Review: Air India First Class from Delhi to Washington DC, on 777-300ER

Air India First Class 777-300 ER

This trip was part of a mixed-itinerary journey from Raipur (RPR) to Delhi (DEL), onwards to Washington, DC (IAD), and finally Ottawa (YOW). I redeemed 115,000 Aeroplan points and $103 CAD in taxes for the ticket, which placed me in First Class on Air India’s 777-300ER for the long-haul DEL–IAD leg.

RPR-DEL-IAD-YOW = 115k Aeroplan + $103 CAD

While the excitement of flying Air India’s First Class was certainly there, I had read enough reviews online to temper my expectations. As expected, my journey quickly revealed that this product does not quite come with the usual “First Class” luxuries I’ve come to expect.

Air India AI 103
Boeing 777-300ER
Delhi (DEL – Washington DC (IAD)
Duration: 15h 53m
Seat: 1K
Flight Date: March 23, 2025

Air India First Class – Boarding Experience

After a brief stay at the Encalm Privé Lounge (since the Air India lounge was still under renovation), I made my way to Gate 26. There, I discovered a secondary security screening at the gate entrance. Unfortunately, there were no dedicated lanes for premium passengers, so the single line took me over 30 minutes to clear. As is common in India, families with children or passengers in wheelchairs were allowed to the front, often without a clear process, while Air India staff appeared resigned and disengaged.

Past security, there were again no dedicated seating areas for First or Business Class passengers. When I asked at the gate desk if premium passengers had a dedicated check-in or waiting area, I was merely directed to Gate 26B, tucked away in a corner with no signage. Although quieter, the boarding process was poorly managed. Boarding was delayed by about 40 minutes, and when it was finally announced, Business Class passengers had already lined up ahead of First Class, leaving me waiting another 10 minutes before boarding.

Air India 777-300ER

AI 103 – First Class Cabin, Seat, and Amenities

Stepping into the cabin was a jarring experience. The First Class cabin features just 4 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. Despite its small size, the layout made it feel spacious. However, the state of disrepair was impossible to ignore. The carpets and seat fabric were stained in several places, and the leather armrests and storage bins were frayed and in desperate need of upkeep. Overall, the cabin aesthetics were dilapidated and shocking for a First Class product.

AI 103 First Class Cabin

Air India First Class – 1K

AI 103 – Seat 1K

That said, the seat itself was very large and comfortable. Stretching across four windows in length, it provided ample elbow room and square footage. Big enough for a companion to join for a meal.

Storage was excellent with a large bin under the footrest that easily fit my backpack and shoes, and the medium bin under the console by the windows worked well for a laptop and smaller essentials. This was in addition to the full-sized overhead bins for carry-on items.

Additional storage

More Storage

At the seat, there was an IFE remote in the console, along with power and older USB ports for charging. On the brighter side, waiting at my seat were plush seat covers, an extra pillow, and a blanket, all of which helped cover the dilapidated state of the seat.

IFE Remote Control

AI 103 – First Class Meal Service

The catering and food experience was, for me, the highlight of my flight experience on AI 103. The menu options on the 16-hour journey were an impressive array of breakfast and lunch options, along with a”secret menu” that the crew offered for quick meals shortly after takeoff.

AI 103 – First Class Menu

First Class Drinks Menu

Champagne Option – First Class

Welcome Service: After settling in my seat, the crew offered cold towels and a choice of drinks, including champagne, juice, water, or Chaas (a yogurt-based drink). I went with the Chaas, which was cold, salty, and creamy, just as I had expected it.

Cold Towel Service

Welcome Drink -”Chass”

Pre-sleep Meal: Shortly after takeoff (past midnight), I wanted something light. I chose roasted pumpkin and carrot soup with a small plate of BBQ chicken, alongside warm nuts and Perrier. Both dishes were excellent, and the soup and bread were especially comforting.

BBQ Chicken – AI 103

Breakfast: I selected the South Indian option, which included Vermicelli Upma, Medu Vada, and Cheese Uthappam. As someone who appreciates these flavours, this meal was satisfying and authentic, paired with multiple cups of black coffee.

South Indian breakfast meal

Lunch Service: The standout of the flight was the Palak Kofta (vegetable dumplings in spinach sauce)—rich, perfectly seasoned, and restaurant-quality. The dessert, Moti Pak (gram flour pearls with sweet milk fudge), was nothing short of outstanding and one of the best desserts I’ve had on an aircraft.

Lunch Service – AI 103 First Class

Air India First Class – Amenities and Service Standard

This is where Air India truly excelled. The crew delivered thoughtful, proactive, and warm service throughout the 16-hour journey. The amenities hit the mark, with the high-quality pyjamas (100% cotton, very comfortable), noise-cancelling headsets, and a Ferragamo amenity kit (a large, ornate fabric pouch with a leather kit inside and a 4-piece care set).

Air India First Class PJ’ss

AI First Class Amenity Kit, by Ferragamo

Noise Cancelling Headphones

The crew also offered to make my bed after the pre-sleep meal. Once the seat was converted, the bed looked inviting and genuinely comfortable. I managed 6.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep, one of the bestI’vee ever had in the air, thanks to the wide and open design without a confining footwell.

Air India First Class lie-flat Bed

Towards the end of the flight, I had a candid conversation with the service director. I expressed my gratitude, and she shared openly about how much pride they took in maintaining strong service even while the airline and aircraft interior were in transition.

Reflections and Takeaways

As of September 1, 2025, Air India has discontinued the DEL–IAD route due to operational constraints. Aircraft upgrades and the closure of Pakistani airspace—which adds time and costs—made the route unsustainable.

Looking back, I began the flight shocked at the cabin’s worn state, but ended it genuinely satisfied, thanks to the service, food, and rest I experienced. The contrast between subpar hard product and exceptional soft product couldn’t be more apparent. The soft product more than compensated for the outdated hard product on this flight.

Would I fly this Air India First Class cabin again? Not by choice. But if Air India can pair the excellent crew and catering standards I experienced here with their upcoming upgraded hard product, the result could be a genuinely world-class First Class offering.