Air India Airlines

Air India – History and Fleet Size

Air India came into existence in the year 1932 and has been the national airline since then. It was started by Jamshed Ji Tata and was taken over by the Indian government later on. In the year 2021, Tata Group again won the bid to buy Air India and has become owner of the national carrier again. Air India has its headquarter in New Delhi and has flights connecting India to the major cities across Asia, Europe, Middle East, USA, Canada, Africa, etc.

Air India has a total number of 172 aircraft. Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 747-400, Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A320-214-CEO, Airbus A320-214 CEO (Single configuration), Airbus A320-251 NEO, Airbus A321, A319, Airbus A319 (Mixed Configuration), ATR 42-320, ATR72-600 are the aircraft operated by the airline. The number of Boeing B777-200LR aircraft is 3, Boeing B747-400 aircraft is 4, Boeing B777-300 ER aircraft is 15, Boeing B787-800 aircraft is 2. The total number of Airbus A320 Classic aircraft is 1, Airbus A320-214-CEO aircraft is 4, Airbus aircraft A320-214 CEO (Single Configuration) is 5, Airbus A320-251 NEO aircraft is 27, Airbus A321 aircraft is 20, Airbus A319 aircraft is 19, Airbus A319 (Single Configuration) aircraft is 3.

Air India – Baggage Allowance Policy

Air India follows common baggage allowance policy for almost all domestic and international carrier. It slows up to 8kg of in-hand baggage for both domestic and international flights. The dimension of the hand baggage should not exceed the permissible limit of height of 55cm (22 inches), length of 35cm (14 inches) and width of 25cm (10 inches).

Passengers are allowed to carry an infant carrycot, stroller or a foldable pushchair only if they have space available in hand baggage,. Else the same can be added to check-in baggage for infants.

The maximum permissible limit ofr check-in baggage for different cabin classes in Air India for domestic flights is as follows:

• First Class - 40kg.
• Executive Class - 35kg.
• Economy class - 25kg.
• Infants in all classes - 10kg.

For international flights, the permissible limit of check-in baggage varies for different destinations and departure points. However, it may range anywhere from 10kg to 40kg depending on from where you are boarding and where you will be heading. The baggage dimension for first class travellers in an international Air India flight is 62 inches or 158cm in length, breadth and width and the same for economy class is 107 inches or 273cm. Along with your check-in baggage and hand-in baggage, you will be allowed to carry handy items like women’s handbag, overcoat, blanket, camera, binoculars, laptop, etc. depending on the regulations.

Air India – Web Check-In and Documentation

To avoid ques at the airport, Air India passengers can take benefit of their web check-in facility which allows them to check-in digitally 48 hours prior to the departure of their website. The web check-in window closes 2 hours before the flight departure. You need to follow the below steps for Air India web check-in:

• Visit the official website of Air India airlines.
• Go to Manage Your Trip option on the top left and click on Web Check-In
• Enter your 13-digit e-ticket number or booking reference number.
• Enter the date of departure
• Enter the airport from where you will depart.
• Select your seat.
• Take a printout of your boarding pass.

You will be required to carry a valid identification document to furnish at the airport security and also at the airline counter to secure your boarding pass. The permissible list of

• A valid passport.
• A PAN Card.
• A driving license.
• Photo identity card provided by the government or a reputed private company.
• Birth certificate for infants that shows the proof of age.
• Photo of credit card.
• Election Photo Identification Card.
• School identification card for children or any other identification proof.

If you fail to provide any of the above document at the time of airport entry for identification purposes, you will not be allowed to enter the airport and you may even risk missing your flight in case any document is missing.

Air India – Onboard Service

The national carrier of India offers three primary classes to its passengers, namely, First Class, Executive Class and Economy Class. All three have different standards of services offered basis the price charged for the ticket.

The first class cabin, as the name suggest offer luxurious travel facilities like recliner chairs, aisle and window seats, luxurious interiors, soft carpets and passengers are allowed to purchase branded items while onboard from their SkyBazaar.

On the other hand, the executive class cabin offers spacious seats, priority check-in, lounge access, gourmet meal and more. In the economy class cabin comes with comfortable seating options complimentary vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal on domestic and international flights as per the passengers choice. Complimentary alcoholic beverages are also served on international flights along with movie screens and temperature control system. International flights also offer curated vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal options along with Jain meals, meals for infants, etc.