[gianni66]

Dear all, after reading tons of previous posts and the last exchange of messages about problems with Air Deccan, I am seriously questioning about SAFETY of Air Deccan rather than delays, onboard service, etc.
I have to fly from Dehli to Chennai and return next August, and I have already purchased online two tickets with Air Deccan for the total fare of 200 euros (for two persons).
With Jetairways the total fare for the same trip (same dates, very similar times) would be 620 euros.
Priority for me is safety (but price is also important!).
What do you think is the wisest choice? I have already Air Deccan e-tickets in my hands, so I should cancel them (with a little penalty) and book with Jetairways... or can  trust in safety standard of Air Deccan?
I have used a lot of times low cost airlines in Europe, reporting excellent experiences, but I don't know if Air Deccan has the same standards of Raynair, Easyjet of similar companies...  
Maybe you can help me!
Gianni

[jyotirmoy]

I wouldn't worry much about the safety part. A good procedure is in place & all airlines follow that.

[malkers]

I would second what Jyoti says, Air Deccan can be a pain in the neck for many reasons but safety won't be one of them.  The small planes they use buck and wobble a lot and you wonder if you'll ever land straight but this is all normal.  For that longhaul flight you'll be on a big Airbus anyhow and they are all brand new so I wouldn't worry.

Malc

[gianni66]

Thanks guys, your replies are encouraging! I have Air Deccan flights without any constraint for further connections, so I don't mind of eventual delays (I am much more worried for delays with Alitalia from Rome to Dehli!!   ).
I will keep my Air Deccan tickets, finally, and bring a bottle of water with me!
Gianni

[jyotirmoy]

I travelled to Kolkata 2 weeks back. Mt Delhi Kolkata flight was rescheduled... the airlines informed me a day before. It was rescheduled for 2 PM instead of 8:30 AM but took off at 2 PM. Return was on time.

[sugarnspice]

After reading the other thread on Air Deccan, I'd say safety or the lack of it was an issue with them. I wouldn't travel on them or recommend them to anyone.

[jyotirmoy]

As I said earlier I wouldn't worry about the safety issue. I haven't come accross any adverse comments on that.

[malkers]

And seeing as one of the worlds best airlines (Singapore Airlines) have now trusted Deccan with their maintenance whilst in India I would say there is nothing to worry about.

They get this sort of stick because they are cheap and turn their flights around quickly, this doesn't change the fact that if the plane is not safe to fly, it won't fly.

Ryanair still get the same moans about safety and yet they have the best safety record in Europe and have barely had an incident since they started.

Scaremongering doesn't do anybody any good.  Jet Airways had a near miss with a fighter jet last month so your money doesnt buy you any more safety!  

[sugarnspice]

Hi Malkers, scaremongering! I hadn't thought of it that way! Thanks!

[jyotirmoy]

Returned to Delhi from Kolkata on 30th. Dec. The Air Deccan flight took off on time & landed in Delhi with out any hovering around.

[captmahajan]

I don't think safety should be a particular issue with Air Deccan, though I get worried sometimes about all budget airlines.

By the way, Jet airways were 'caught' (and admitted their fault) flying long distance flights without enough lifejackets a few months ago.

[argy39]

Hi gianni,

Check out this web site. You may find it usefull. It gives peoples personal comments on all (most) airlines from all over the world.  www.airlinequality.com   I find it a pretty good guide to go by. Just for the record I personally fly Jet Airways internally whilst in India. Just a personal choice.
regards
Russell

[jyotirmoy]

Yeah Jet airways is a good airline no doubt but they ain't cheap. If you can afford Jet fares then next time try Kingfisher, I am sure you will be delighted.

[gianni66]

Hi all. Since I opened this topic time ago, worried about the safety and the reliability of Air Deccan, it's now a "duty" for me to report about my flights with this airline company last summer.

I booked the flights from Delhi to Chennai and Chennai to Delhi with very low fares, and I also have to say that I booked and cancelled many other flights for the same period, due to the endless travel plans which I changed a lot of times... the penalties paied for such cancellations have been absolutely marginal, nothing compared to the ones required by major airlines if one modifies or cancel a flight.

The internet booking facility has always worked perfectly, quickly and without any crash, both for reservations and cancellations.

Both the flights took off and landed on time... well, this is not correct. The flight from Chennai to Delhi landed few minutes in advance.

The luggage were delivered after a very short time, no longer than 10-15 minutes.

I had no problem at all during the flights, although there was no service on board and I had to bring my own bottle of water (wich was not allowed from Chennai to Delhi).

Definitively, well worth the (low) price!

I would like to have Air Deccan flights instead of Alitalia when I travel for my job...  

Gianni

[jyotirmoy]

Well travelling on business I wouldn't go for the budget airlines but on holidays yes I will travel by them no doubt.