Air India Launches ‘Basic’ Fare Category: No Free Meals, but Tea/Coffee Remains Complimentary; Trial Begins on Select Domestic Routes

Air India has introduced a new ‘basic’ fare category on select domestic routes, offering passengers the option to travel at a lower cost. While economy class tickets under this category will not include complimentary meals, passengers will still be served free tea or coffee.

In a statement, the airline noted that this fare has been launched on a trial basis and is designed for travelers looking to minimize travel expenses.

15 kg Baggage Allowance

Specific baggage rules have been established for passengers opting for Air India’s new ‘basic’ fare category.

Passengers traveling under this category will be allowed a check-in baggage allowance of up to 15 kg.

Additionally, they will be permitted to carry up to 7 kg of cabin baggage into the aircraft.

Pre-booking Meals 24 Hours in Advance

Although the basic fare does not include complimentary meals, passengers have the option to purchase food. Those booking the basic fare can pre-purchase meals up to 24 hours before the flight’s departure.

Meal options available to passengers will include vegetarian, non-vegetarian, Jain, and diabetic-friendly meals.

Refund or Transfer Facility for Rescheduled Flights

Air India has also clarified rules regarding meal refunds and transfers to ensure passenger convenience. According to the airline, if the flight schedule changes or a passenger is shifted to another flight, any pre-purchased meal will be transferred to the new flight. If, for any reason, the meal cannot be provided, the passenger will receive a refund. Existing fare options will remain available

The airline has clarified that even with the introduction of this new option, customers will continue to have access to the existing fare choices.

Passengers can continue to book the airline’s current ‘Value’, ‘Classic’, and ‘Flex’ fare categories just as before.

In all three of these existing categories, passengers will continue to receive complimentary meals, just as they did previously.

Bookings can be made through these channels

Air India states that this ‘Basic’ fare is currently available only on select domestic routes. Passengers wishing to book tickets under this fare category can do so via Air India’s official website, mobile app, contact center, and airport ticketing offices.

Decision to be taken based on feedback

According to Air India, this initiative is aimed at passengers who prioritize affordable travel. The airline will closely evaluate customer responses and feedback received during this pilot phase (trial).

The company will make a final decision on whether to permanently implement or extend this ‘Basic’ fare service in the future only after reviewing the insights gained from this trial and the feedback provided by customers.