Planning to explore India and beyond on a budget-friendly airline? With several low-cost carriers in India, making the right choice is crucial. Air India Express is among these budget airlines. Let’s delve into whether it suits your travel needs!
The combination of “low cost” and “airline” is often a welcome melody for budget-conscious travelers. Airline travel is renowned for its hefty costs, making a carrier that provides reasonable rates without compromising quality an appealing choice.
Enter Air India Express, a low-cost airline akin to Eurowings and Vueling Airlines. As a subsidiary of the national carrier Air India, it upholds the same standards of safety and service. If you’re seeking an economical means of traversing India, Air India Express merits consideration.
To facilitate an informed decision, we present an Air India Express review covering everything from in-flight services to more. Whether your travel plans involve exploring India or extending to international destinations, stay tuned for comprehensive insights!
What is Air India Express?
Air India Express, founded in 2004, stands as a low-cost airline rooted in India. Operating as a subsidiary of the national carrier, Air India, the airline boasts a network encompassing more than 33 domestic and international destinations, featuring sought-after holiday locales such as Singapore, Dubai, and Bahrain.
What distinguishes Air India Express from other low-cost carriers is its affiliation with a prominent airline group. This association ensures that passengers can anticipate consistent standards without incurring the elevated costs typically associated with full-service airlines.
What Are Air India Express’ Hubs?
Air India Express maintains competitive pricing by utilizing secondary airports. However, it’s essential to consider potential additional travel time to and from the city center.
The airline operates from four primary hubs:
- Calicut International Airport
- Cochin International Airport
- Trivandrum International Airport
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Additionally, the airline has a base in Kochi, Kerala.
What Are Air India Express’ In-Flight Services?
Air India Express provides a straightforward yet effective in-flight service. While it lacks extravagance and luxury, it ensures all the essentials for a comfortable journey.
Here’s what you can anticipate when flying:
- The airline exclusively offers Economy cabin class seats.
- Complimentary snack boxes and beverages are provided on all flights.
- Additional Indian and international meals are available for purchase both before and during the flight.
- Checked baggage allowance is determined by the fare type and route.
- Advanced seat selection service is available, allowing you to secure preferred seating arrangements.
- An optional online visa service for the UAE.
- Excess baggage can be conveniently purchased online.
Moreover, Air India Express introduces “Deals & Rewards” for regular flyers, offering discounts on duty-free purchases, hotels, resorts, safari bookings, and more.
Where Does Air India Fly?
Operating multiple domestic flights every day, this carrier connects all the key cities within India. If you’re considering international travel, Air India Express extends its reach to 14 destinations abroad!
Here’s a list of the countries you can reach when flying with Air India Express:
- Dubai
- Sharjah
- Abu Dhabi
- Al Ain
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Bahrain
- Dammam
- Doha
- Kuwait
- Muscat
- Salalah
- Singapore
- Riyadh
- Malaysia
How Safe is Air India Express?
As a constituent of the Air India Group, which is government-owned, Air India Express adheres to the stringent safety standards imposed on its parent company.
Being a proud member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the airline has earned the prestigious IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification. This certification is a globally recognized safety assessment program designed for airlines.
Like many airlines, Air India Express has faced challenges, notably the incidents involving Flight 812 and Flight 1344. It’s important to note that both incidents involved Boeing 737 aircraft, a model associated with crashes in various airline operations. Thus, attributing the issues solely to Air India Express or its crew might not be accurate.
Booking and Cancelling Flights
Reserving your flights with Air India Express is a seamless process that can be done through the airline’s official website or via a travel agent. Managing your booking is particularly convenient through the airline’s website, where you can log in to your account and make necessary adjustments.
To initiate the booking process, navigate to the “Manage my Bookings” section on the Air India Express website. Enter your confirmation number and last name to access your booking details, modify your itinerary, and include additional services like baggage or seat selection.
In case your plans change and you wish to extend your stay in India, Air India Express provides a 24-hour cancellation policy. Cancelling your flight within 24 hours of the scheduled departure entitles you to a full refund. If you need to alter the flight date or time, the process involves canceling the original booking and making a new one. Opt for the “Cancel Booking” option and follow the provided instructions.
For those who booked through a travel agent, it’s essential to directly contact the agent for any modifications to the booking.
Some travelers prefer utilizing platforms like Skyscanner to discover Air India Express flights, ensuring they secure the most favorable deals through comparison sites.
Customer Service
For assistance with any inquiries or concerns, Air India Express offers customer service support accessible through both phone and email. The dedicated customer service team operates around the clock, seven days a week, ensuring continuous availability to address your needs.
To engage with a customer service representative over the phone, you can reach out to the Air India Express customer service hotline at either 044-40013001 or 044-24301930.
For general queries, you also have the option to connect with them via email at [email protected].
Web Check-In
Web check-in is available to all passengers holding a valid e-ticket. Typically, online check-in can be performed within a window of 2 to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time of your flight.
To utilize web check-in, navigate to the “Web Check-In” section on the Air India Express website and input your booking details. Through this online service, you can choose your seat, obtain your boarding pass, and complete the check-in process for your upcoming flight.
It’s important to note that web check-in is not accessible for passengers traveling with infants or those included in a group booking. In such cases, check-in procedures must be carried out at the airport.
Baggage Allowance
When flying with Air India Express, the baggage allowance allocated to you is contingent upon the specific route and flight details. It’s advisable to review your ticket both prior to purchase and after, especially if you have connecting flights.
Typically, passengers are permitted to carry one cabin bag weighing up to 7 kg onto the aircraft. Additionally, you can bring a separate bag, purse, or sleeve for your laptop, and this does not contribute to the weight limit of your cabin baggage.
Key points for checked baggage include:
- The allowance for checked luggage, included in your ticket, varies between 20 and 40 kg, depending on the specific route.
- Additional checked baggage can be purchased before your flight, subject to availability in the cargo hold.
- The total dimensions of your checked luggage should not exceed 62 inches (length * breadth * height).
- No individual piece of checked baggage should surpass 32 kg in weight.
- Infants traveling with accompanying adults receive an extra 10 kg allowance for checked baggage at no additional cost.
- Excess baggage fees may be applicable for overweight baggage during the check-in process.
- Specific sports equipment, such as bicycles, golf kits, and skiing gear, can be checked in as part of your luggage.
Air India Express FAQs
What is Air India Express?
Air India Express is a low-cost airline and a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India, the national flag carrier of India. It operates a network of destinations in India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
What are the benefits of flying with Air India Express?
Air India Express offers a variety of benefits, including:
- Affordable fares
- Online check-in
- Seat selection
- Meal pre-ordering
- Good safety record
Can you track Air India Express flights?
Monitor the status of any flight with the airline’s flight tracking tool. Just input your flight number and departure date to access real-time information about your flight’s current status.
Is Air India Express and Air India the same?
No, Air India Express operates as a low-cost subsidiary of Air India. These are distinct airlines with separate business models and in-flight offerings.
What are the routes of Air India Express?
Air India Express serves destinations in the Gulf and South East Asia from multiple cities in India. The detailed list of destinations is provided above.
What are the baggage restrictions on Air India Express flights?
Each passenger is allowed to carry one piece of hand baggage weighing no more than 7 kg and measuring no more than 56 x 45 x 25 cm. Checked baggage allowances vary depending on the route and fare type.
What is the cancellation and refund policy for Air India Express flights?
Cancellation and refund policies vary depending on the fare type. For more information, please visit the Air India Express website.
How do I book a flight with Air India Express?
You can book a flight with Air India Express online, by phone, or at the airport.
Can I choose my seat on an Air India Express flight?
Yes, you can select your seat online or at the airport for a fee.
Can I pre-order a meal on an Air India Express flight?
Yes, you can pre-order a meal online for a fee.
When can I check in for an Air India Express flight?
Online check-in is available from 48 hours to 2 hours before departure. Airport check-in is available from 3 hours to 1 hour before departure.
What do I need to bring to check in for an Air India Express flight?
You will need to bring your passport, a valid visa if applicable, and your e-ticket or boarding pass.
Can I check in my baggage online?
Yes, you can check in your baggage online for a fee.
What is Air India Express’s safety record?
Air India Express has a good safety record. The airline has never had a fatal accident.
What is Air India Express’s customer service like?
Air India Express has received mixed reviews for its customer service. Some passengers have praised the airline for its friendly and helpful staff, while others have complained about long wait times and poor communication.
What is Air India Express’s fleet like?
Air India Express operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.
Is Air India Express Worth it?
When it comes to considering Air India Express for your travels, my response is a resounding YES! However, when evaluating whether it stands as the best low-cost airline in India, the answer becomes more subjective. India boasts several low-cost carriers, each with its own merits.
Air India Express proves to be an outstanding choice if you prioritize affordability without compromising on service quality. Personally, I had a positive experience flying from Chennai to Dubai with Air India Express, being particularly impressed by their service, food offerings, and the overall journey.
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge the existence of negative reviews concerning the airline, citing issues related to service quality, food, and cabin cleanliness. Thus, the suitability of Air India Express hinges on your specific preferences and priorities in an airline.
For solo travelers who relish exploring hostels over hotels, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Air India Express a shot. The airline often provides enticing deals for individual travelers, making it an excellent option for those seeking affordability and convenience.
Fasten Your Seat Belts!
Whether you choose Air India Express or another low-cost carrier, get ready for an affordable and enjoyable flying adventure. Our goal is to enhance your journey and ensure maximum comfort.
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