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Air India

Airlines Reviews

Air India

Air India Reviews & Ratings: Is It the Right Airline for You?

If you haven’t flown Air India in a few years, you are in for a surprise. Following its historic acquisition by the Tata Group and a multi-billion dollar fleet order, India’s flag carrier is well underway in its massive transformation to become a world-class premium airline.

With the introduction of new Airbus A350s, entirely redesigned cabins, new crew uniforms, and vastly improved reliability, Air India is rapidly shaking off its legacy issues. Here is a look at the newly revitalized Air India experience.

Air India at a Glance

  • Alliance: Star Alliance
  • Frequent Flyer Program: Flying Returns
  • Main Hubs: New Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM)
  • Best For: Direct long-haul flights between India and North America/Europe, and extensive Indian domestic connectivity.
Air India

In-Flight Experience: What to Expect Onboard

Air India remains a full-service legacy carrier across its entire network.

Economy Class

On domestic routes, passengers enjoy comfortable seating and complimentary hot meals—a rarity in the modern aviation landscape. On international routes (especially those serviced by the new A350 and retrofitted B777 fleets), passengers experience new ergonomic seats, upgraded Panasonic in-flight entertainment screens, and premium Indian and continental catering.

Premium Economy

A newly introduced cabin class on Air India’s modern wide-body jets, Premium Economy offers a separate, quieter cabin, wider seats with generous recline, calf rests, and upgraded dining served on fine chinaware.

Business & First Class

Air India’s new Business Class features private suites with sliding doors, fully lie-flat beds, and luxury amenity kits. First Class (available on select long-haul routes) offers an ultra-exclusive experience with spacious pods, dedicated butler-style service, and top-tier gastronomy.

Air India Baggage Allowance & Policies (Updated 2026)

Air India transitioned to more standardized baggage policies to align with global Star Alliance carriers, shifting away from its historically massive weight limits on basic domestic fares.

Fare Class Carry-On Allowance Domestic Checked Baggage International Checked Baggage (Varies by Route)
Economy (Standard) 1 piece (Up to 8kg) + 1 personal item 1 piece (Up to 15kg) Varies: Usually 1 or 2 pieces (23kg each)
Premium Economy 1 piece (Up to 10kg) + 1 personal item 1 piece (Up to 15kg) Varies: Usually 2 pieces (23kg each)
Business Class 1 piece (Up to 12kg) + 1 personal item Up to 25kg – 30kg Varies: Usually 2 pieces (32kg each)
First Class 1 piece (Up to 12kg) + 1 personal item Up to 40kg Varies: Usually 2 pieces (32kg each)

 Note on International Travel: Air India operates on a “piece concept” for flights to North America and Europe, meaning your allowance is based on the number of bags rather than total weight. Always check your specific ticket for exact international allowances.

Customer Service & Reliability

  • The Highs: Direct routes to the US and Europe save immense travel time compared to connecting through Middle Eastern hubs. The onboard food is consistently rated as excellent, especially the authentic Indian vegetarian options.
  • The Lows: While the new planes are spectacular, Air India is still actively phasing out its older, non-retrofitted Boeing 777s and 787s. If you end up on an older aircraft, the in-flight entertainment screens and seat hardware may be dated.

Pros & Cons of Flying with Air India

Pros:

  • Non-stop flights connecting India to the rest of the world.
  • Complimentary hot meals on almost all flights, domestic and international.
  • Massive improvements in cabin quality and cleanliness under new ownership.

Cons:

  • Product inconsistency: flying a brand-new A350 vs. an older un-refurbished jet is a vastly different experience.
  • Domestic baggage allowance in standard Economy was reduced to 15kg to match domestic competitors.
  • Older Boeing 737 domestic planes lack the comfort and modern amenities of the newer wide-body fleet.

Have You Flown with Air India?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Air India

Is food free on Air India domestic flights?

Yes, Air India is one of the few airlines that still provides complimentary hot meals and beverages on its domestic flights.

Has Air India improved since Tata bought it?

Significantly. By 2026, the airline has integrated new aircraft, retrofitted older cabins, launched a new app and website, redesigned crew uniforms, and drastically improved on-time performance.

What is the cabin baggage limit on Air India?

In Economy class, you are allowed one cabin bag weighing up to 8kg, plus a small personal item like a laptop bag or purse.

Disclaimer: All information, policies, and details presented on this page are gathered from publicly available resources and are subject to change. Please verify directly with the airline before booking.