Bassinets for bachelors-an AIR INDIA story

It was my first trip to India with the baby!!
..I was worried how will we survive the 18 hr trip with the baby.  Well, it should be fine,my husband said,we will request for a bassinet while making the reservation,the baby would sleep fine. Request was made, but many wise people warned us , it is AIR INDIA, don't take anything for granted.
 So we make it to the airport well ahead of time, no waiting in the checking line..! At the counter, I humbly make my request ,'a bassinet seat for the baby'.
Oh, this is a new aircraft,there are no bassinets..quick came the reply. We are disheartened and confused...Well, can we get an aisle seat, I politely ask .So we board the flight, happy with the aisle seat arrangement.
 I am really shocked to see youngsters sitting at what appear to be bassinet seats. I check with an air-hostess, the air craft did have bassinet arrangements, you can try to switch seats she suggests.
 And the sweet lady at the counter had indeed given as the aisle seats, only trouble was it was the middle seats.
.....................
Three weeks flew by and it was that time again. I called up in advance to re-confirm the tickets. The guy was sweet and polite, you had requested for bassinet seat and baby food
Ma'am, both are confirmed ,plus you all get to sit together, these are the seat numbers. Good heavens, I couldn't  believe my ears!
While we were checking in , I smiled happily at the lady at the counter and casually asked, so we have the bassinet seat, right. What bassinet seat, it is all already taken. I am annoyed beyond words, how about the seat numbers, the promise, re-confirmation?
 ...............
 We settle down at the assigned seats, my husband tries to pacify me, don't worry we will never fly with AIR INDIA again. The pilot announces 'Thank you for flying AIR INDIA', my elder son, jokes ,oh yeah right, you should thank us.
07/11/09 nilambari r/nilambari.rediffiland.com

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Categories: Air India - International Oct 2009, NACIL Oct 2009