Grammy-winner Ricky Kej downgraded to Air India's economy from business class: '3rd time in one year'

In his post on X, Ricky Kej detailed his experience on an Air India flight from Mumbai to Bengaluru.

Grammy-winning music composer Ricky Kej criticised Air India for its declining customer service in a recent post on X. Kej reported that he was downgraded from his business class seat to economy without any explanation. Furthermore, he claimed that the airline staff was rude and unhelpful.

Kej, an Indian-American music composer, highlighted that this was the third time within a year that Air India had downgraded him from business class to economy without providing a clear reason.

In his post on X, Kej detailed his experience on an Air India flight from Mumbai to Bengaluru. He had purchased a business class ticket. Despite this, the airline allegedly refused to refund him the difference in fare after the downgrade.

"Wow... third time this is happening to me in one year. I booked and paid for a business class ticket on Air India from Mumbai to Bengaluru. When I reach the departure gate, the staff rudely tells me that I have been downgraded (for no reason) and they cannot give me a refund," Kej wrote on X.

Wow.. 3rd time this is happening to me in one year. I booked and paid for a business class ticket on @airindia from Mumbai to Bengaluru. When I reach departure gate, the staff rudely tells me that I have been downgraded (for no reason) and they cannot give me a refund. What's up…

— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) August 3, 2024

Kej also identified the staff member at the counter, describing her as "absolutely not helpful, and impolite." He urged Air India to reflect on their service standards. "It is ok to have operational issues due to unforeseen circumstances. But to not provide quick and effective resolutions for the same is absolutely criminal and not befitting of a reputed brand," he added.

It is ok to have operational issues due to unforseen circumstances. But to not provide quick and effective resolutions for the same is absolutely criminal.. and not befitting of a reputed brand.

— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) August 3, 2024

Meanwhile, in response to Kej's post, Air India assured that they would address the issue, emphasising that rude behaviour is not tolerated at any of their contact points. They also requested Kej's booking details via direct message to resolve the matter.

"Dear Mr. Kej, we wish to assure you that rude behaviour is not at all accepted at any of our contact points and we always strive to offer a courteous and hassle-free experience to our passengers. Kindly help us with the booking details via DM to address this," Air India responded on X.

Kej complied with the request, sharing his booking details and challenging the airline to demonstrate their commitment to customer care. "Sent you the details on DM. Let's see how helpful you are @airindia. It is time for you to prove you actually care about your paying customers," he wrote.