Air India is India’s flag carrier and the country’s largest full-service international airline, connecting nearly 90 destinations across Asia, North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania.
This guide covers everything you need to know before booking an Air India flight in 2026, from cabin classes and baggage rules to its Maharaja Club (formerly Flying Returns) loyalty programme and how it stacks up against the competition.
Air India at a Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Airline Type | Full-service flag carrier |
| Based In | Gurugram, India |
| Main Hubs | Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM) |
| Destinations | Nearly 90 across 33 countries |
| Fleet | ~200 aircraft (Airbus A320 family, A350; Boeing 777, 787) |
| Cabin Classes | Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (since 2014) |
| Loyalty Programme | Maharaja Club, formerly Flying Returns (free to join) |
| Known For | Long-haul India connectivity, India’s only Premium Economy, Tata-led transformation |
Where Air India Flies
Air India operates from twin hubs at Delhi and Mumbai, with secondary bases in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Chennai. The post-Vistara network now reaches nearly 90 destinations across 33 countries, with codeshare and Star Alliance partnerships pushing connectivity even further.
The airline’s biggest strengths sit on the long-haul leg, particularly nonstop India-North America and India-UK routes that few other carriers fly direct.
| Region | Key Destinations |
|---|---|
| North America | New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Chicago |
| Europe & UK | London, Paris, Frankfurt, Milan |
| Middle East | Dubai, Jeddah, Muscat |
| Asia-Pacific | Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, Hong Kong |
| Oceania | Sydney, Melbourne |
| Domestic India | 45+ cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Goa |
Star Alliance membership extends Air India’s reach to nearly 1,200 destinations worldwide through partner carriers like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and United.
The 2024 merger with Vistara also added a strong domestic premium product to the mix.
Who Benefits Most
- Indian diaspora travellers flying nonstop between India and the US, UK, or Canada
- Gulf-based expats heading home with generous baggage on Middle East-India routes
- Business travellers who value Star Alliance lounge access and global connectivity
- Hajj and Umrah pilgrims connecting from India to Jeddah
Air India’s Fleet
Air India operates one of the largest and most diverse fleets in South Asia, with around 200 aircraft spanning narrowbodies and widebodies. The airline is in the middle of a USD 400 million cabin retrofit programme and has 470 aircraft on order from its 2023 Airbus and Boeing deal.
| Aircraft | Approx. Count | Cabins | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320 family | ~110 | Economy, Business | Domestic and short-haul international |
| Airbus A350-900 | 7 | Economy, Premium Economy, Business | Long-haul flagship routes |
| Boeing 787-8/9 | ~33 | Economy, Premium Economy, Business | Medium and long-haul international |
| Boeing 777-200LR / 300ER | ~22 | Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First | Ultra long-haul to North America |
The flagship A350-900 currently flies between Delhi and London Heathrow, New York JFK, and Newark, with brand-new cabins across all classes.
Older 787s and 777s are now being retrofitted with the same modern interiors, with the full programme due to wrap by 2027.
Cabin Classes
Economy Class
Economy is where most Air India passengers sit, and the experience varies sharply between brand-new A350s and older un-retrofitted widebodies. On the latest aircraft, you get:
- Seat pitch: ~31-32 inches in a 3-3-3 layout (widebody)
- Entertainment: 11.6-inch HD personal screens with 3,000+ hours of content
- Meals: Complimentary multi-course meals on all international flights
- Charging: USB ports at every seat on retrofitted aircraft
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary on A350, B787-9, and select A321neo
Best for: Travellers who want a reliable nonstop India connection without paying business fares.
Premium Economy
Air India is currently India’s only carrier with a true Premium Economy cabin, available on widebody A350, 787, and 777 aircraft.
- Seat pitch: 38 inches in a 2-3-2 layout
- Entertainment: 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR screens
- Meals: Upgraded multi-course menu with priority service
- Extras: Larger checked baggage allowance, priority boarding
Best for: Long-haul travellers who want extra room without stretching to Business.
Business Class
The retrofitted Business Class on A350s and new 787-9s is the standout product in Air India’s lineup, with private suites and full direct-aisle access.
- Seat: 1-2-1 staggered suites with sliding doors and 79-inch flat beds
- Entertainment: 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreens
- Dining: Multi-course meals with regional Indian and international options
- Lounge: Star Alliance and Maharaja Lounge access
Best for: Long-haul flyers who want a competitive flat-bed product on India routes.
First Class
First Class is reserved for Boeing 777-200LR aircraft on select routes including Delhi-New York and Delhi-London.
- Seat: Private suites with closing doors and 6.5-foot flat beds
- Entertainment: 23-inch screens
- Extras: Premium amenity kits, designer pyjamas, chef-curated dining
Best for: Travellers seeking an ultra-premium India experience on routes where it’s offered.
Onboard Experience
Air India’s onboard experience is in transition. Newly delivered or retrofitted aircraft offer a modern, competitive product, while older planes still flying the network can feel dated.
Meals and Beverages
All international flights include complimentary meals with vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and special dietary options.
The refreshed Vista Verve service introduces upgraded chinaware, glassware, and bedding across long-haul flights.
Entertainment and Wi-Fi
The flagship A350 offers 3,000+ hours of entertainment content including 1,400 hours of movies, 850 hours of TV, and 1,000 hours of audio.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is now available on A350, B787-9, and select A321neo aircraft, including domestic routes — an India-first.
Family-Friendliness
- Bassinets available on widebody flights for infants up to 11 kg (subject to seat availability)
- Special children’s meals can be requested at booking or up to 24 hours before departure
- Strollers can be checked free of charge in addition to standard baggage
- Priority boarding for families with infants and young children
- Kids’ entertainment selection within the inflight system
Baggage and Check-in Basics
How Baggage Works
Air India uses a weight-based system on most domestic flights and a piece-based system on most international routes.
Allowances also vary by fare brand — Value, Classic, and Flex within Economy, and Classic and Flex within Premium Economy and Business. Always check your specific fare type before flying.
Checked Baggage
| Fare Type | Domestic India | International (Piece) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Value | 15 kg | 1 piece, 23 kg |
| Economy Classic / Flex | 25 kg | 2 pieces, 23 kg each |
| Premium Economy | 35 kg | 2 pieces, 23 kg each |
| Business | 35 kg | 2 pieces, 32 kg each |
| First | N/A | 3 pieces, 32 kg each |
Carry-on Allowance
- Economy: 1 cabin bag up to 8 kg (55 x 35 x 25 cm) plus 1 personal item
- Premium Economy: 1 cabin bag up to 8 kg plus 1 personal item
- Business and First: 2 cabin bags up to 8 kg each plus 1 personal item
Check-in Options
- Web check-in: Opens 48 hours before departure on the Air India website
- Mobile app: Same window via the official Air India app, with mobile boarding pass
- Airport check-in: Standard counters open from 3 hours before international departures
- City check-in: Available in select Indian cities, lets you drop bags before heading to the airport
- Self-service kiosks: Available at most major Indian airports
Booking Tips
- Book 6-8 weeks ahead for the best fares on long-haul routes to North America and Europe
- Avoid Value fares if you’re checking baggage — the upgrade to Classic often costs less than paying for extra luggage at the airport
- Use Wego to compare Air India fares against partner carriers offering the same nonstop India routes
- Choose retrofitted aircraft by checking the route — A350s and new 787-9s have noticeably better cabins than older 787-8s
- Book Premium Economy on long-haul if you want extra space; Air India is the only Indian carrier offering it
- Sign up for Maharaja Club (formerly Flying Returns) before booking so every flight earns points and counts toward Star Alliance status
- Check codeshares — some “Air India” flights are operated by partners like Lufthansa or Singapore Airlines, which can affect baggage and the onboard product
Flying Returns Loyalty Programme
Flying Returns is Air India’s spend-based frequent flyer programme, refreshed in 2024 with simpler tiers and Star Alliance integration. Points never expire as long as you take at least one Air India flight every 24 months.
| Tier | Qualification | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Free enrolment | Earn points on flights and partners |
| Silver | 15,000 tier points or 20 flights | Bonus points, priority check-in, Star Alliance Silver |
| Gold | 30,000 tier points or 45 flights | Lounge access, extra baggage, Star Alliance Gold |
| Platinum | 45,000 tier points or 60 flights | Top-tier perks, guaranteed seats, partner upgrades |
For casual travellers, the programme is worth joining even if you only fly Air India a few times a year. Points can be redeemed across 25 Star Alliance partner airlines, opening up over 700 destinations for award flights.
Is Air India Worth It?
Strengths
- Largest direct India-to-world network with nonstop flights to North America, UK, Europe, and Australia
- India’s only Premium Economy cabin on widebody routes
- Star Alliance membership unlocks lounges and partner redemptions globally
- Modern A350 and retrofitted 787-9 cabins compete with leading global carriers
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on widebody and select narrowbody fleet
Limitations
- Inconsistent product across the fleet — older un-retrofitted aircraft can feel dated
- Skytrax 3-star rating reflects ongoing service consistency challenges
- Customer service responsiveness can be slow during disruptions
- Some Middle East routes remain disrupted in 2026 due to regional airspace constraints
When Air India Makes Sense and When It Doesn’t
Air India is ideal for travellers who want a nonstop India connection, value Star Alliance benefits, or specifically want Premium Economy on a long-haul flight. Indian diaspora flyers from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia get the most value from its direct routes.
If you’re flying short-haul within Asia or the Middle East and prioritise a polished, consistent product, a competing full-service carrier like Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Singapore Airlines may serve you better. For purely budget-driven domestic India trips, low-cost carriers like IndiGo often undercut Air India on price.
Final Verdict
Air India is a strong choice for anyone flying nonstop between India and the world’s major hubs, especially in Premium Economy or on retrofitted A350 and 787-9 aircraft. Compare fares on Wego and join Maharaja Club (formerly Flying Returns) before your first flight to start earning Star Alliance status from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Air India include meals on all flights?
Yes. Complimentary meals are included on all international flights and most domestic flights, with vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and special meal options available.
How much baggage do I get on Air India Economy?
On international flights, Economy Value fares get 1 piece of 23 kg, while Classic and Flex fares get 2 pieces of 23 kg each. Domestic Economy allows 15 kg (Value) or 25 kg (Classic/Flex). Cabin baggage is 8 kg plus a personal item.
Does Air India have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on Air India’s A350, Boeing 787-9, and select A321neo aircraft on both domestic and international routes.
Is Air India good for long-haul flights?
Yes, especially on flagship A350 and retrofitted 787-9 aircraft serving routes like Delhi-London, Delhi-New York, and Delhi-Newark. The cabins are modern and competitive. Older un-retrofitted widebodies can feel dated, so check the aircraft type before booking.
Is Air India a Star Alliance member?
Yes. Air India joined Star Alliance in 2014 and is the only Indian carrier in the alliance. Maharaja Club (formerly Flying Returns) members can earn and redeem points across 25 Star Alliance partner airlines.
What happened to Vistara?
Vistara legally merged into Air India on 12 November 2024. All former Vistara flights now operate as Air India, identifiable by flight numbers starting with “2” (for example, AI 2955).
Sources
- Air India Official Website
- Air India Travel Classes and Amenities
- Air India Premium Economy
- Air India A350-900 Features
- Air India Checked Baggage Allowance
- Air India Cabin Baggage
- Air India Web Check-in
- Air India Flying Returns Programme
- Flying Returns Programme Refresh
- Air India and Vistara Merger Completion
- Air India In-flight Wi-Fi Press Release
- Star Alliance Air India Profile
- Skytrax Air India Reviews
- Air India Fleet Overview
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
