Bengaluru: A Bengaluru man recently shared his positive experience travelling with British Airways from London to Bengaluru, highlighting the airline’s efforts to make the journey comfortable and inclusive for Indian passengers.
The passenger, who flew with his family on flight BA119 on 19th October, Sunday, posted about his experience on X (formerly Twitter). “Dear British Airways, I flew from London to Bengaluru on BA119 on 19th October, Sunday, with my family. It was an amazing experience overall,” he wrote, drawing attention to several features that made the trip memorable.
Kannada-speaking crew praised
One of the aspects the passenger appreciated was the presence of a Kannada-speaking crew member named Nikhil, who assisted passengers throughout the journey. This thoughtful gesture ensured smoother communication for travellers more comfortable with Kannada, enhancing the overall experience.
“Safety instructions were available with Kannada subtitles, which was very helpful,” the passenger noted. This allowed passengers to understand essential safety information clearly, reflecting the airline’s attention to regional inclusivity.
Regional entertainment and in-flight experience
The in-flight entertainment was another highlight, as the flight offered a selection of around a dozen Kannada movies. “It was great to enjoy regional cinema while travelling,” the passenger wrote, suggesting that British Airways could further expand the regional movie library to include more Kannada films.
Food served on the flight was also appreciated, contributing to a positive overall experience for the family. Passengers praised the airline for integrating Indian culinary preferences into its international routes, offering a sense of familiarity during long-haul flights.
Public response and appreciation
The post quickly gained attention online, with users appreciating British Airways for its culturally inclusive approach. Many highlighted the significance of regional language support on international flights.
One user commented, “Same with me. When I flew from Hyderabad, a crew member was able to speak Telugu.” Another added, “When I flew from London to Chennai, the announcements were made in Tamil also, which was a very sweet gesture.”
Passengers also praised the airline for consistently offering a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, noting that such gestures make international travel more inclusive and welcoming for Indian flyers.
British Airways embraces Indian culture
British Airways has previously celebrated Indian culture on its international routes. Last October, the airline marked 100 years of flights between India and the UK by offering an exclusive menu featuring traditional Indian dishes such as coconut rice and lamb curry.
By including regional languages in safety instructions, offering regional entertainment, and providing familiar Indian meals, British Airways has strengthened its reputation among Indian travellers. The Bengaluru passenger’s feedback underscores the growing importance of cultural inclusivity in global air travel.
In conclusion, initiatives such as Kannada-speaking crew members, regional subtitles, and in-flight entertainment in Indian languages have been warmly welcomed by passengers. These efforts reflect the airline’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience for Indian passengers and promoting cultural sensitivity on international routes.