Over the course of my extensive travels, spanning hundreds of international business-class flights across numerous airlines, I had never once found myself reluctant to disembark at my destination—until a remarkable journey to New Delhi aboard Air India transformed that sentiment entirely. Ordinarily, air travel, regardless of the tier or class, inevitably exacts its toll on the body and spirit. Yet, during the fifteen-hour voyage from Newark to New Delhi on Air India’s newly refurbished Airbus A350, I experienced an unexpected level of pleasure that redefined my perception of endurance, luxury, and comfort at thirty thousand feet.
From the moment I stepped onboard, the sense of refinement was palpable. The business-class cabin exuded a sophisticated serenity—sleek, modern lines and a distinct atmosphere of understated opulence. What immediately caught my attention, however, was that my seat was far more than just a reclining chair: it was a self-contained suite. Each traveler enjoyed a private enclave meticulously designed to offer convenience and intimacy, a rare combination in the world of air travel. My suite boasted multiple compartments offering abundant storage space—ample room for personal belongings, work materials, and other items one might need on a long-haul journey. To my pleasant surprise, there was even a compact wardrobe suitable for hanging garments such as a blazer or light jacket, ensuring they arrived as crisp as when first packed.
Once my belongings were stowed away, I took time to explore the suite’s thoughtful features. One subtle yet admirable detail was a small exterior light outside each suite’s number display: when the “do not disturb” function was engaged, the light glowed red, signaling to the attentive cabin crew that the passenger wished for uninterrupted rest. This nuanced detail, seemingly simple in concept, struck me as a hallmark of considerate design—providing both privacy and tranquility for those desiring uninterrupted slumber during the lengthy flight.
The seat itself came with a generous array of amenities—a plush pillow, bottled water, and an energy bar to stave off hunger during initial moments of the flight. The seat controls were remarkably intuitive, allowing seamless transition between upright, lounge, and fully flat positions. Beside me, an expansive window was fitted with electronically operated blinds, enabling precise regulation of incoming light—from bright mid-flight illumination to the gentle darkness ideal for sleeping. The cabin’s 21-inch entertainment screen offered an equally impressive selection, featuring both Bollywood and Hollywood favorites as well as international television series, ensuring that passengers of every preference would find suitable entertainment throughout the journey.
As I surveyed the broader business-class cabin, I was impressed by Air India’s meticulous attention to ambiance. The layout felt airy and refined, with clean aesthetic lines that balanced luxury and functionality. The aisles provided ample room to stretch one’s legs, a small yet valuable indulgence during a transcontinental flight, while the cabin’s modern color palette contributed to a sense of calm composure.
The culinary service, often an airline’s most revealing test, exceeded expectations from the outset. Mere minutes after taking my seat, I was welcomed with a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne—an elegant prelude to the dining experience ahead. The food menu was both extensive and sophisticated. I ultimately selected a refreshing tomato and bocconcini caprese salad accompanied by toasted almonds, Kalamata olives, and delicate slices of garlic toast, followed by a well-balanced dish of rice, beans, and chickpeas. Even the smallest design elements carried cultural resonance: the salt and pepper shakers, for example, were modeled after the traditional Indian tiffin box—a charming nod to the carrier’s heritage.
After dinner, a delightful progression of snacks and desserts continued to appear. I was graciously presented with a fine cheese selection featuring Emmental, Brie, and English cheddar, alongside a decadently rich chocolate rind cheesecake. A perfectly spiced Bloody Mary complemented the indulgence. Later on, I discovered a dedicated social area situated just beyond the business-class section—a tastefully conceived lounge where passengers could mingle with fellow travelers or enjoy brief exchanges with the amiable crew. This warmly lit space was stocked with an assortment of refreshments: cookies, fruit, cakes, cheeses, and nuts, ensuring that no craving went unanswered. In an exquisite gesture of hospitality, when a flight attendant noticed me casually picking up a small bag of nuts, they promptly offered to warm them for me—a thoughtful detail that exemplified the crew’s commitment to personalized service. From that moment forward, warm nuts and even freshly popped popcorn appeared at my seat roughly every forty-five minutes, a rhythm of comfort that felt both indulgent and deeply human.
When the time came to rest, the transition from seat to bed was a revelation in luxury. My seat extended into a 79-inch fully flat bed—more than ample for my five-foot-nine frame. Within moments, the flight attendants transformed my space into a miniature bedroom, complete with a crisp duvet and an additional soft blanket layered for extra warmth. There was scarcely a trace of the usual discomfort associated with in-flight rest. Sleep came quickly and deeply, aided by the serene darkness and the quiet hum of the aircraft.
Each business-class passenger also received Tumi pajamas—crafted from exceptionally soft fabric—and an elegantly designed Ferragamo amenity kit. The kit included essentials such as lotion, hand cream, and lip balm, all enclosed within a keepsake pouch adorned with a golden Maharaja charm, a subtle but stylish tribute to Air India’s regal emblem. The pajamas were so comfortable that they turned what might have been a merely functional nap into a soothing reprieve from travel fatigue.
From beginning to end, the entire experience aboard Air India’s upgraded business class was one of effortless luxury, graceful hospitality, and genuine comfort. Every component, from the discreet service and spacious suite configuration to the abundance of fine dining options and carefully orchestrated amenities, converged to create a standard of travel that easily rivaled and perhaps surpassed the first-class cabins on other international carriers. As the flight concluded and the wheels touched the runway in New Delhi, a rare thought crossed my mind—a whimsical yet entirely sincere question: would anyone notice if I simply stayed aboard a little longer?
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/air-india-business-class-long-flight-review-newark-new-delhi-2025-12
