Air India Rolls Out New Basic Fare With 15 Kg Checked Baggage And Only Complimentary Beverages

Air India announced the rollout of a basic fare category for select domestic flights. This new category will be provided in addition to the existing travel categories: Value, Classic, and Flex. However, this new category is a significant shift for the carrier as it will no longer provide complimentary meals to passengers opting for this category. This is the first time since the airline’s privatisation in January 2022 that it has offered a category without bundled meal services.  

This has been launched, however, on a pilot basis and is entirely optional for travellers. This move comes at a time when the airline faces economic headwinds. For the financial year ending March 2026, the carrier reported a loss of over SGD 3.56 billion (over Rs 26,700 crore). The Singapore Airlines Group disclosed these figures in its annual financial report, which underscores the impact of airspace closure and high fuel costs on operational expenses. Note that when Singapore Airlines holds a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India, since the Vistara merger in 2024.

Besides, the airline (Air India) has also been forced to implement cost-cutting measures for some time, such as temporary flight reduction, among others. So, the basic fare is an initiative designed specifically to make the airborne journey affordable for price-conscious travellers who prioritise value and prefer an unbundled service model.

What Does The Basic Fare Category Offer?

Under this new category, passengers are entitled to carry 15 kilograms (kg) of checked baggage and 7 kg of cabin baggage. While complimentary meals are excluded, the airline will continue to provide a complimentary beverage service, which will include teas and coffee.  

Per a PTI report, Air India officials emphasised this new category as a pro-consumer approach, which allows travellers to tailor their experience as they prefer. By unbundling these services, it enables the passengers to pay only for what they need, while the all-inclusive services are still offered under the existing categories for those who value them.

However, passengers who choose the basic fares can still book the meals up to 24 hours before departure. The airline offers meal options, including vegetarian, non-vegetarian, Jain, and diabetic food. Further, in case a flight is rescheduled, these pre-purchased meals will be automatically transferred or fully refunded.  

Value, Classic, And Flex Categories

These existing travel fare categories were introduced in 2024 and will continue to run as they are. These will continue to include complimentary meals and a range of bundled benefits that increase with rising price point.

How To Avail Of The Basic Fare?

Currently, the basic fare is available through the direct sales network of Air India, which includes its official website, mobile app, contact centre, and airport ticketing offices.

As of now, this is just in trial phase, through which the airline intends to assess its viability, and get customer feedback on the services before deciding on a wider rollout. This option could offer a cheaper way to fly across for those who travel light.

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