Airlines: Air India [AI]
Flight : AI308 DEL-Mel
Reg : VT-ANK
Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Dep - DEL : 1.30 pm
Arr - Mel : 6.00 am
Flight time : 11:10 hrs
Distance : 10215 km
Introduction
To read earlier report click => Air India VT-PPV AI866 BOM-DEL
This flight report to Melbourne continues...
Full Video Report : Air India VT-ANK AI308 DEL-MEL
Do watch the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrHvdaANKv8
Hotel
After heading to bed early. Woke in the morning. packed my carry-on bag.
Went for the buffet breakfast around 9 a.m.
Food options - Veg, non-Veg, Indian, Continental, Mediterranean,etc.
Dosa, Idli, Coconut and Tomato chutney
Lauki (Bottle Gourd) Halwa
Food was very well made. After a filling breakfast, it was time to clear the room and head down to catch the bus.
Bus was parked at the entrance by 10 a.m and once everyone was onboard, was on it's way to Airport.
Delhi Metro outside the hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel
Street view
New line under-construction
Airport Express Metro
Bus view
Bus Ride video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUkNhztWZ04
Close to Airport
Close to Delhi Airport Terminal 3.
Arriving at the departure terminal gate
Check-in
After disembarking from the bus, went to check-in counter to get boarding card for the Melbourne flight. I was made a request for window seat. I got exit row without a window.
Our group was met by the Air India representative who gave voucher for the Qantas flight from Melbourne to Sydney.
After collecting the voucher. Headed for the immigration and security.
Departure Gate
After filling the departure form, completed the immigration and security without and issues.
Departure Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDqKNmdYPT8
Duty-free Shopping
After passing security passed through the duty-free shopping area.
Flight Schedule
Time was 11.30 a.m, with still time left for boarding. Had a look around the airport
Delhi Airport Terminal 3
Air side view
Domestic on one pier and International on other.
Domestic
International
Air India flights in action
Soon it was time for boarding. Walk to the gate
Boarding Gate 19
Flight would be departing from gate 19. Found a power point to charge my phone.
Boarding was called, queue was formed soon.
Waited for the queue to get over. Boarding card was scanned. Passport and Carry-on tags were checked.
Air India VT-ANK to Melbourne
Heading down the ramp.
AI's sistership VT-ANL
Close to boarding the flight.
Engine
Onboard
Once on board, settled in the seat. This flight was full. Few passengers wanted to sit together, crew tried to shuffle a few. Was asked if i could take a middle seat in a row of 4. I declined. No way for a 12 hrs flight.
My neighbour was heading to Auckland, worked there in restaurant.
Exit row
Boarding was completed by 1.30. Captain came on board and informed that a flight would be delayed as they are waiting for a replacement crew.
While waiting, window view
Crew came on board by 2.15 p.m. Flight was delayed by 45 mins.
Window view
Soon it was time for pushback. Crew had explained the emergency procedure. Crew buckled up in the opposite seat. After a short taxi, it was time for take-off.
After takeoff the windows were tinted. With the window darkened, there is hardly and view of the outside.
Entertainment screen
Flight map
Touch screen IFE
After about 1.5 hrs of flight. Drink were provided with peanuts.
Meal Service
After another hr, it was Lunch/Dinner.
Meal packaging
Option was veg and non-veg. I chose non-veg.
Meal: Veg Pulao, Chicken Curry, Veggies
After 4 hrs had another meal service.
Dinner packaging
Dinner: Chicken Biryani, Sweet, Bread and butter
After the dinner, lights were dimmed and it was time for rest. Snoozed off till near Australian shores.
Flight Map
Flight information
Breakfast
As flight about 2.5hrs from Melbourne, Breakfast was served.
Breakfast : Croissant, cake and Mango juice
Flight Map
Flight Information
Air India logo
Flight Map and Information
Descend in Melbourne
Announcement was made regarding spraying of disinfectant. Crew carried out the spraying in the flight.
Tinting was turned off by the crew.
Window view
Ontime Arrival
Flight departed late but arrived on time in Melbourne.
Arriving at the gate
Landed ontime in Melbourne, it was cold day.
Disembarkation
Air India VT-ANK preparing for return flight to Delhi
To immigration and quarantine
Headed for the immigration self check kiosk, entered details, took the ticket. Headed for the auto gate, took about 5 mins for the whole process. Stood in the quarantine queue, with nothing to declare was waved off. Met with fellow passengers who were going to Sydney. Headed back up to departure area of Qantas Terminal for Sydney ticket.
Thanks for reading this report till next time.
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