Award-winning music composer Ricky Kej has slammed Air India for downgrading him from business to economy class. The three-time Grammy winner posted on X (formerly Twitter) and shared how he was downgraded from a business class seat to economy without any reason.
Kej alleged that instead of apologising for the inconvenience, the airline staff was rude to him, and the airline even refused to offer a refund.
The musician alleged that this is happening to him third time in a year. The latest incident was reported while he was taking a morning flight from Mumbai to Bengaluru on Saturday.
“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 the departure gate, the staff rudely tells me that I have been downgraded (for no reason) and they can’t give me a refund. What’s up with Air India? The person on the counter is Nishita Singh. Absolutely not helpful, and impolite. @airindia really needs to introspect and see if they are capable of running an airline in the first place,” Ricky Kej wrote.
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
Ricky Kej added, “It is ok to have operational issues due to unforeseen circumstances. But, to not provide quick and effective resolutions for the same is absolutely criminal and not befitting of a reputed brand.”
Meanwhile, Air India responded to Ricky Kej’s post, promising to address the issue. However, the airline indicated “rude behaviour” could be the possible reason behind the downgrade.
“Dear Mr Kej, we wish to assure you that rude behaviour is not at all accepted at any of our contact points, and we always strive to offer a courteous and hassle-free experience to our passengers. Kindly help us with the booking details via DM to address this,” Air India wrote.
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
After receiving the details on DM, the airline responded to Ricky Vej that they have shared the resolution with him. However, criticising the airline’s response, the composer wrote, “Don’t lie @airindia, that is the least you can do. Your message does not have any indication on the exact amount of refund or the mode of receiving it. Just giving vague percentages does not help anyone.”
Don't lie @airindia , that is the least u can do. Your message does not have any indication on the exact amount of refund, the mode of receiving it. Just giving vague percentages does not help anyone.— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) August 3, 2024
He also stated that the airlines had no protocol in place for situations like immediate refunds, options for other flights, immediate intimation, and an apology for discomfort.
“Instead, they are rude, clueless, and high-handed, and behave as if they were doing a huge favour to you by allowing you to board the flight,” Kej added.
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