Weak link in the Indigo Airline System

I recently traveled by Indigo from Chandigarh to Bangalore. The flight was perfect with everything that is expected of an airline, starting from check-in; customer service; boarding; in-flight; cabin crew; the flight and of course the hallmark of Indigo - punctuality.

Image: Courtesy - Google Images

However, there was one flaw that seems to stick out, and would stay with me unless something is done about it by the airline. Imagine booking this flight on the Makemytrip website, after having spent an inordinate time trying to book it on the Indigo website. The Indigo website is slow, and has many glitches that forced me to re-enter data and keep refreshing pages.

Probably it has not been upgraded to keep up with the increased traffic loads on the website, caused due to increase in the fleet strength to 97 aircraft now. Or, could it be by design so that the company does not waste resources on a non core function that can be done more efficiently by a third party that has a core business of online reservations. I am not too sure on the philosophy of Indigo on this aspect.

In my opinion a low cost airline survives by cutting costs, and airline owned online booking platforms are one way of keeping costs down, unless Indigo management has now found out a better way to do it.

I am curious to know. Any one who knows this, please share with me on this blog.

SPICEJET - CHENNAI TO DELHI AND BACK.

SpiceJet B737-900ER in flight

I was on leave for a week, for the week ending 12 Oct 08. I travelled to Chandigarh and back - Chennai to Delhi by Spicejet, and onward by Shatabdi Express. Return followed the same pattern in reverse order.

I was booked to travel by Spicejet on 05 Oct 08 for the Chennai - Delhi sector for a scheduled departure time of 0540 hrs. The baggage X-ray, check-in, and the drop to the aircraft went as per plan and was done very professionally. The door closing was dot on time. The aircraft and the passengers looked well cared for, and the journey was uneventful.

Flare at Delhi

Totally impressed with the service of this low cost carrier. However, the occupancy figures were extremely distressing. I am a great fan of the low cost model and do not want good low cost carriers like Spicejet to fold up, but if the occupancy remains at the distressing 50 - 60 seat occupancy in a B737-900ER, then it is just a matter of time.

Just after touchdown at Delhi

I travelled the return leg from Delhi to Chennai also by Spicejet, departing Delhi dot on schedule at 0615 hrs. Everything from baggage X-ray, to check-in, to the drop at the aircraft were perfect. The occupancy this time was relatively higher. This airline should, and deserves, to survive...I would pray for that.

I would recommend this airline to anyone wanting to travel in a low cost carrier.