Why is Jet lagging?

M. Gautham Machaiah

Jet Airways, touted as one of the most professional airlines till recently, slowly seems to be losing its sheen. No, it is not the competition in the skies, particularly from Vijay Mallya’s Kingfisher, that is threatening Jet, but its own complacency.

Having been a Jet-loyalist almost since its inception, I have noticed that the feel good factor that was the airline’s USP has almost disappeared. These days a Jet flight leaves you with a bitter experience.

Almost every time I have travelled in the recent past, the flight has been delayed either due to “late arrival of the aircraft” from the previous destination or air traffic congestion, though Jet cannot be blamed for the latter.

The clock work precision that Jet Airways staff was known for, is sadly missing. While the ground staff is usually grumpy, the air hostesses are down right shoddy.

Normally travellers are welcomed aboard with a broad smile, however plastic it might be. But at least on two occasions I have been greeted by the posteriors of airhostesses unmindful of boarding passengers. Grooming is another area that requires attention. Chipped nail paint, unpolished shoes and poor make-up seem to be the order of the day.

The in-flight service too leaves much to be desired. While dropping bowls and cutlery are common, there are instances when the staff simply forgets to serve coffee or water to an entire row. The whole process, from serving to clearing the trays, is often marked by total confusion.

But what takes the cake is the absence of adequate number of coaches to ferry the passengers from the aircraft to the terminal. I have experienced this on two occasions, and a friend of mine says this is common with Jet flights across the country. The friend who recently travelled from Bangalore to Chennai was stranded in the aircraft for half-an-hour waiting for the coach, that it, more than the travel time between the two cities.

How can an airline which led by example, suddenly slump? How can every thing go wrong—from ground handling, to in-flight service, to baggage arrival to logistics?

Most of us preferred Jet to the glitz and glamour of Kingfisher, mainly due to its professionalism. I would always remark, “Jet is a well oiled machine.” Unfortunately today, the oil is drying and the machine is rusting. A sad day for Jet, and an even sadder day for passengers like me who love the airliner.

COMMENTS

I agree with you. The crew is downright rude these days. At least my flights were on time.
-Cherian Thomas, Dubai

You are right. Jet is my favourite airline too. But off late it reminds you of our national airline which is known for its rude airhostesses and sloppy service. Complacency is dangerous for any organisation. In an age of competition and consumerism, it is only a matter of time before people dump poor quality services and products and move on.
-Seethalakshmi S, Bangalore

Intense competition must also be making things hard. The way it was going, one thought planes would be the most preferred mode of transport! Okay, that is changing!-Pradeep, BangaloreThe entire Zee (including the Chairman) has shifted from Jet to KF. But, you still want to stick to
Jet!
-Surabhi Shastry, Bangalore