On the 11th June my flight from Dimapur to Kolkata was schedule at 13:30 and the onward journey from Kolkata-Pune indigo flight was at 18:25, which means I had 5 hours 55 minutes in between, but I end up missing the flight from Kolkata. This travel was plan well ahead and the ticket was booked 2 months prior to save my expenses. However, I had to pay almost the double of my current tickets due to negligence of Air India.
The flight schedule for 13:30 was postpone to 15:30 but it took off around 16:00 hrs. from Dimapur and landed at 17:15 at Kolkata. As I step down, the ground staff was busy catering to Air India onward journey but was not bothered about the other airlines onward Journey. It took around15 minutes to get down from the flight and to reach the baggage claim counter. We had to wait formore than30 minutes to get the luggage. In the baggage claim area there were few Air India staff who were attending to some passenger and when I went to two of them for help they were not bothered about my queries. They just said,‘get your baggage and go to the indigo counter.’We literally ran to the counter dragging our luggage and reach thecounter around 18:00 hrs.And the counter was closed and our repeated request was ignored because they stick to the rules and in no way was their negligence (Indigo airlines). In response to my plea, they said they have a provision to re-accommodate in the next flight, which give a little hope. However, after few minutes they said they only have flight for 14th June to Pune and also we have to pay the price difference for that day which was working very expensive. If I have to stay and wait for the next flight to Pune, it is waiting for another 2 days and 3 nights. In 2 days and 3 nights I will spent huge amount and also miss out so much on my working hours. To add to my worries was my co-passenger a young girl whom their family had entrusted me to take care till Pune. So I had to look for alternative to take a flight from Kolkata to Mumbai at 8:50 pm and arriving Mumbai at 11:30 pm. We had to pay Rs. 9465/- each for Kol-Mumbai flight and Rs. 2400/- for Mumbai-Pune taxi. Finally we reached Pune at 3:00am in the morning.
Due to someone’s negligence we had to pay a huge amount and neither Air India nor Indigo is bothered about our loss. There was also another co-passenger from Dimapur who also miss the flight because his next flight was at 18:00 hrs.to Nagpur. He was also running from one counter to another. I hope and pray that he reached Nagpur by now.
For some this might just be a bad day or unfortunate incident, but for people like me to pay that much money is really a pain.In fact after I landed in Mumbai I didn’t have enough money to pay the taxi. Luckily my co-passenger adjusted from her end. The airlines should also think of the mental tension that one go through especially if he or she is traveling for the first time (fortunately I could manage to do the alternative and reach Pune).
Therefore keeping this in mind I have few suggestions to Air India, particularly the Dimapur branch.
If there is any postponement or cancellation of flight, report well ahead in time or do some alternative arrangement. You might say that the cancellation/postponement is not from Dimapur airport but even in this situation you can help out, since you have the details of the Nagaland passenger.
If only postponement, make sure that you see to the need of the onward journey passenger when they reach Kolkata Airport (this is possible by connecting to Kolkata air India ground staff). This should not be confined to Air Indiapassengers alone, but should give support and assistance to passengers taking any other flights since most of the connecting flights are other airlines.
I am in no way directing what you shoulddo but there are certain things you need to consider and thereforeit is a suggestion. This time we have become the victim (mental tension, lose of huge amount and time), but I only wish that in future these complications shouldn’t occur. I don’t know how you will implement but if taken seriously it will help many travellers. However, if ignored many will face the same problem I had faced. I also appeal to all likeminded people to support, suggest and co-operate with the Airport staff for better functioning.
Pastor Achu Chang
Naga Christian Fellowship, Pune
(For any clarification I am available to explain the details - 09822343747)
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