Grammy winner Ricky Kej shares symphony of frustration against Air India

Mumbai: Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej is once again in the spotlight, this time for his latest encounter with Air India’s downgrade system. The composer, who is no stranger to hitting the right notes, found himself in an unexpected jam as he was downgraded from business class to economy for the third time this year.

Yesterday's flight from Mumbai to Bengaluru, scheduled to take off at 9:25 AM, became the latest chapter in this saga. Kej took to social media to share his symphony of frustration, describing how he learned of his downgrade at the departure gate – no warning, no explanation, just a front-row seat to a classic case of “economy class surprise.”

"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 with AirIndia?" he asked on his X handle.

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

Cage complained that the person at the counter was "absolutely not helpful, and impolite".

He lamented the lack of immediate refunds, alternative options, or even a heartfelt “sorry” for the inconvenience.

Since this "downgrading" on @airindia happens so often (3 times just with me), you would imagine that they have protocol in place. Immediate refund, options for other flights, immediate intimation and apology for discomfort. They do none of the above, and instead are rude,…

— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) August 3, 2024

Kej, who knows a thing or two about setting the stage, called for a transparent resolution process, demanding a full refund for the downgraded service and hinting at possible legal action if his concerns go unanswered.

In response, Air India claimed they had sent a resolution via X. However. Kej contested it, claiming no resolution was provided.