Ashwini Bhide, an IAS officer, slammed British Airways for deficiency in services. She accused the airlines of following racist policies slamming it for downgrading her seat from premium economy due to overbooking.
The 1995 batch IAS from Maharashtra cadre, posted on social media platform X her unpleasant annoying experience of flying with the British Airways. She tagged her post to union civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia as well.
“Are you cheating or following discriminatory/racist policies @British_Airways? How come u downgrade a premium economy passenger at check-in counter on false pretext of overbooking without even paying price difference forget about compensation? I'm told this is a common practice by BA @CSMIA Mumbai,” IAS officer Ashwini Bhide said in a post on X.
The British Airways responded to Bhide's post and sought apology for the inconvenience. It also assured Bhide that their Customer Relations team would investigate the matter and provide any compensation that may be due.
“Hi there, if you've been downgraded due to overbooking, you're entitled to any difference in the fare paid. Our Customer Relations team will look into this and advise of any compensation due,” the airline said in the post.
According to media reports, Bhide's son Malhar, too, had faced a similar experience with the airlines a couple of months ago. Malhar had booked a premium economy ticket to London and had even completed his web check-in in advance. However, the airlines refused to provide him with the particular seat citing “overbooking.” The airlines later offered him a mere 75 pounds.
Who is IAS Ashwini Bhide?
Ashwini Bhide is a 1995 batch IAS from Maharashtra cadre, currently serving as additional municipal commissioner, eastern suburb of Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation. She is also holding charge of managing director of Mumbai Metro Corporation and is best known for her work on the Aqua Line or popularly known as Line 3 of the Mumbai Metro.
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