Correct on the Mt. Everest! As someone who specialized in the tour arrangements to the Himalayas, allow me to give you a small advice. If you want to see the clearest views of the mountain range, please visit between October (right around the end of monsoon season) and February when the sky is typically crisp blue. After that the weather is prone to haze and some bits of pre-monsoon rain that last until around May, until a huge one arrives in June that basically blocks any sort of views due to heavy clouds.
Kolkata airport is very much underused now compared to the pre-covid times. Cheaper connection with the local hubs like Durgapur, Agartala, Siliguri, Coochbehar, Guwahati, Jamshedpur, Ranchi and Patna will definitely boost passenger flow if they also connect the airport with more international destinations, there are lot of people who travel internationally and as the middle class income is rising, people are wanting to travel abroad more than before.
13:35 - That's right. Those are Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m) and Makalu (8485m). Curious if you were able to hop on Everest Sightseeing Flight or any domestic flights during your short stay here.
Great history lesson/review. Enjoying this series. Took a look at the e-visa system for India. Seems fairly straightforward. Perhaps I'll add the country to my bucket-list.
It's very easy. 5 years was around $80 for me. Note that the first time you enter the country you MUST have your evisa printed out or you won't be allowed to check in for your flight to India. There was a very friendly pharmacy at CDG that helped me and 20 others on my flight print them out haha.
When I flew the kangaroo route in the 70s (Qantas), 747 from Melbourne stops were Sydney, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bahrain, Damascus (may have the last two in order mixed up); Orly airport then London. 33 hours. Back then there was a projector showing movies on the bulkhead screen. It was before Changi had the terminal it has today, we used stairs and waited what felt like a bus terminus.
So amazing Kevin! A part of the world i don't think I'll ever get to experience. Your videos on 84" of 4k pops so amazingly well. I love following your journeys and stories from the time of your first video to now. I also love watching your channel grow and grow
I like the check box in "no identity theft" under 'Well done'.😂 The always entertaining humor in this channel gets a "well done" in my view! Thank you Kevin!
"I recently watched Kevin's trip report on Air India's Business Class on their narrow-body fleet, and it was truly informative! Kevin did an excellent job detailing the luxurious experience from start to finish, highlighting the comfort and service provided onboard. The visuals were crisp and well-shot, making it feel like you were right there with him. What set this video apart was the insightful dive into the history of aviation in and around Kolkata. Kevin's narration was engaging, and he seamlessly blended historical context with the modern travel experience. This added a rich layer to the trip report, making it not just a review but an educational journey as well. Overall, this is a must-watch for aviation enthusiasts and travelers alike. Kevin's meticulous attention to detail and passion for aviation shine through, making this video both enjoyable and enlightening. Highly recommended!"
Thank you for highlighting that we all need to actually use our eyes & look out of the window at our surroundings. Asides from us Av-Geeks, it seems the vast majority of travellers appear to have forgotten the simple yet awe inspiring joy of taking in the land, sea or sky scape outside. Despite our best attempts to inadvertently destroy it, the world is still a magical place & flying a privilege.
To add: CCU’s bleeding of international carriers is also owed to the city’s decline as an economic hub and eventual overshadowing by DEL, BOM, and BLR. Many long haul carriers served the city well into the 90s but pulled out as the yields dropped further and further.
Very good information. Always a pleasure watching your well rounded documentary style videos. Thanks for coming and hope you have many more pleasant experiences in Indian airlines. BTW do you think Air India is improving?
What providence! I flew out of Kolkata yesterday, and saw a white gentleman filming something with a camera. It took a lot of self-control to not go and just ask him if he was you. I don't think you would have appreciated being recognized, but please correct me if I am wrong about that! Happy flying!
Hi FFT, spouse and I will be flying from Kolkata to New Delhi and on to Colombo ( business class) Any suggestions to make our check ins and transfers easier?
CCU has very few international connections now, just a few flights to KL, SG, BKK and a few middle eastern cities. Even AI in winter schedule is dropping CCU - KTM flight. A city in gradual decay and decline.
I had recently travelled on air india from kathmadu to kolkata on June and flight was full..don't know why air india dropped this sector in winter schedule.
Re: seeing the Himalayas- I asked Virgin Oz once, and they replied that at the 39000 feet my flight was at, there was a point for a few minutes where technically (ignoring cloud, haze, not being able to see out the back etc) you can see both SYD and OOL airports, approx 680 km / 425 miles apart. Checking on the math (doubling cos it's two ways) it seems right! Amazing
Never got yelled at for filming in the lounge at CCU. That is weird. IndiGo expansion on the way. The covid pandemic hit it badly. CCU-China was the main focus. All of IndiGo's Vietnam operations are currently from CCU, with Siem Reap being rumoured. I heard some EU airline touching down next year. Btw the expansion plan consists of 21 gates. TOI seems to always mess it up pretty badly. Will have widebody gates and will become the new international + domestic terminal making the current terminal completely domestic. The expansion plan (construction) will begin next year with the first phase by 2027-2028. Demolition of old domestic terminal begins this winter. This is Air India's only international flight out of CCU. I expect AIX to take over this too.
Great one Kevin. I cannot imagine looking at the famous mountains and have to do a double take that you're actually looking at the real thing! I'm excited with my upcoming trip to Asia through Qatar Airways. Keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to see the beautiful mountains of Switzerland from 35,000 feet with my own eyes. Planning on taking pictures and videos too. This country is currently #1 in my must visit list when I retire, One day. 😅
Calcutta was the capital of British India until 1911. This status would be retained for awhile longer...hence why so many carriers flew here. It would continue for the next four decades as the Capital of Bengal, which not only included Calcutta but most of modern-day Banglades until 1947. Calcutta was the place until Delhi took over.
I saw these views of the Himalayas, for the first time in 1984. I was a teenager, returning to Delhi via Guwahati. Also the Air pockets, very notorious in the monsoon season and particularly frequent in this region.
Flew on VT-EXL a few weeks ago from BLR to SIN in economy. Was the first aircraft I've seen without seat back pockets, and the seats were very basic but very clean.
So pleased that you got a closer look at those beautiful mountains! I spent a few months in Bangladesh once and was hoping to get a trip up to KTM but it never materialized. Someday!
not only the 747- when india liberalised its economy in 1993, kolkata never made the drastic moves that other british-era indian cities such as mumbai and chennai did to attract foreign investment, and it never managed to keep up with the new megacities that sprung up in the west & south such as pune, hyderabad and especially bangalore. so airlines dropped flights and it lost its glory.
Kevin, great video! Just wanted to share that while your pronunciation of “Kesar” was hilarious to hear, it’s actually pronounced as “K-sir” :) K-sir Rus-malai was the dessert
Even when the number of stops between europe and asia were gradually reduced to 1 or 2, it was usually calcutta that remained. This is to say that it was amongst the last stopping points to bypassed. Same goes for anchorage
Hi Kevin! Wonderful video, as always. If you're interested for some phenomenal views of the Himalayas from the flight, may I suggest you fly the Delhi-Paro/KTM-Paro route. Gorgeous views of the Everest, and others-extremely up-close. One of the best moments of my entire travel history. Also, the 'porridge' that you had in-flight is basically a form of Indian 'congee' (with lots of masala of course) & usually we have it during Hindu ceremonies/pujas. It's called khichdi. That, along with the veggies (fry/curry) is a typical 'vegetarian' meal to be had on auspicious occasions, OR.. on sick days to give the stomach some respite! 😅
Well that plane is definitely not that much of Tata effect aside from the initial effects before the rebrand. The rebrand is only seen in the boarding pass and some tags...Air India could be judged properly after like 5 years to see the actual progress : ) Nevertheless, I recommend you fly their new A320 Neos with brand new seats and livery. I'm sure you'll be more satisfied with those planes and give 90+ : )))
Nice trip review.. Kolkata airport looks a bit tired. And just in case you were missing the identity theft, I'm going to copy your channel and call myself "The Flippy Floppy Travellator"..
About this time last year, I flew CMB - KTM on a Sri Lankan Airlines A320 in business and out to DEL on an all economy Air India A321. In between, I flew KTM - Pokhara return on Buddha Air's ATR-72 and got some fabulous Himalaya views. When you return to Nepal, you'll get to experience the (ahem) 'delights' of KTM's Greyhound station ... I mean domestic terminal ... you taxied past at 15:40.
No need to call greyhound station as it literally works as bus station. There are places in Nepal that are easier accessible by air. So, it is a local bus station. For some poor people that's the only option.
Are you willing to share how much you bid on the upgrade? I wish you would include that in the description. Been looking forward to your video about the Hyatt Regency KTM ever since you teased us about it. Hm, what does "🌏❗-ish " from your description mean? 🤔
Calcutta was the premier commercial city of India till mid 1970s till the Communists came to power in West Bengal the state of which the city is the capital. Since the 1970s Calcutta has been going diwnhill, taking the surrounding hinterland and states with it.
Thanks for this episode. Kolkata is my only remaining connection with India. The airport is abysmal but that does not really reflect the city. I hope you can make it there some time. 😊
Pfff very relieved there were no images of grime or 48 hours old food…all sights you can’t unsee 🙈 The views of the Himalaya were spectacular 🤩 Thank you for the review and historical background 🙏🏼
Just became your subscriber, and I don't regret. I am from Kolkata. Although this has just been a stopover for you, if you plan to repeat your visit to this 'not so important city' in the 'not so important part of the world', I at least would love to jave a review video for ITC Royal Bengal if it's not there already. Would really love to have some honest opinion instead of things which are either all payed up or all enamoured, and as a Kolkatan, I would like to apologize to you for the starry tantrums you faced in airport lounge. Kudos to the wonderful and informative work you are doing, and looking forward for more such videos.
Air India still have the caste system (illegal since 1960). In business the people behind are not allowed in the cabin to access the toilet. Delhi has to be the world's worst airport. I think 10 people checked my details both ways there, London to Bangkok
Correct on the Mt. Everest!
As someone who specialized in the tour arrangements to the Himalayas, allow me to give you a small advice. If you want to see the clearest views of the mountain range, please visit between October (right around the end of monsoon season) and February when the sky is typically crisp blue. After that the weather is prone to haze and some bits of pre-monsoon rain that last until around May, until a huge one arrives in June that basically blocks any sort of views due to heavy clouds.
Kolkata airport is very much underused now compared to the pre-covid times. Cheaper connection with the local hubs like Durgapur, Agartala, Siliguri, Coochbehar, Guwahati, Jamshedpur, Ranchi and Patna will definitely boost passenger flow if they also connect the airport with more international destinations, there are lot of people who travel internationally and as the middle class income is rising, people are wanting to travel abroad more than before.
Casually dropping in that you already know what's going to be on the channel in October 2025 - gotta respect a man with a plan 👏🏻
Kevin's time travelling on plane 😅
13:35 - That's right. Those are Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m) and Makalu (8485m).
Curious if you were able to hop on Everest Sightseeing Flight or any domestic flights during your short stay here.
hi Kevin, you were in my city.....Kolkata......wow.....thanks for coming......
what an advertising tagline - "And No Identity Theft!"
If only I could fit the full line: "And No Identity Theft... This Time!" haha
Anyone Josh Cahill here !!! 😂😂😂
Don’t ruin the surprise - thats Air Peace’s new tagline!
@@AGENT_PR0V0CAT3UR feeling attacked?
Great history lesson/review. Enjoying this series.
Took a look at the e-visa system for India. Seems fairly straightforward. Perhaps I'll add the country to my bucket-list.
It's very easy. 5 years was around $80 for me. Note that the first time you enter the country you MUST have your evisa printed out or you won't be allowed to check in for your flight to India. There was a very friendly pharmacy at CDG that helped me and 20 others on my flight print them out haha.
13:15 yet another breathtaking view!! WOW! There have been so many incredible views this year but this one was amazing!
When I flew the kangaroo route in the 70s (Qantas), 747 from Melbourne stops were Sydney, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bahrain, Damascus (may have the last two in order mixed up); Orly airport then London. 33 hours. Back then there was a projector showing movies on the bulkhead screen. It was before Changi had the terminal it has today, we used stairs and waited what felt like a bus terminus.
Singapore's old Paya Lebar airport is what you experienced back then in a completely different part of town. Changi only opened July 1st, 1981.
I love flying with Air India ❤❤
So amazing Kevin! A part of the world i don't think I'll ever get to experience. Your videos on 84" of 4k pops so amazingly well. I love following your journeys and stories from the time of your first video to now. I also love watching your channel grow and grow
Oh see now I'm not sure I'd want to see that grime on an 84" scale haha
I like the check box in "no identity theft" under 'Well done'.😂
The always entertaining humor in this channel gets a "well done" in my view!
Thank you Kevin!
13:24 Outstanding! What a view.👍👏👏👏
"I recently watched Kevin's trip report on Air India's Business Class on their narrow-body fleet, and it was truly informative! Kevin did an excellent job detailing the luxurious experience from start to finish, highlighting the comfort and service provided onboard. The visuals were crisp and well-shot, making it feel like you were right there with him.
What set this video apart was the insightful dive into the history of aviation in and around Kolkata. Kevin's narration was engaging, and he seamlessly blended historical context with the modern travel experience. This added a rich layer to the trip report, making it not just a review but an educational journey as well.
Overall, this is a must-watch for aviation enthusiasts and travelers alike. Kevin's meticulous attention to detail and passion for aviation shine through, making this video both enjoyable and enlightening. Highly recommended!"
Thank you for highlighting that we all need to actually use our eyes & look out of the window at our surroundings.
Asides from us Av-Geeks, it seems the vast majority of travellers appear to have forgotten the simple yet awe inspiring joy of taking in the land, sea or sky scape outside. Despite our best attempts to inadvertently destroy it, the world is still a magical place & flying a privilege.
To add: CCU’s bleeding of international carriers is also owed to the city’s decline as an economic hub and eventual overshadowing by DEL, BOM, and BLR. Many long haul carriers served the city well into the 90s but pulled out as the yields dropped further and further.
Very good information. Always a pleasure watching your well rounded documentary style videos. Thanks for coming and hope you have many more pleasant experiences in Indian airlines.
BTW do you think Air India is improving?
Besides them stealing my identity and serving me old near rotton food? Sure! 😅 th-cam.com/video/v7jvxTJFeGA/w-d-xo.html
What providence! I flew out of Kolkata yesterday, and saw a white gentleman filming something with a camera. It took a lot of self-control to not go and just ask him if he was you. I don't think you would have appreciated being recognized, but please correct me if I am wrong about that! Happy flying!
This is why I film months in advance. By the time I publish, everyone will forget about the guy they saw filming 😉
Hi FFT, spouse and I will be flying from Kolkata to New Delhi and on to Colombo ( business class) Any suggestions to make our check ins and transfers easier?
CCU has very few international connections now, just a few flights to KL, SG, BKK and a few middle eastern cities. Even AI in winter schedule is dropping CCU - KTM flight. A city in gradual decay and decline.
I had recently travelled on air india from kathmadu to kolkata on June and flight was full..don't know why air india dropped this sector in winter schedule.
Re: seeing the Himalayas- I asked Virgin Oz once, and they replied that at the 39000 feet my flight was at, there was a point for a few minutes where technically (ignoring cloud, haze, not being able to see out the back etc) you can see both SYD and OOL airports, approx 680 km / 425 miles apart. Checking on the math (doubling cos it's two ways) it seems right! Amazing
That England - India - Australia services omg!!!! flying + staying at MO Bkk and Raffles SG??? wowwwww
Awesome!
Kevin .. you plan a year in advance 😮 .. wow .. I’m impressed 😮
19 months actually... but the October to October to October comparison seemed more relevant haha.
Never got yelled at for filming in the lounge at CCU. That is weird.
IndiGo expansion on the way. The covid pandemic hit it badly. CCU-China was the main focus. All of IndiGo's Vietnam operations are currently from CCU, with Siem Reap being rumoured. I heard some EU airline touching down next year.
Btw the expansion plan consists of 21 gates. TOI seems to always mess it up pretty badly. Will have widebody gates and will become the new international + domestic terminal making the current terminal completely domestic. The expansion plan (construction) will begin next year with the first phase by 2027-2028. Demolition of old domestic terminal begins this winter.
This is Air India's only international flight out of CCU. I expect AIX to take over this too.
Love and wishes for more views from kolkata ❤️
Great one Kevin. I cannot imagine looking at the famous mountains and have to do a double take that you're actually looking at the real thing! I'm excited with my upcoming trip to Asia through Qatar Airways. Keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to see the beautiful mountains of Switzerland from 35,000 feet with my own eyes. Planning on taking pictures and videos too. This country is currently #1 in my must visit list when I retire, One day. 😅
Calcutta was the capital of British India until 1911. This status would be retained for awhile longer...hence why so many carriers flew here. It would continue for the next four decades as the Capital of Bengal, which not only included Calcutta but most of modern-day Banglades until 1947. Calcutta was the place until Delhi took over.
You r doing a good job.keep it up
Great video-again!
I saw these views of the Himalayas, for the first time in 1984. I was a teenager, returning to Delhi via Guwahati.
Also the Air pockets, very notorious in the monsoon season and particularly frequent in this region.
Flew on VT-EXL a few weeks ago from BLR to SIN in economy. Was the first aircraft I've seen without seat back pockets, and the seats were very basic but very clean.
So pleased that you got a closer look at those beautiful mountains! I spent a few months in Bangladesh once and was hoping to get a trip up to KTM but it never materialized. Someday!
I'm also hoping the same about my upcoming trip to Dhaka which has already been cancelled twice 😅
one of the Most Profitable Airport in India and its fully Govt not a private entity
Beautiful videos of the Himalayas...
You should try to fly ladakh india you can see lot of mountains
I *think* that was mt Everest, it very much looked like it's mountain faces
Happy to know it!
15:38 9N-AME (green tail) crashed earlier this year
Oh that is sad
Always until the end including the adds!
Great Video And Info
Thank you Kelvin, your vlog always very entertained.
Thank You ✈️
not only the 747- when india liberalised its economy in 1993, kolkata never made the drastic moves that other british-era indian cities such as mumbai and chennai did to attract foreign investment, and it never managed to keep up with the new megacities that sprung up in the west & south such as pune, hyderabad and especially bangalore. so airlines dropped flights and it lost its glory.
Because of the communist party in Bengal !
Flight from Delhi to Kathmandu or vice versa has the best view of the Himalayan
Kevin, great video! Just wanted to share that while your pronunciation of “Kesar” was hilarious to hear, it’s actually pronounced as “K-sir” :)
K-sir Rus-malai was the dessert
Hey Kevin, what is the bg music at 15:29? It's so good that I want to listen again without any extra noise
All tracks listed in the description.
@@tfftah feeling silly as I checked the description before commenting and now I see I missed that part when I glanced.
Even when the number of stops between europe and asia were gradually reduced to 1 or 2, it was usually calcutta that remained. This is to say that it was amongst the last stopping points to bypassed. Same goes for anchorage
You must go to Varanasi. Life changing destination. Love your videos.
Are you flying on Saudia Economy anytime soon ? great video btw!
In a video in December, yes.
You are absolutely right about Everest, Lhotse and Makalu.
First time subscriber, thanks Kevin, would you mind wishing my special friend Pee Pee a very happy birthday? Thank you😅🎉
very nice video
How much was it to upgrade to business class?
Thanks for another interesting video in this series. 2 days R & R in Kathmandu? Want to see that video.
Hey would recommend you to include some hotels from Kolkata also for eg ITC Royal. Keep up the good job
Mountain view may be kanchanjungha
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Hi Kevin! Wonderful video, as always. If you're interested for some phenomenal views of the Himalayas from the flight, may I suggest you fly the Delhi-Paro/KTM-Paro route. Gorgeous views of the Everest, and others-extremely up-close. One of the best moments of my entire travel history.
Also, the 'porridge' that you had in-flight is basically a form of Indian 'congee' (with lots of masala of course) & usually we have it during Hindu ceremonies/pujas. It's called khichdi. That, along with the veggies (fry/curry) is a typical 'vegetarian' meal to be had on auspicious occasions, OR.. on sick days to give the stomach some respite! 😅
i"m thinking Makalu is behind the clouds and the big one to the right is Kangchenjunga (3rd highest mountain in the world)
16:18 rare airline spotted
Not so rare in Nepal 🇳🇵
Well that plane is definitely not that much of Tata effect aside from the initial effects before the rebrand. The rebrand is only seen in the boarding pass and some tags...Air India could be judged properly after like 5 years to see the actual progress : )
Nevertheless, I recommend you fly their new A320 Neos with brand new seats and livery. I'm sure you'll be more satisfied with those planes and give 90+ : )))
Please review kochi Airport, Kerala (COK)
1st. Thanks for the video
Thanks for watching 🩴
👍🏼🙏🏼❤️🇮🇳
Wonder what airline the 757 at 15:33 is
how long ahead do you record these flights?
17:20 Interesting advertising on the left. A bit controversial I'd say.
They might have yelled at you like oyee kokrokochee mokrol kulkuchuche cholchuche🤣🤣🤣🤣
1:31 the departure board couldn't decide which date it is
😅
Why did you skip Dhaka, Bangladesh?
Nice trip review.. Kolkata airport looks a bit tired. And just in case you were missing the identity theft, I'm going to copy your channel and call myself "The Flippy Floppy Travellator"..
So you were yelled at just for filming those water bottles? 😀
How did you not get PTSD while buying the ticket
I believe he said this came before *that* experience.
About this time last year, I flew CMB - KTM on a Sri Lankan Airlines A320 in business and out to DEL on an all economy Air India A321. In between, I flew KTM - Pokhara return on Buddha Air's ATR-72 and got some fabulous Himalaya views. When you return to Nepal, you'll get to experience the (ahem) 'delights' of KTM's Greyhound station ... I mean domestic terminal ... you taxied past at 15:40.
No need to call greyhound station as it literally works as bus station. There are places in Nepal that are easier accessible by air. So, it is a local bus station. For some poor people that's the only option.
Kesar rasmalai. Not kasar masmalai.
Are you willing to share how much you bid on the upgrade? I wish you would include that in the description.
Been looking forward to your video about the Hyatt Regency KTM ever since you teased us about it.
Hm, what does "🌏❗-ish " from your description mean? 🤔
🌏 Means its a historical trip report, ❗️Means there's some drama, and the upgrade was around 90USD
哇，印度航空的机票好漂亮。好精美。现在的印度航空进步很大。❤❤
03:53 They yelled at you for filming? Was there a sign which said no filming allowed? The lack of professionalism is just 🤦♂
Calcutta was the premier commercial city of India till mid 1970s till the Communists came to power in West Bengal the state of which the city is the capital. Since the 1970s Calcutta has been going diwnhill, taking the surrounding hinterland and states with it.
Thanks for this episode. Kolkata is my only remaining connection with India. The airport is abysmal but that does not really reflect the city. I hope you can make it there some time. 😊
Wish you reviewed economy more as I'll never go premium. Appreciate the history lessons though.
I have 59 of them on the channel already and many more to come! th-cam.com/play/PL83ZLLu2Le8Pf0Q_I6VFBr4Tdouf8g7ft.html
Airports and lounges in India....hmmm.
Even though there are many Indian's in the Europe, Australia or the North America, there's no direct flights from Kolkata to them.
Pfff very relieved there were no images of grime or 48 hours old food…all sights you can’t unsee 🙈 The views of the Himalaya were spectacular 🤩 Thank you for the review and historical background 🙏🏼
I think you need new subtitles ngl
I don’t even know what that means…
@@tfft at 12:22 you said you gave it a 7.4/10 but the subtitles said you gave it 7.7/10
seems like a bit of an overstatement for one single digit type ngl
@@tfft sometimes the subtitles say something else than what you said or they say things that werent even said in the video
Just became your subscriber, and I don't regret. I am from Kolkata. Although this has just been a stopover for you, if you plan to repeat your visit to this 'not so important city' in the 'not so important part of the world', I at least would love to jave a review video for ITC Royal Bengal if it's not there already.
Would really love to have some honest opinion instead of things which are either all payed up or all enamoured, and as a Kolkatan, I would like to apologize to you for the starry tantrums you faced in airport lounge.
Kudos to the wonderful and informative work you are doing, and looking forward for more such videos.
Just saw there was a typo. May be that's what 90 ml of Jack Daniels on a Friday night does to you.😂😂
16:37 I don't like the new Air India livery at all. Too loud, copies a lot of elements from other airlines, not classy like the old one.
why people focus on food all the time ?
Would you prefer I spend 3 more minutes reviewing the restroom functions?
Air India still have the caste system (illegal since 1960). In business the people behind are not allowed in the cabin to access the toilet. Delhi has to be the world's worst airport. I think 10 people checked my details both ways there, London to Bangkok