"They Only Gave Us Water": Complaint By An International IndiGo Flight Passenger Sparks Budget Travel Debate

A social media post by a person flying from Bengaluru to Bali has sparked a wider debate on X about airline service standards, low-cost travel expectations, and passenger rights on international routes. The user criticised the airline for what he described as a bare-minimum onboard experience on the six-hour journey. In his post, he claimed that passengers were offered only water during the flight and that even basic comforts like blankets and window blinds were unavailable.

Also Read: Man Takes Grandmother On Her First Flight. IndiGo Cabin Crew's Gesture Wins Hearts

X user complains about the Indigo flight

The user wrote, “For a 6-hr flight from Blr to Bali on @IndiGo6E, except water nothing else is offered on a clumsy A320. The most horrible international flight route to exist from India. Even blinds & blankets they don't have inventory." He further tagged the aviation regulator, adding, “For eff's sake, @DGCAIndia should not allow Indigo to fly international. It's humiliating experience both for flyers & countries hospitality reputation.” 

For a 6hr flight from Blr to Bali on @IndiGo6E , except water nothing else is offered on a clumsy A320.
The most horrible international flight route to exist from India.
Even blinds & blankets they don't have inventory .
For eff's sake, @DGCAIndia should not allow Indigo to fly…

— Chetan Anantharamu (@gandabherunda) February 4, 2026

The post quickly gained traction, with several users backing the complaint and sharing similar experiences. One user wrote, “100% agree with you. 6 hours flight with only one small water bottle, no food, no blanket, no proper window shade feels really cheap and uncomfortable. IndiGo should at least give a basic snack/meal on such long international routes. DGCA needs to set some minimum standards.” 

100% agree with you.
6 hours flight with only one small water bottle, no food, no blanket, no proper window shade feels really cheap and uncomfortable.
IndiGo should at least give a basic snack/meal on such long international routes. DGCA needs to set some minimum standards.

— Samhita (@Samhitab4u) February 4, 2026

Viral Tweet sparks debate 

Others echoed concerns about passenger comfort on long-haul international routes, arguing that while low fares are appealing, certain basic amenities should not be optional, especially on flights exceeding five hours. 

However, not everyone agreed. A significant section of users defended IndiGo, pointing out that the airline is a low-cost carrier and operates on a no-frills model that is clearly communicated to customers at the time of booking. One response read, “I just don't get the logic of such a hue and cry. It's not like IndiGo promises something else and provides something else. It is a low cost carrier. That is how they operate.” 

The user went on to add, “You want free food, alcohol and other amenities, book Singapore Airlines for Bali. Or Air India for that matter. You want to pay 100, but want services similar to 150. Doesn't work that way.” 

I just don't get the logic of such hue and cry. Its not like Indigo promises something else and provides something else.
It is a low cost carrier. That is how they operate.
You want free food + alcohol + other amenities, book Singapore Airlines for Bali. Or Air India for that…

— gnadev (@gnadev09) February 4, 2026

Another user wrote, "There is a reason why they are known as a budget airline. You can't be paying peanuts but expect the service to be like Air India or Singapore Airlines. It's advisable to not travel budget on an international route if you have certain expectations." 

There is a reason why they are known as a budget airline. You can't be paying peanuts but expect the service to be like Air India or Singapore Airlines. It's advisable to not travel budget on an international route if you have certain expectations.

— Antariksh (@AndyInSG_) February 4, 2026

Singapore Airlines provides several in-flight services like complimentary snacks and an entertainment desk, but it should be noted that the ticket prices are also higher. The debate also comes at a time when IndiGo has faced increased scrutiny over operational issues. In recent months, the airline has been in the spotlight following DGCA-imposed rules that led to widespread delays and left thousands of passengers stranded across multiple airports. 

While no official response has been issued by IndiGo or the DGCA regarding this specific complaint, the discussion has reopened questions around minimum service standards on international routes operated by budget airlines.