An Air India passenger flying to London slammed the airline for the “bizarre” seat he was given despite paying extra for the best available option. A post circulating on X (formerly Twitter) shows the narrow
seat in the front row with no windows or elbow room.
While Air India commented on the post and promised the matter would be reviewed internally, the photos have stirred up a discussion on X, with many people describing similar experiences with the airline.
In a post, journalist Rahul Srivastava tagged the airline and wrote, “Fly @airindia & SUFFER. I had to dash down to London. Chose from available-best seat XL-front row window seat shown at the time of seat selection. Paid extra. Now see the seat. No window. So extra leg room seat has NO ELBOW ROOM. Knees knocking at the aircraft door & buttons. From lazy the airline has moved to bizarre. Lesson learnt- fly British Airways or others who treat u like passengers not CATTLE.”
Fly @airindia & SUFFER. I had to dash down to London. Chose from available-best seat XL-front row window seat shown at the time of seat selection. Paid extra. Now see the seat. No window. So extra leg room seat has NO ELBOW ROOM. Knees knocking at the aircraft door & buttons.… pic.twitter.com/sOOL9TB61o
— Rahul Shrivastava (@Rahulshrivstv) January 15, 2026
What Did Air India Say?
The airline thanked the user for bringing the matter to their attention. “We will get this reviewed internally,” the airline added.
Dear Mr. Shrivastava, thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will get this reviewed internally.
— Air India (@airindia) January 15, 2026
The passenger replied that airline bosses need to reflect on their service. In a reply to another person, he said that he blamed Air India for the seat mishap as the seat configuration is their responsibility. “Usually in this row there are two seats. There is no scooped-out window, and the little gap between the window and the armrest. So I will blame,” he added.
No the seat configuration is done by airline. Usually in this row there are two seats. There is no scooped out window and the little gap between the window and the arm rest. So I will blame
— Rahul Shrivastava (@Rahulshrivstv) January 15, 2026
Social Media Slams Air India
Many people agreed with the post and recalled similar experiences that they faced. “I had a similar experience on Air India in December(same seat/destination), it’s the curvature that makes sitting straight not possible for a tall person, so had to sit at an angle throughout the 10-hour flight. Not sure if it’s a design issue because of the emergency exit,” a user wrote.
Others pointed out that the user was eligible for compensation. “It’s a clear case of deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, making you eligible for a refund and compensation,” another advised.
Some pointed out that the user had made a mistake in picking the seat. “You picked the wrong seat man! Better check out before .. yet the airline must get rid of that stupid seat. It seems they forcefully put it there.”
A comment read, “It’s wild how people already know Air India is trash, still book the cheapest ticket like their life depends on it..and then act shocked when the experience feels like a government office on wings. “Paid extra.””
The debate continues on social media, with many people slamming the airline for its service.
