Air India Introduces New Basic Fare for Budget Travelers

Introduction of Basic Fare

Air India has launched a new Basic fare option on select domestic routes, designed to offer travelers a more economical ticket choice with fewer included services. This initiative aims to enhance flexibility and options for passengers. Under this fare, travelers will receive a checked baggage allowance of 15 kg and a cabin baggage limit of 7 kg. While complimentary tea or coffee will be available on board, meals will not be part of the ticket price. This fare will be introduced as a pilot program in Economy Class, specifically targeting budget-conscious travelers. Passengers can pre-order meals up to 24 hours before their flight for an additional fee, with choices including vegetarian, non-vegetarian, Jain, and diabetic options.

According to Air India, the Basic fare is optional, allowing travelers to continue booking from the airline's existing fare categories—Value, Classic, and Flex—which all include complimentary meals and various bundled benefits at higher price points. The introduction of the Basic fare adds another choice for those who prefer a more unbundled service. The airline plans to evaluate customer feedback during the pilot phase to inform future decisions regarding this fare option. Bookings for the Basic fare can only be made through Air India's direct channels, such as its website, mobile app, contact center, and airport ticketing offices. In contrast, the current Value, Classic, and Flex categories will still provide complimentary meals and a range of bundled benefits that increase with the fare level.