heard during our taxi to the runway. We took off with a few bumps here and there and more turbulence happening when we flew through the clouds during our climb. It took a while before the seatbelt sign was turned off and the crew started preparing for in-flight service. Some nice Indian music was being played before take off and landing, I thought that was nice, it somehow helps to calm one nerves especially when flying through turbulent weather.
After the meal service, I decided to check out the other cabins so I went to use the lavatory at the rear of the aircraft but after that it took a while for me to return to my seat because there was a tray trolley stuck at the Premium Economy section and there wasn't any crew mending it, I believed a crew in charge of the trolley went to the rear to pick up something. After exploring the cabin, I decided to go back to my seat but the trolley was still there so I thought of "The Point Guy - the Call Bell Challenge" and decided to give it a shot, see how long they would take to response. Unfortunately they failed the challenge as it took them about 2 minutes to response. However, the in-flight service I received from the crew in charge of my cabin was nice and helpful. When I reached back to my seat, she wondered where I was off to, after explaining to her, she laughed along with me (good crew) and served me my Starbucks coffee.
Sometimes this happens but overall the crew I interact with most of them are friendly, so no complaints. What took them so long to clear the trolley? no idea, but whatever it is I was glad to be able to manage to take some photos of the economy and premium class cabin as this would probably be my last experience with this airline and the A320neo. I wonder whether would these seats be replaced by Air India's new A320neo seats for fleet standardisation, only time will tell.
For the rest of the flight, the weather was better and landing at New Delhi was a pleasant affair, comparing the weather to the previous week, it was much better this time.
About Vistara's A320neo
The airline has 2 different configured A320neo, one is configured in a full Y class 180 seats while the other configuration is fitted with both with 24 Premium Economy and 4 Business Class seats along with 132 Economy Class seats and I will be doing a trip report on this configuration.
About the Economy Class seats
There are 132 seats arranged in a 3-3 configuration. As this aircraft is not fitted with any IFE screen display, the only form of IFE system is the in-flight streaming which is available on one's electronic device. In addition, every passenger gets to charge their devices with a USB-A socket and each row of 3 seats has two 3-pin AC sockets. For the legroom space in this class except the emergency rows, there is only 29 inches of legroom space and can recline up to 3 inches. Each seat including the Premium Economy Class seats has a seat width of 17.5 inches.
Photos of the Economy Class cabin
I tried the seat briefly and it was quite tight.
The literature holder contains of an in-flight magazine, safety card and a instruction card on how to connect to Vistara World (In-Flight Entertainment).
USB charging port
Individual air vent is available
There is a curtain to differentiate the type of classes.
Premium Economy
There are 24 seats in Premium Economy Class. These seats come with an extra legroom space of 5 inches (33 inches) and is specially designed with an adjustable headrest and slightly better seat cushion for each passenger in this class. The other advantages this class provides for the passenger is priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.
2 safety cards sticking out of this literature holder.
Legroom seat was great! As the premium economy class had vacant seats, I manage to sit at one of the vacant ones and have a feel of it, to compare with the economy class seat and the legroom space is the only difference. I sat there and waited for the crew to clear the trolley (obstructing the way) to move so that I can move back to my seat.
The mood light certainly improves the cabin atmosphere in this aircraft.
Business Class
This will be the focus of my trip report, so here it goes!
About the business class on this A320neo
These 8 business class seats are arranged in a 2-2 configuration, with a seat width of about 20 inches and each seat offer a good amount of leg room space of around 42 inches. These recliner seats can reclined up to 7 inches and is deployed on popular domestic routes.
Each business class passengers gets a pillow.
This flight experience do remind me of my Copa Airlines 737-700 J Class experience about a year ago where I flew from Bogota to Panama City. You can check out that trip report over here.
This is the legroom space of the bulkhead row, seat 1F.
This is my seat for the 2 hours + flight.
The armrest for both my seat mate and myself and that is also where our tray tables are stored.
The view of both seats in front of me.
The literature holder in these seats made the in-flight magazines and safety card look smaller.
Row 1 window seat passengers get to enjoy the view outside with 2 windows.
Legroom space is definitely adequate for me.
At this time, I waited for my crew to return and take down my in-flight meal and beverage. She came earlier to pass me the menu to give me some time to decide.
Legrest
The recline seat buttons
Handrest
The tray table in storage compartment
A closer look at the Business Class Seat
There is a wall divider behind me which means more privacy for us sitting upfront.
The logo of Vistara will be sorely missed.
I find the seat to be quite comfortable especially with the recline. I usually like to sit at the row without anyone behind me so that I can recline without affecting anyone.
The tray table is out.
The cabin atmosphere during the climb.
The 2 hours flight in this cabin was certainly comfortable.
The view of the cabin after meal service was completed.
The pillow added extra comfort for me.
The cabin crew's seats during take-off and landing.
Photos of the rear cabin including the lavatory
The cabin crew's workspace.
There are 2 lavatories located at the rear of the aircraft and 1 lavatory located at the front of the cabin. (behind the pilot's cockpit)
The lavatory is at a reasonable size, I was able to use it without difficulty.
The condition is acceptable considering a lot of passengers have used it.
In-Flight Entertainment (Streaming with own device)
The connection was reasonably fast and the interface of the website was easy to use.
Limited choices of movies and tv shows.
The flight map is essential to avgeeks like myself.
I was able to watch one of the movies without issue.
This is what being offered for entertainment. (Below)
I settled for this movie (below).
Unfortunately, safari is preferred. Nothing against Safari, but I am used to Chrome's interface.
I was able to keep track of my flight's progress.
Time flies past when you are enjoying yourself, before I knew it, we were preparing for arrival.
Indian music
In-flight magazine
At that time, there were airlines having IT issue with the airline's computer system which affected many passengers worldwide with check-in and boarding process issues and that caused flight delays and cancellation. Fortunately for me, I wasn't affected.
What's provided for each J class passenger?
The menu of what's available for each J class passenger.
The rear and front of the airline's menu
These are my options for this flight
A hot towel was distributed.
Safety Card
Disposal Bag
In-Flight Magazine
Instructions to log in to Vistara World
Pillow
A blanket
Pre-departure drink
In-Flight Meal Service
I opted for the Herb Crusted Red Snapper option. Along with the main meal, I was supposed to be served a Cranberry salad with lemon dressing, but I guess they ran out of it. I forgot to ask them about it as at that time I was concentrated on enjoying my main meal, the red snapper.
For the drink service, I chose the starbuck option. It's not every flight you get to enjoy starbucks beverage.
As the windows were closed, I turned on the reading light and lenjoyed my netflix movie.
My entertainment for the flight, thanks to Vistara's World system.
Window view (Take off to Landing)
Air India's A320ceo being prepared for departure
We pushed back few minutes early.
Goodbye Chennai, thanks for the memories!
Indigo Airbus aircraft being prepared for departure.
Soon, we were on the main taxiway heading towards the runway.
Here we are, we have reached the threshold.
We entered the runway 25.
Off we go!
It looks like a fine day for flying.
I had a great view of the city, that's why window seat is a must for me especially during day flight.
This is a part where it got a bit bumpy.
After sometime of cruising, we started our descent into Delhi.
It was hazy during our descent but nothing bumpy.
Few more minutes to the end of my last domestic flight of this trip. It has been fun!
We touched down smoothly and headed to our assigned gate which took quite a while to get there.
Was this A321neo my ride to Singapore later that night? Nope, this aircraft ended up flying somewhere else.
Air India A321ceo is spotted in the standard livery (before the merger).
I would certainly miss the sight of these aircraft.
We parked besides fellow company's A321neo, VT-TVF.
Thanks for the ride, VT-TNW!
My flight summary
Welcome back to New Delhi!
The walk to the domestic arrival hall took about 10 minutes.
This is where I could connect to international flights without the need of exiting the air side, perhaps I should have done so. Why? I will explain the reason in part 2 of this trip report.
To be Continued!
My ratings
Airline's website/mobile app: 3/5
Airport Experience (MAA): 3/5
In-Flight Service: 3/5
Seat Comfort: 4/5
Cabin Interior: 4/5
In-Flight Entertainment: 4/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
In-Flight Meal: 4/5
Punctuality: 5/5
In-Flight Experience: 4/5
Overall Rating: 39/50
Percentage: 78%
Conclusion
Vistara has certainly impressed with me the fine products in both the economy and premium economy class cabins. It's the first time I have seen a Premium Economy class in a narrow-body and I thought that is a good idea for passengers to pay a bit more for better legroom space. I was fortunate to be able to try out the seats during my "lavatory break", as I deliberate walked to the rear of the aircraft to check out the seats. While there is nothing special about the business class seats, I find it to be comfortable for this short 2 hours flight and the meal and in-flight service was not bad at all. It's really a pity to see this airline branding disappearing soon and I just hope that the new Air India will be able to pick up some of Vistara's good habits. Have you flown with this airline before? Feel free to share your experience.
I will give an overview thoughts of this airline in my part 2 of my Vistara experience. Stay tuned!
For my previous trip report (Indigo A321neo HYD-MAA), click here
Next trip report: Tribute to Vistara Part 2: Flying Vistara's A321neo from New Delhi to Singapore! Coming up soon.
Thanks for reading and have a good one!
Charles
