Overview
- Air India announced the new Basic fare on Tuesday as a pilot on select domestic routes to offer a lower upfront price for price‑sensitive travellers.
- The Basic fare includes a 15 kg checked baggage allowance, a 7 kg cabin bag allowance and complimentary tea or coffee while excluding complimentary meals.
- Passengers on Basic tickets may pre-purchase meals up to 24 hours before departure and pre-booked meals will transfer if they are re-accommodated or be refunded if unavailable.
- For the trial the Basic fare is sold only through Air India’s direct channels — the airline website, mobile app, contact centre and airport ticket offices — and remains optional alongside Value, Classic and Flex fares.
- If customer feedback and booking trends during the pilot are positive, Air India says it will consider expanding the Basic fare as part of its branded-fares strategy launched in 2024, a move that could lower headline fares while shifting revenue toward paid ancillaries.