This is a review of Vistara business class that I flew in March 2018. Since I have already written a detailed review of my first Vistara business class experience (Vistara Business Class from MAA-DEL), this piece is an addendum focusing on what to expect on the Delhi to Bangalore (DEL–BLR) route.
Table of Contents
- Booking
- Ground Experience
- 1. Dedicated Check-in
- 2. Security – Fast track
- 3. Vistara Lounge
- In-flight experience
- 1. Priority Boarding
- 2. Welcome Drink
- 3. Seat
- 4. Food
- 5. In-flight entertainment
- Flying BLR–DEL?
- Bottomline
Booking
Redeeming the business class voucher from the Axis Vistara Infinite credit card was quick and straightforward. I called Club Vistara Gold support and the agent issued my ticket within minutes after I paid the applicable taxes.
- Flight: Air Vistara UK817
- Route: Delhi (DEL) – Bangalore (BLR)
- Seat: 1F (Business Class)
- Revenue Ticket: ~20,000 INR
- I Paid: ~370 INR (Voucher redemption)
Ground Experience
1. Dedicated Check-in
I used the dedicated business class check-in counter to drop my luggage and then proceeded to the fast-track security lane. At busy airports like Delhi this saves a lot of time compared with the long economy queues.
Saved: ~30 minutes
2. Security – Fast track
Delhi Airport offers a fast-track security lane for premium passengers, which helps avoid the crowds. The terminal is large, however, so expect a 5–10 minute walk to the gate or the Vistara lounge after clearing security.
Saved: ~20 minutes
3. Vistara Lounge
Vistara’s proprietary lounge at Delhi T3 is a step above the often crowded Plaza Premium lounges. Because the departure gate is adjacent to the lounge, it’s easy to stay there until boarding time. I spent over an hour in the lounge; the experience and food were pleasant.
In-flight experience
1. Priority Boarding
During my visit the lounge screens experienced intermittent power issues, so I asked the lounge supervisor to alert me when boarding started. Staff informed me, and I was able to board quickly thanks to priority boarding for business class.
2. Welcome Drink
The welcome drink on this flight was lime juice. The cabin crew offered to replace it with another available option when they noticed I barely touched it; I declined. Shortly after boarding I received a cold towel, the dining menu, and a choice of newspapers and magazines.
3. Seat
The business class seat is firm and supportive; personally I prefer a softer feel, but it remained comfortable for the short sector. The footrest didn’t operate as smoothly as expected—an issue I’ve noticed on other Vistara flights too—though I don’t often use it except to test functionality. Legroom was generous and the cabin felt well-arranged.
4. Food
I chose the non-vegetarian option and found the meal delicious. The blackcurrant mocktail was excellent and on par with cocktails I’ve tried on other Vistara flights. Presentation was neat and portion sizes were appropriate for the flight duration.
5. In-flight entertainment
When I flew, the onboard entertainment system was not yet available on my aircraft. Since then Vistara has introduced “Vistara World,” a wireless inflight streaming service accessible via an app. It’s encouraging to see ongoing improvements to the passenger experience.
Good to see that they’re working constantly on improving their services.
Flying BLR–DEL?
I also flew Vistara business class on the Bangalore to Delhi (BLR–DEL) sector, UK 818. I was disappointed that Kempegowda International Airport did not offer a dedicated fast-track security lane for business class at that time, which meant a roughly 30-minute wait to clear security. For frequent business travelers who pay for the premium experience, having fast-track access is important. The dinner on that return flight (non-veg) was acceptable but could have been better.
Bottomline
Why I enjoy flying Vistara comes down to two words: exceptional service. The cabin crew consistently go out of their way to ensure passengers are comfortable and well looked-after. Flying business class out of Delhi also saves significant time thanks to dedicated check-in, fast-track security, and the Vistara lounge located near the gates.
- Cardexpert Rating: 4.5/5
Overall, my experiences on Vistara business class have been pleasant. I look forward to seeing expanded services and additional sectors, such as MAA–BOM, being served in the future.
If you’ve flown Vistara business class recently, feel free to share your experience in the comments below.