'Rude, Clueless, High-Handed': 3-Time Grammy Winner Slams Air India, Threatens Legal Action

Grammy winner Ricky Kej criticised Air India for downgrading him to the economy class without explanation or refund, despite having paid for business class.

File photo of Prominent Indian-American composer and 3-time Grammy Winner Ricky Kej.

Source : X/@BLRAirport

Prominent Indian-American music composer Ricky Kej, a three-time Grammy winner, has criticised Air India for downgrading him from business class and denying to offer a refund. He claims that this is the third time in a year he has faced this issue with the airline, without any explanation provided.

Kej shared his disappointing experience on the social media handle X (formerly Twitter), disclosing the business class ticket that he booked from Mumbai to Bengaluru but was informed at the departure gate that he had been downgraded. The airline staff allegedly did not explain the reason for the downgrade and refused to issue a refund.

"Wow.. 3rd time this is happening to me in one year. I booked and paid for a business class ticket on air india 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 with Air India?" Kej wrote in a post on his X.

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

"Air India really needs to introspect and see if they are capable of running an airline in the first place. I am currently at the departure gate. Flight taking off at 9.25am," he added.

Ricky Kej Threatens Air India For Legal Action 

Ricky Kej was not pleased with the airline's response, calling it "rude, clueless, high-handed, and behaved as if they were doing a huge favour" by letting him board when, in fact, they had no policy in place for such circumstances.

"It is ok to have operational issues due to unforeseen circumstances. But do not provide quick and effective resolutions for the same is absolutely criminal.. and not befitting of a reputed brand," he also wrote.

It is ok to have operational issues due to unforseen circumstances. But to not provide quick and effective resolutions for the same is absolutely criminal.. and not befitting of a reputed brand.

— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) August 3, 2024

"I think it is a very reasonable ask @airindia. Since you have downgraded me from business to economy class (without any prior notice) all that I need to know: 1. How much of refund I will get. 2. When will I get my refund 3. How do I get the refund Based on this I can make a decision to change my flight, or board."

"Also you need to give your customer Peace of mind that I will not have to run from pillar to post to get my refund. Also, I will only expect a 100pc refund, because I was not offered the service that I chose and paid for. If not, I WILL be taking legal action," Kej further added.

I think it is a very reasonable ask @airindia . Since you have downgraded me from business to economy class (without any prior notice) all that I need to know:
1. How much of refund I will get.
2. When will I get my refund
3. How do I get the refund

Based on this I can make a…

— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) August 3, 2024

Air India replied to the thread of Kej, requesting a private resolution. However, their action backfired when the composer insisted on a clear refund amount and an explanation. He intensified his demands after the airline called him for assistance. Kej also threatened to file a lawsuit if he wasn't given a complete refund.