From Skeptic to Believer: How IndiGo’s Business Class Blew Me Away

As a frequent flyer with thousands of hours in the air, I’ve become accustomed to the rhythms of global aviation. However, my recent experience with IndiGo, the world’s fastest-growing airline (which is soon expanding into the U.S.), was different.

I had just landed in India for the first time, and I was feeling more than a little anxious. The thought of flying domestically with a low-cost carrier in a country so new to me made me pause. Various stories—some exaggerated, some outdated—flashed through my mind: chaos at the airport, delays, and discomfort in the cabin.

Still, my curiosity got the better of me, and I booked a Stretch+ seat—similar to a U.S. domestic first or a narrow-body business class seat—on one of IndiGo’s brand-new Airbus A321neos from Delhi to Mumbai.

What followed not only shattered my expectations but also completely rewrote them. IndiGo didn’t just prove me wrong; it provided one of the smoothest, smartest, and most pleasant short-haul experiences I’ve had in years.

Check-In

The journey began the night before my flight when I checked in via IndiGo’s mobile app. It was as quick and intuitive as any premium airline platform I’ve used, and within minutes, I had my mobile boarding pass, a scannable QR code, and confirmation messages via email and WhatsApp. Helpful and reassuring.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

The next afternoon at Delhi’s Terminal 1, I stepped into the terminal, passport ready, and was met by a uniformed guard who scanned my pass and pointed me toward the check-in area. A long line loomed ahead—but thanks to IndiGo’s self-service kiosks, I skipped it entirely. In under three minutes, boarding pass in hand and carry-on in tow, I was through security and into the terminal’s vibrant heart.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Terminal 1 surprised me. There’s an undeniable rhythm to Indian airports—a mix of color, motion, and civility. Sculptures and art installations lent a distinctly Indian flair, while lush greenery gave the terminal a natural, calming vibe. It was rush hour, yet the entire space, including the restrooms, was spotless—and air-conditioned.

Photo: Encalm Lounge, Delhi. Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

I made my way to the Encalm Lounge, where Priority Pass members are granted entry. A long queue awaited—but not for me. While a crowd of local bank cardholders waited their turn, I was ushered in through a side entrance.

Photo: Encalm Lounge, Delhi. Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Inside, the lounge was bustling, but I bypassed the buffet frenzy in favor of a quiet corner at “THE BAR,” a chic space with high stools, moody lighting, and just enough calm before the flight.

Photo: Spice buffet, Encalm Lounge, Delhi. Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Most surprising were the immense variety of Indian delicacies, and two spice buffets on each side of the lounge. Slightly less appealing was the vast crowd queuing up to frantically fill their plates with food. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my brief stay at this lounge.

Boarding

With only 10 minutes until boarding, I left the lounge and headed towards my assigned gate. The domestic terminal was bustling with large crowds, yet it felt relaxed and had good air conditioning.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Its design and natural lighting made it quite pleasant—more so than many Western airports I have visited.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

At 16:00 sharp, boarding began. Fast Forward and Stretch+ passengers were invited first, and I was among the first down the jetway. As I stepped aboard the gleaming three-month-old Airbus A321neo, the new-plane scent hit me—a mix of fresh materials and a promise of clean travel.

Photo: IndiGo, Airbus A321neo. Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

The cabin was light, airy, and dressed in IndiGo’s signature blues. Their Stretch+ business cabin features just three rows in a 2-2 configuration, with 38 inches of pitch, deep recline, headrest dividers for privacy, and both standard and USB-C power ports. It’s surprisingly premium.

Photo: IndiGo, Airbus A321neo. Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

My seat was clean and well-appointed, and before I could settle in, a young flight attendant named Rebecca approached me with a warm smile and greeted me by name.

Photo: IndiGo, Airbus A321neo. Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

“Mr. Perrella, welcome aboard. May I show you your seat features?”

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

She guided me through everything, including a clever, foldable device holder in place of an in-flight screen—perfect for propping up a tablet at eye level. Thoughtful, functional, and elegantly simple.

The Flight

We pushed back exactly at 17:00. A crisp English safety briefing followed, and at 17:07, we were airborne en route to Mumbai. The flight time was a short 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Not long after takeoff, Rebecca returned with a beautiful IndiGo amenity box, decorated with sketched Indian monuments. It wasn’t just packaging—it was presentation. Inside, a menu card laid out the offerings: a box of mixed nuts with pink salt and pepper, and a fresh salad of mixed greens with asparagus, green apple, avocado, sunflower seeds, cheddar, and a spiced Rajma Galouti kebab.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Though I wasn’t hungry, I took a bite—and didn’t stop until the box was empty, save for the kebab. Healthy, flavorful, and beautifully plated, it defied the notion that low-cost carriers must mean low-quality food.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Dessert was a Mocha Bliss—tempting, though I passed to stick to my no-sugar diet. I opted for a Pepsi Zero from a beverage menu that included Masala Tea, Calming Blue Tea, hot chocolate, and even spiced buttermilk. Again, an unexpectedly broad and well-thought-out selection.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Throughout the flight, the crew remained attentive without being intrusive. I was asked more than once if everything was to my liking—a gesture that felt sincere and elevated the whole experience.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Our brand-new Airbus A321neo did not come with in-flight Wi-Fi. However, some other IndiGo planes on the tarmac in Delhi indicated that the airline does offer some form of in-flight connectivity.

Arrival

As Mumbai approached, I reclined my seat and let the experience sink in.

Photo: IndiGo inflight magazine and safety card. Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

After a bumpy approach into an overcast layer of moist air, we touched down precisely at 19:20, concluding a journey that felt far more like a boutique experience than a budget one.

Verdict

I’ve been writing about aviation for almost two decades, and it’s rare to be genuinely surprised by a domestic flight. But IndiGo surprised me—and then some. From the clean and efficient ground handling to the stylish, thoughtful onboard product and personable crew, the airline exudes confidence and clarity in its mission.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

For a newcomer to India, I was admittedly wary. IndiGo turned that wariness into admiration. With a polished product, a reliable operation, and a friendly face at every touchpoint, this low-cost carrier might just be flying higher than some of its full-service rivals.

Best For

Smart travelers seeking a modern, efficient, and refreshingly stylish domestic option in India—with plenty of substance behind the style.