AI purser served beef in veg soup

A purser at Air India (AI) has complained about being served beef in a vegetarian soup during a trip to New Jersey at a hotel tied with the airline management. In the complaint, sent on Tuesday, the flight attendant claimed the alleged mistake made him sin as his religion does not permit consumption of beef.

A purser at Air India (AI) has complained about being served beef in a vegetarian soup during a trip to New Jersey at a hotel tied with the airline management. In the complaint, sent on Tuesday, the flight attendant claimed the alleged mistake made him sin as his religion does not permit consumption of beef.

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The incident took place during his stay at the Wyndham Garden hotel on March 3. The complaint, a copy of which is with HT, said the purser ordered for mushroom and barley soup from the hotel’s sole vegetarian restaurant. However, after having a few sips, he realised the soup had meat pieces. “I’m shocked and depressed,” the complaint read.

The purser also alleged that the hotel makes all its vegetarian dishes in beef stock and the airline should not have overlooked the sensitive issue. “If the management fails to take cognisance of my complaint, I will approach Hindu right-wing political outfits,” added the complaint.

Sources in AI’s cabin crew union said they had raised objections about the hotel soon after the airline entered into a contract with it, but they went unheeded. “The options for a vegetarian meal are limited at the hotel. Since it’s located in an isolated neighbourhood, the crew doesn’t even have the option to step out and eat elsewhere,” said a member of the union requesting anonymity.

The AI spokesperson did not respond to HT’s calls and email.