If you are flying anywhere in India, then the first choice of airline that should come to your mind is Air India. This official legacy carrier of India offers distinct experience aboard thanks to its newly redefined cabin configuration on its new additions of Boeing 777’s. In addition to the new seat, Air India will also offer inflight entertainment service including a variety of native TV shows and Bollywood movies along with a handful of international movies.
Founded in 1932 by the Industrialist J.R.D Tata, Air India is the official flag carrier of India. The airline was operated by the government until 2022 when Tata Group bought the airline under its wings. is currently operating on 102 destinations worldwide with 127 aircraft in combination with Airbus and Boeing in its fleet. The airline has its hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi alongside many other states in India. The airline has also been a part of Star Alliance since 2014.
Air India and its Cabin Configuration
The airline is redefining its onboard experience by redesigning its cabin and service. Since the takeover of Air India by TATA Group, the airline has taken prominent steps to refurbish its old cabin into a new and fresh look. The new cabin of Boeing 777-300 ER features four distinct classes : First Class, Executive Class (Business Class), newly added Premium Economy and Economy Class.
First Class
The legacy carrier’s first class product will be based on the Safran Unity seat and located on the first row of the first class in a 1-2-1 configuration. Each seat is redesigned to offer a fully flat bed to ensure premium comfort and leisure along with a privacy door. Every seat features a larger and sleek seat back inflight entertainment system that can be controlled by a IFE controller. The seats are also equipped with a huge ottoman, stowage space and power outlets with wireless charging facility. As for an inflight meal, you can experience a variety of delectable Indian cuisine featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options along with continental cuisine as well. The Airline will also offer complimentary welcome drinks, champagne and wine throughout the journey.
Executive Class (Business Class)
The new business class is set in Safran Unity seats implying the 1-2-1 configuration. The configuration allows all the business passengers to have direct aisle excess. Air India business class seats are fully flat and feature a privacy door, reading light and sturdy dining table. The airline has levelled up its games by adding wireless charging and bluetooth audio for IFE systems. Every seat features a larger and sleek seat back inflight entertainment system that can be controlled by a IFE remote controller. The seats are also equipped with a huge ottoman, stowage space and power outlets with wireless charging facility. As for meal service, Air India offers similar culinary delicacies in Business Class as First Class. Both First and Business Class passengers can take advantage of the priority service including priority check-in and boarding.
Premium Economy
The airline is finally catching up with the trend of premium economy cabins in its new additions to the fleet. The cabin is configured in a 2-4-2 configuration with red leather on seats to accentuate the feel of the cabin. As per airline, every seat has a seat-back entertainment facility that offers an extensive list of movies, TV shows and music. Passengers in Premium economy class can also enjoy an extensive meal service featuring both Indian and Continental cuisine.
Economy
The Airlines has transformed its old economy cabin into a newly refined product to offer more comfort at an affordable price. The new set of Boeing 777s has a 3-3-3 configuration in Economy. Unlike other airlines, crew on offers complimentary refreshments and meals depending on the distance of the flight. You also have the choice between Indian and Continental dishes. The airline has also made a significant development of offering a seat back entertainment system for all seats in Economy.
Air India Baggage Policy
As mentioned in the Air India baggage allowance, passengers must ensure that travellers carry appropriate luggage as per size and weight depending on their travel destination. The airline baggage allowance depends on the class of service along with fare type.
- Star Alliance Gold members can carry an additional 20 kg of baggage in Economy Class.
- Infants are entitled to carry one collapsible stroller, carry cot, infant car seat.
- The maximum permitted weight for an Air India Airlines flights is 32 kg. Baggage exceeding the permitted rate will not be accepted onboard.
- Members of premium clubs and Flying Return programmes will get additional baggage.
Economy Class
As per baggage policy, Economy class has three different fare types including comfort, comfort plus and flex. Passengers travelling in Comfort fare type can carry one checked baggage weighing not more than 20 kg with maximum dimension 62 inches. Passengers can also carry carry-on baggage weighing not more than 8 kg.
Premium Class
Premium Economy passengers can also take one carry-on and checked baggage weighing not more than 30 kg with maximum dimension 62 inches along with a carry-on baggage weighing not more than 10 kg for all flights
Business Class
Business class have the privilege to take one carry-on baggage weighing 12 kg only. Along with carry-on baggage passengers can carry checked baggage weighing between 35-40 kg with dimension of 62 inches each.
First Class
As per baggage policy, First class passengers can carry checked baggage weighing not more than 40 kg with dimension of 62 inches each along with one carry-on baggage weighing 12 kg only. All the cabin and fare types are permitted to carry one personal baggage consisting of handbag, briefcase, backpack or laptop bag.
Checked Baggage Allowance
| Cabin Classes | Fare Type | Baggage Allowance |
| Economy | Comfort | 20 kg / 62 inches each |
| Comfort Plus | 25 kg / 62 inches each | |
| Flex | 25 kg / 62 inches each | |
| Premium Economy | Comfort Plus | 30 kg / 62 inches each |
| Flex | 30 kg / 62 inches each | |
| Business Class | Comfort | 35 kg / 62 inches each |
| Flex | 40 kg / 62 inches each | |
| First Class | First | 40 kg/ 62 inches each |
Air India Check in Policy
The airline offers a feasible and convenient check-in policy that allows customers to check-in at their desire. You can either use the online web check-in available on the website and mobile app. Another alternative is to check-in via self-service kiosk machines. Passengers who like to seek advice or resolve queries can check-in at the counter.
- The check-in starts 48 hours in advance and closes 2 hours before the scheduled departure.
- The airline advises its passengers to reach the airport at least 3-4 hours before the flight.
- Passengers can use the web check-in facility up until 2 hours before the international flights while 1 hour before the domestic trip.
- As per Air India check-in policy, Alliance air flights passengers are not allowed to check-in online.
- Airport check-in starts 2 hours before the scheduled departure for domestic flights.
- Passengers travelling with pets are not allowed to check-in online and must check-in at the airport counter.
- The airline also uses the website to check the Air India flight status to know the price and timing of the flight.
- The unaccompanied minors are not allowed to use online check-in and thus they must check-in at the airport counter.
- Passengers can also opt for check in through Air India customer service.
Air India Cancellation and Refund Policy
The flight cancellation policy allows passengers to cancel their flight and claim refund under certain conditions as follow:
- You can cancel their flights within 24 hours of purchasing the Air India tickets to receive a full refund given that scheduled departure is at least 7 days later at the time of booking.
- As per Air India cancellation policy, You are also eligible to receive an alternate flight or full refund if the airline cancels your flight.
- If your flight is delayed for more than 6 hours within India then you can claim full refund or an alternate flight from the airline.
- You are also eligible for alternate flight and refund if your connecting flight is missed due to Flight delay.
- If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, then it is the airline’s responsibility to offer you an alternate Air India Airlines flight within 1 hour of the original flight. If the airline fails to do so, then you can claim compensation of up to INR 20,000 or $240.46
Air India 24 Hour Cancellation Policy
The airline allows passengers to cancel their reservation to receive full refund within 24 of purchase without having to pay any additional cancellation charge as per regulation of 24 hour cancellation and refund policy for flights to/from the U.S.
- Passengers are allowed to cancel their flight within 24 hours only if the scheduled departure is 7 days after the reservation.
- According to the Cancellation Policy for International flights, in order to be eligible for cancellation and refund, the Air India flight booking should be an independent booking.
- After cancellation, passengers can receive their full refund within 7 business days.
Air India Refund Policy
There are circumstances when passengers flying with the airline are eligible to receive refunds. Although, the refund amount depends on multiple factors like ticket type, cabin class, time of revocation, reason for refund. Usually the airline credits the applicable refund within 20 business days, however, in case of any delay beyond that, passengers can contact the airline to know the status of refund.
- You can apply for refunds up to 48 hours before the flight departure. However, online refunds will not be accepted 48 hours prior to departure.
- If you are rebooking your flight which is costlier than the original one, you will have to pay the fare difference between the two flights as per Air India refund policy.
- If you are cancelling a flight with a PNR that has multiple bookings, then that will also affect the other bookings in the PNR. To avoid such issues contact the Customer helpline.
- In the case of a partially used ticket, you can claim a refund on the unused portion of the ticket, subject to cancellation policy.
- If your flight has been changed within 24 hours of scheduled departure and does not correspond to your schedule then you are entitled to receive full refund or an alternate flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I reach the airport to catch my Air India flight?
As per check-in policy, you must reach the airport at least 3 hours before the departure of the scheduled international flight. For domestic flights, you must reach the airport at least 2 hours prior to schedule.
When does the Air India check-in counter open at the airport?
The check-in for domestic and international check-in counter opens 3 hours before the scheduled flight and closes 60 minutes before the departure.
How do I check-in my baggage after completing my web check-in?
After completing the web check-in, you must drop your luggage at the baggage drop counter for your flight. Passengers must ensure that their luggage is within the permitted baggage allowance to avoid paying additional charges.
Can an unaccompanied minor check-in online?
No, an unaccompanied minor is not allowed to check-in online and thus they must check-in at the airport counter along with their accompanied parents.
What is the cancellation fee in Air India ?
The cancellation fee depends on the fare types the customer has purchased. Also, the cabin class and destination are another ruling factors to determine cancellation fee.
Can I cancel my flight with Air India at the airport?
Yes, you can cancel your flight at the airport, however, you might not receive a full refund for your ticket and might also have to pay a cancellation fee.
What is Air India’s 24-hour cancellation policy?
Passengers can cancel their flight within 24-hour of purchase to avoid any additional cancellation charge. Also, the cancellation is only valid if the departure is scheduled after 7 days.
How do I cancel my Air India flight without any cancellation fee?
All customers are eligible to cancel their flight without cancellation fee only if the cancellation is done within a 24-hour of risk free period.
How much does it cost to cancel an Air India flight offline?
If a passenger is cancelling an flight at the airport, then you likely have to pay a minimal cost as a cancellation fee. However, the cancellation fee also depends on fare types, destination and time left prior to departure.
What is Air India’s refund policy?
You can apply for refunds up to 40 hours before the flight departure. However, online refunds will not be accepted 48 hours prior to departure.
