[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

PHONE AHEAD TO THE INDIAN EMBASSY IN THE COUNTRY OF TRANSIT: If I were transiting a country in which I was unsure of the entry/exit requirements I would phone ahead to the US Embassy. In fact I did just that several years ago and saved myself a lot of problems. NEVER, NEVER rely on what an airline tells you when it comes to entry/exit requirements!

Air India
Obviously, no problems with travel documents. You are either allowed to board at the point of origin, or not. Food service, if it occurs, is certainly compatable with a South Asian diet.

Jet Airways
Have read horror stories in the Indian (English language) media. Customers being stranded at airports, flight departures 6+ hours late. True, Northwest likes to do that too on overseas flights--while holding your checked baggage "hostage."

Delta Air Lines, American Airlines
If you're a Sikh I would think twice before using ANY US-based airline. US-based airlines like to kick Sikhs off their planes, even though it's a violation of DOT anti-discrimination regulations. Just try to get those regs. enforced! The (US-based) airlines are in bed with the DOT--at least until all the Bush appointees are fired. Generally, ANYONE who is South Asian in appearance stands a better chance, compared to Aryian-looking Americans, of facing SOME kind of discrimination with a US-based airline.

Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airlines
Probably the best choice for a Sikh or any other person of South Asian appearance.

MY choices to India:
LUFTHANSA and BRITISH AIRWAYS

LUFTHANSA, following its German roots, is probably the best airline when it comes to following the "rules." Unfortunately that includes rules which do NOT benefit the customer--such as travel document regulations. On the other hand it's unlikely you'll find Lufthansa violating any E.U. civil rights regulations.

BRITISH AIRWAYS ("BA") is probably the most knowledgeable airline (outside of India) when it comes to travel to India. As you know, India IS a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Occasionally, you may even see a South Asian flight attendant on a BA flight. Still, all too many BA flight attendants have a personality not far removed from their American counterparts--NOT a good thing!