What to Expect From Air India Business Class
Air India is known for offering top-notch services in Air India Business Class that includes priority check-in and flexible baggage policy, Cancellation Policy, premium lounge access, priority boarding, high-end seats with plenty of legroom, extravagant inflight meals services with carefully selected collection of premium beverages and alcohols along with amenity kits and other additional benefits. However, first off, Air India uses the term “Executive Class” instead of business class. Thus, it’s better to keep in mind while booking that Air India Executive Class refers to the business class.
Priority Check-in
Passengers flying with Air India Business class will receive premium and expedited experience from check-in to baggage claim on the destination. For business class passengers, there is a specific queue and check-in counter for Business Class Air India. This priority check-in will allow you to complete check-in by standing in long lines of the economy class. On top of that, you can enjoy the privilege of priority boarding after the boarding starts.
Baggage Allowance
As an added perk of travelling in Business Class, you are allowed to carry ample luggage with you. You are allowed to carry one carry-on baggage with dimensions of 22 x 14 x 10 and weighing up to 36 pounds/ 16 kg. You are also allowed to carry one checked-in baggage weighing up to 77 pounds/ 34 kg without any additional charges. You can use your priority service status and drop your checked baggage at the counter as well.
Premium Lounge
Air India Business Class and First Class domestic and international Maharajah Lounges which are located at the Indira Gandhi Airport. The airline operates its domestic flights from Terminal 1 and 2 while International flights are operated from Terminal 3. All AirIndia Business Class, First Class, Flying Return Elite and Star Alliance Gold customers can access the premium lounge services on selective airports with lounges. The lounge offers a lavish seating facility with plush seats to accommodate passengers. You can also enjoy a delectable selection of food served hot along with snacks, a salad bar, tea and coffee baristas. The lounge areas are usually equipped with high-speed Wifi-connectivity, televisions and workstations for those Business Class Air India passengers who like to keep themselves occupied while waiting for boarding. Additionally, you can also take advantage of recliners and shower facilities that are available at some metropolitan airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, New York, London.
Seat Configuration and Facilities
The seat configuration of AirIndia business class depends on the aircraft type. The Boeing 787-8 displays a seat layout of 2-2-2 with 18 seats in Business class while the newer aircraft editions may have 1-2-1 that allows direct aisle access to every seat. The standard seat pitch is 74 inches while the width is 22 inches. All seats can turn into fully-flat beds and have plenty of footrest space. As the Air India business class seats don’t have any restricted footrest layout, passengers can sprawl freely and use maximum space. The window has electric dimming features which allows passengers to control the amount of daylight in the cabin.
Every business class seat has an ottoman with space below to keep belongings and shoes while the seats also have separate spaces by the armrest. The seat can turn into recliners or fully flat beds with the help of seat controls present on the armrest.
Complementary Meals and Beverage
Upon boarding, passengers are greeted by the crew with a glass of coconut water or orange juice accompanied with crispy nuts or munchings. As part of the inflight norm, the crew offers every Air India business class passenger with a warm towel to wipe off any tiredness before the flight. Right after take off, crew will roll out with a menu to choose from before the inflight meal service begins. First comes the second welcome drink that could range from champagne or wine from Laurent-Perrier or Sauvignon Blanc. The drinks will be offered along with salted nuts and crackers.
As for meal services, passengers can enjoy a three course meal starting from small tasteful appetisers to highlight worthy main courses to a delicious dessert. Passengers can choose between Indian or Continental cuisine. As Air India is proudly an India based airline, you will find Indian cuisine most likely on all routes. Business Class Air India passengers will be served bread or paratha (whole wheat Indian Tortilla) with every meal along with freshly chopped fruits, sweets.
Depending upon the timing of flight, there will be another second meal 2 hours before the landing. Passengers can also request for light snacks such as sandwiches in the middle of the flight.
As for the beverage, passengers can enjoy an extensive variety of alcohols including Black Label, Chivas Regal, Bombay Sapphire, Grey Goose, Bacardi White Rum along with cocktails like Mimosa, Godmother, Bloody Mary, Cuba Libre and many more. Passengers can also enjoy a variety of hot and cold drinks inflight as well.
Inflight Entertainment System
Air India Business Class seats are equipped with a standard IFE system with a seat back screen of 17 inches. Loaded with both Hollywood, Bollywood and regional films along with TV shows, music channels and news channels, the inflight entertainment exhibits a variety of things to watch. The IFE system can be controlled by a wired remote controller present at the corner of the seat along with a USB port and plugging outlets. The airline offers business class passengers with a quality noise-cancelling headphone to enjoy the entertainment and to simply block the noise of the cabin and gigantic engines.
Luxurious Amenities
Air India has made a stark change in presenting their amenity kit to the AirIndia Business Class passengers, Unlike other airlines that have leather based pouch amenity kit, Air India has top-quality hard case amenity kit with essentials inside. The amenity kit is made by the Luxury Luggage Brand TUMI. The amenity kit includes the usual essentials such as eye mask, socks, pen, quality skincare products from MALIN+GOETZ lip moisturiser, lotion and face mist along with dental tools. Air India has stepped up a notch by offering complementary TUMI night suit pyjamas to business class passengers for a more comfortable flight. Upon request, passengers can also have a mattress pad on their make-shift bed for a peaceful sleep.
How to Get Air India Business Class
You can book Air India Business class seats either from the official website or the third-party websites with paid fare or you can choose to book your flight with miles points. You can book directly from the airlines by using the Air India Miles. Another way to buy Air India Business class is to redeem miles of other Star Alliance partners, only if you are a member of any Star Alliance loyalty program.
- Paid Fares
For those who are occasional travellers and don’t have loyalty membership of Air India Miles points, they can simply enjoy the exceptional services of AirIndia Business Class by paying the complete fare. The estimated Air India Business Class price from Chennai to Singapore will be 24,000 INR or $288.53. The flight from Delhi to New York (JFK) will cost around 188,927 INR or $2271.30.
- Air India Miles or Star Alliance loyalty Program
Another way to secure a business class seat in Air India is through its own loyalty program. If you have enough miles points in your account, you can get an award flight from the airlines without paying anything from your pocket. However, if you don’t have Air India Miles then get your hands on the other Star Alliance loyalty points. You can transfer the points from Star Alliance partner loyalty programs to buy Air India Business class ticket price seats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Air India business class have flat beds?
Yes, All seats can turn into fully-flat beds and have plenty of footrest space. As the Air India business class seats don’t have any restricted footrest layout, passengers can sprawl freely and use maximum space.
What facilities are included in the business class of Air India?
You get the benefit of priority check-in and boarding along with excess baggage allowance, premium quality of seats, world – class in-flight meals, sleeping and amenities, and wide variety of choice of entertainment on board.
Does Air India Business Class have lounge access?
Air India operates domestic and international Maharajah Lounges which are located at the Indira Gandhi Airport. The airline operates its domestic flights from Terminal 1 and 2 while International flights are operated from Terminal 3. All Air India Business Class, First Class, Flying Return Elite and Star Alliance Gold customers can access the premium lounge services on selective airports with lounges.
Does Air India provide alcohol in business class?
Passengers can enjoy an extensive variety of alcohols including Black Label, Chivas Regal, Bombay Sapphire, Grey Goose, Bacardi White Rum along with cocktails like Mimosa, Godmother, Bloody Mary, Cuba Libre and many more. Passengers can also enjoy charity of hot and cold drinks inflight as well.
Does Air India have chauffeur service?
No, Air India does not offer chauffeur service.
What is the baggage allowance in Air India Business Class?
AirIndia business class can carry two checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds (34kg) board with one piece of carry-on luggage weighing up to 236 pounds/ 16 kg. Along with checked and carry-on luggage, passengers can carry one personal baggage including handbag, briefcase, or purse with no extra cost.
What is the inflight entertainment in Air India Business Class?
Air India Business Class has a standard IFE system with a seat back screen of 17 inches. Loaded with both Hollywood, Bollywood and regional films along with TV shows, music channels and news channels, the inflight entertainment exhibits a variety of things to watch.
Do I get priority boarding in AirIndia Business class?
Passengers can enjoy the priority check-in and boarding facilities as part of priority services at the airport. To extend this premium experience the airline has established a special check-in counter.
Does Air India offer pajamas in Business Class?
Yes, the airline offers complimentary TUMI nightwear lounge pyjamas to business class customers. Along with that, passengers can enjoy sound sleep on fully-flat beds with mattress pad, pillows and duvet.
What are the benefits of business class on Air India?
Business Class seats on Air India offer premium leather seats with extra legroom and spaciousness. Passengers travelling in business class can also enjoy priority check-in, security screening and boarding. On board, passengers are served with top-notch beverages from sparkling red wines to white wines, and exquisite meals with variations.
