The magic of travel often lies not just in the destination, but in the journey itself. And, our recent flight from Delhi to London on Vistara‘s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on December 28th was nothing short of enchanting. Buckle up, fellow wanderlust souls, as I take you on a detailed voyage through the clouds, reliving every delightful moment of this incredible flight.
Pre-Flight Bliss
The excitement crackled in the air even before boarding. Vistara‘s check-in process was a breeze, with friendly staff and efficient service ensuring a smooth start. Stepping into the sparkling clean Delhi airport’s lounge, we were greeted by a haven of comfort. Plush armchairs, complimentary refreshments, and a selection of magazines kept us entertained as we awaited the boarding call.
Boarding with a Smile
The boarding announcement, an unexpected delight against the hum of the terminal, beckoned us towards our sleek Vistara Boeing 787-9. The queue, a testament to Indian efficiency, shuffled forward with surprising elegance. Vistara’s crew, a symphony of warm smiles and crisp uniforms, greeted each passenger like a long-lost friend. Stepping into the aircraft, we met a cathedral of space, awash in soothing modern tones. Our haven in Economy class awaited, a plush cocoon of decent legroom, a reclining backrest that whispered comfort, and a personal entertainment system overflowing with cinematic and musical escape. In that moment, the anticipation of the journey transformed into pure, unadulterated joy. We had traded the mundane for a haven of comfort, courtesy of Vistara’s Boeing Dreamliner.
Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: A Cabin Experience Like No Other
Vistara, India’s premium airline, operates a fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, known for their sleek design, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort. The 787-9s are the backbone of Vistara’s long-haul international routes, offering a luxurious and enjoyable travel experience across various cabins. Let’s take a detailed look at the cabin features of Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner:
Business Class:
- Seating: Vistara’s Business Class on the 787-9 features 30 lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring maximum privacy and personal space. Each seat is upholstered in plush leather and offers a generous 44-inch seat pitch with a full 76-inch flatbed recline for ultimate comfort on long journeys.
- Amenities: Each seat comes equipped with an 18-inch HD personal entertainment system with a wide range of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Passengers can also enjoy ample storage space, a personal in-seat power outlet, and a convenient reading light.
- Dining: Vistara’s Business Class passengers are treated to a delectable multi-course à la carte meal with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The airline also offers a comprehensive selection of beverages, including premium wines and spirits.
Premium Economy:
- Seating: Vistara’s Premium Economy cabin on the 787-9 features 32 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, providing more space and comfort than standard Economy. The seats offer a 38-inch seat pitch with a comfortable recline, adjustable headrests, and a calf and footrest for added relaxation.
- Amenities: Each seat comes equipped with a 13-inch HD personal entertainment system with a good selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Passengers also enjoy ample storage space, a personal in-seat power outlet, and a convenient reading light.
- Dining: Premium Economy passengers are served a three-course meal with a choice of entrees and a selection of beverages.
Economy:
- Seating: Vistara’s Economy cabin on the 787-9 features 236 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. While the seats are standard in terms of width, the extra legroom due to the Dreamliner’s wider cabin design makes it feel more spacious than other airlines’ Economy cabins. The seats offer a 31-inch seat pitch with a standard recline.
- Amenities: Each seat comes equipped with an 11-inch HD personal entertainment system with a limited selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Passengers also enjoy a personal in-seat power outlet and a convenient reading light.
- Dining: Economy passengers are served a two-course meal with a choice of entrees and a selection of beverages.
Overall Cabin Features:
- Mood lighting: The 787-9 features dynamic mood lighting that adjusts throughout the flight to create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.
- Large windows: The Dreamliner’s large windows offer stunning views of the clouds and landscapes below, making the flight even more enjoyable.
- Advanced air filtration system: The 787-9’s advanced air filtration system ensures a cleaner and more comfortable cabin environment, reducing the risk of airborne diseases.
- Quiet cabins: The Dreamliner’s advanced engines and design make it one of the quietest airplanes in the sky, allowing for a more restful travel experience.
Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offers a cabin experience that is designed to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning travellers. With its spacious cabins, comfortable seats, advanced amenities, and focus on passenger comfort, Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is sure to make your long-haul journey a truly enjoyable one.
A Culinary Adventure
- Fine Dining Flair: Vistara elevates the experience with elegant tableware. Imagine savouring your meal on fine bone china, accompanied by polished cutlery and crisp linens. It’s a touch of luxury that makes every bite special.
- Attentive Service: The cabin crew is the heart of the Vistara meal service. They’re professional yet warm, ensuring your every need is met with a smile. They’ll guide you through the menu, answer any questions, and ensure your dining experience is truly memorable.
- Dietary Considerations: Vistara caters to diverse dietary needs, offering special meals upon request. From vegetarian and vegan options to Jain and diabetic-friendly selections, no one is left behind in this culinary journey.
Entertainment in the Clouds
Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a luxurious addition to their fleet, boasts a modern and sleek inflight entertainment (IFE) system powered by Panasonic’s X Series. While there have been some initial hiccups and limitations, the overall experience promises to be enjoyable, especially with upcoming content additions.
Hardware and Design
- Screen: Every seat in both Business and Premium Economy classes enjoys a generous 18-inch high-resolution touchscreen. The screen tilts for comfortable viewing at any angle, a thoughtful detail for reclining passengers.
- Controls: Intuitive touchscreen interface with additional physical buttons for basic functions like volume and playback.
- Audio: High-quality noise-cancelling headphones are provided, enhancing your audio experience.
Content Library
- Movies: A decent selection of new and classic Hollywood and Bollywood films, though not the most extensive compared to some major airlines.
- TV Shows: Limited selection of English and Hindi shows, with most offering only a few episodes.
- Live TV: Four live channels available – BBC World News, Sports24, CNBC, and CNN – keeping you connected to global news and events.
- Music: Wide range of international and Indian music genres to cater to diverse tastes.
- Games: Currently limited, but expected to expand with the introduction of Panasonic’s new “Theatre” solution.
- In-flight Map: The Arc system also features a new interactive map with enhanced functionalities.
Did you know? You can stay connected at cruising altitude with Vistara’s onboard Wi-Fi!
Here are some interesting facts about Vistara’s in-flight Wi-Fi service:
- Surf the skies: Vistara offers Wi-Fi connectivity on most of its domestic and international flights, powered by Nelco Network Products Limited (NNPL) in collaboration with Panasonic Avionics Corporation.
- Connect at high altitudes: The service is available once the aircraft reaches an altitude of 10,500 feet, allowing you to stay connected throughout most of your flight.
- Choose your package: Vistara offers various Wi-Fi packages to suit your needs, ranging from basic browsing to high-speed streaming. Prices typically start from around ₹199 for basic plans.
- Bring your own device: You can access the Wi-Fi using your own laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Just ensure your device is Wi-Fi enabled and in airplane mode.
- Stay informed: Vistara’s in-flight Wi-Fi portal also provides access to news, weather updates, and other information to keep you entertained during your journey.
Here are some additional tips for using Vistara’s onboard Wi-Fi:
- Pre-purchase your Wi-Fi package online for a discounted price.
- Download any important files or movies before your flight, as streaming can be slow.
- Turn off background apps and data synchronisation to save bandwidth.
- Be patient, as internet speeds can vary depending on the aircraft and your location.
A Touchdown of Delight
As we were cruising during the winter-moon night, the announcement of our descent into London Heathrow brought a bittersweet pang. The anticipation of exploring this iconic city was palpable, but we couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness at leaving the comfort of this wonderful flight. After a joyful experience onboard, it was surely time to fasten our seat belts and approach one of the busiest airports in the world.
Landing with Memories
Touching down in London, we disembarked with a heart overflowing with gratitude. Vistara had truly exceeded my expectations, transforming a long journey into an unforgettable experience. From the impeccable service to the delightful food and entertainment, every detail was meticulously crafted to ensure passenger comfort and enjoyment. It’s the people who work tirelessly round the clock that ensure every flight is an experience that surely resembles true motto of the company.
More Than Just a Flight
This Vistara flight was more than just a means of transportation; it was a mini-adventure that left us with cherished memories. It was a testament to Indian hospitality, a celebration of delicious food, and a masterclass in inflight entertainment. As I stepped onto the bustling streets of London, we carried with us not just the excitement of exploring a new city, but also the warmth and magic of a truly exceptional flight experience.
So, if you’re looking for a flight that elevates the journey to an art form, look no further than Vistara. They’ll take you to your destination not just with efficiency, but with a touch of magic that will leave you starry-eyed and wanting more.
