AI goof-up: Chennai flyers put on Hyderabad flight

New Delhi: Eight Chennai-bound business class passengers from Delhi almost flew to Hyderabad on Monday because they were put on the wrong plane!
One passenger felt something was amiss when he found someone occupying the seat allotted to him upon boarding. The others happily settled in and were waiting for take-off.
The Chennai-bound passenger asked the person in his seat to show him his boarding card. Both cards had the same seat number. At this point, the air hostesses were alerted and a quick check made the airline realize its mistake. The eight were then deboarded and rushed to the Chennai-bound aircraft which was already late, waiting as it was for its 'lost' passengers.
The mix-up, possibly the first involving so many flyers, happened at IGI airport on Monday when the passengers were to fly to Chennai on Air India flight IC 439 at 6.25am. These executive (J-class in AI parlance) passengers were directed to a bus at the boarding gate for business class flyers at IGI's terminal 1A.
The AI spokesperson did not comment on the incident. However, airline sources said boarding had become a very rushed affair now as aircraft run the risk of losing their slot if all passengers aren't seated and doors closed 15 minutes before scheduled departure.
02/09/10 Economic Times

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Categories: Air India Domestic Sep 2010, airports Sep 2010, NACIL Sep 2010