BEGINNING AGAIN

As travel picks up within the country, brands are re-envisioning their propositions. ANANYA BAHL lands in Goa to see what’s new and what, much to her delight, remains unchanged.

- ANANYA BAHL

FOR SOMEONE LIVING IN Mumbai, Goa is always a great idea. The quintessential short-haul vacation spot beckoned to me last month as the fog around travel seemed to be clearing. But the clouds of worry were still steadfast. I was to take a flight from Mumbai to Goa. After months spent at home, the thought of sharing a confined space with strangers, whose travel and health histories I was unaware of, made me squirm in my seat.

Vistara ensured I didn’t literally squirm in my seat, though. The airline provides a safety kit comprising a face shield, sanitiser, and face mask to all its passengers. With the promise of intensified aircraft sanitisation procedures at every turnaround and deep cleaning every 24 hours, I was assured of a clean cabin. The airline employs in-built air filtration systems (HEPA) on all its aircraft, mixing 50 per cent outside air with 50 per cent filtered, recirculated air to eliminate 99.99 per cent of dust particles, moisture, viruses, and bacteria. The meals, too, have been re-envisioned for the post-pandemic era. Pre-packaged food and drink form the crux of gastronomy on board. On my onward flight, I was seated in their Premium Economy cabin and was served a lentil salad, roast chicken sandwich, multigrain cookies, and juice. On the journey back, seated in the Business Class cabin, I was regaled with a Russian salad, grilled chicken, and a decadently gooey chocolate cake.