For years, choosing Air India for your premium journey often came with slight hesitation. With a fair share of criticism and controversies, the airline has struggled to remain the first choice for Indian travelers.
But that seems to be changing and maybe Air India is elevating its game. We went with little expectations when we flew Air India’s Business Class. And let us tell you that the experience truly surprised us – for good!
From the airport experience and lounge access to the spacious seating, food and attentive service, the current Air India Business Class experience feels like a very different proposition from the one many travelers may remember. In this guide, let’s take a look at how Air India Business Class is elevating the flying experience for millions of Indian travelers.
Air India Business Class Benefits At A Glance
Air India’s Business class is the perfect choice whether you are flying for work or leisure. Their top highlights include:
- Spacious cabins & plush seats
- in-flight entertainment
- Delectable entrées accompanied by wine
- Liquor is served on all international flights (except the routes India-Dammam-India, India- Riyadh-India, India-Jeddah-India)
- Exclusive check-in facility
- Lounge facility
The Experience Starts At The Airport
A big advantage of flying Business Class is that the premium experience begins well before you even step foot into the aircraft. Air India Business Class passengers get access to a dedicated check-in counter, priority boarding, lounge access, and extra baggage allowance.
For travelers departing from Delhi, the experience has received an additional upgrade with Air India’s new flagship Maharaja Lounge at Terminal 3. Spread across 16,000 sq. ft., the lounge features dedicated Business and First Class sections, workspaces, relaxation areas and dining and bar facilities. The lounge combines contemporary design with references to Air India’s heritage, including spaces such as the Aviator’s Bar, a champagne bar, and Globetrotter’s Study.
Air India Business Class Baggage Allowance
Air India Business Class offers a more relaxed baggage allowance for its business class passengers than those flying economy.
Domestic flights:
For domestic flights, Air India Business Class passengers can carry anywhere between 30 kg and 40 kg of baggage. Total combined dimensions (length + breadth + height) of each piece should not exceed 158 cm/62 in.
International flights:
Those flying Air India Business Class on international routes can see variation in baggage allowance on almost all the routes. For example, baggage allowance for business class passengers flying from India to Sri Lanka is different from that of India to the United States or Canada. In general, baggage allowance can range anywhere from 32 kg to 45 kg so check with your particular route to find out the allowed baggage.
Total combined dimensions (length + breadth + height) of each piece should not exceed 158 cm/62 in.
Air India Business Class Experience: Seats, Amenities, And Meals
What Is The Air India Business Class Seat Like?
After you’ve had a smooth check-in experience and making your way into the aircraft, the next thing to look out for is your seat.
Air India’s fleet currently includes newer aircraft such as the Airbus A350, Airbus A321neo and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, alongside upgraded versions of existing aircraft. On selected aircraft, Business Class comes with full-recline flatbeds designed for longer journeys.
On a long-haul flight, this can make a huge difference. Instead of offering a slightly more legroom and wider seat, a fully reclining bed gives travelers the option to actually sleep, stretch out, or work in a more comfortable position.
That said, travelers should always check the aircraft operating their particular flight before booking. Air India’s Business Class product isn’t completely uniform across its network, and the seat configuration can change depending on the aircraft.
Also Read: Air India Launches ‘Basic’ Fare On Domestic Routes, No Complimentary Meals Included
In-Flight Entertainment And Amenities
On Air India’s newer aircraft, the experience also extends to entertainment and connectivity. The airline says its upgraded aircraft offer more than 3,000 hours of entertainment, alongside inflight Wi-Fi on supported aircraft.
Along with these amenities, each traveler in both Business and First Class are gifted Ferragamo amenity kits. These kits include an Eau de Parfum (EDP), body lotion, hand cream, and a lip balm to keep your skin refreshed and hydrated throughout the journey. Additional comforts include socks, an eye mask, and a charming Maharaja charm, a nod to India’s rich heritage.
In Business Cabin, customers enjoy a similar Ferragamo selection sans the EDP, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious travel experience. Travelers get Velour carpet slippers for unparalleled comfort. Each traveler is also given custom loungewear as per their size, ensuring attention to detail and a personalized flying experience reflected even in small details
The amenity kit and loungewear is available on routes above eight hours and on night flights above six hours, with Singapore as an exception.
Also Read: Flight Delayed Because Of Rain? Know Your Rights & What Airlines Must Provide
Air India Business Class Meals
Business Class also comes with an upgraded dining experience. Air India describes its offering as a selection of meals and beverages, with Business Class passengers receiving complimentary meals and drinks. On international flights, wine and liquor are also available, subject to route-specific exceptions.
Air India’s elevated dining experience onboard has placed a greater emphasis on Indian flavors. Rather than treating Indian food as an afterthought, the airline has increasingly leaned into regional and familiar flavors as part of its hospitality proposition.
Also Read: Air India Launches First Signature Maharaja Lounge At San Francisco International Airport
So, Is Air India Business Class Worth It?
We glanced over some of the key Air India Business Class amenities and Air India Business Class benefits. So, is an Air India Business Class worth it?
The short answer: it can be.
The ‘Air India Business Class experience’ can highly depend on the route you’re flying. Air India Business and Economy class recently won a Skytrax 4-Star rating, cementing its position as one of the top airlines in India. Your experience depends heavily on the aircraft, route and whether you’re flying on one of the airline’s newer or retrofitted aircraft.
Having said that, we still feel that there is a huge difference between the old Air India experience that was notoriously infamous and the new Air India experience that has been elevated for Indian passengers. New aircraft, upgraded cabins, flatbed Business Class seats on select aircraft, improved lounges, better connectivity and a greater focus on the overall passenger experience are changing the proposition.
In this article, read about what to do when airlines damage your luggage
Author’s Note
While I haven’t traveled by Air India Business Class yet, I believe the airline is in the middle of an optimistic transformation. It is perhaps trying to upgrade and elevate its experience for every passenger, receiving feedback and taking it positively.
Summing Up
An Air India Business Class experience may be on the pricier side for many of us, but the services and amenities you get with it make it worth the money. With dedicated check-in, lounge access, comfortable seats, upgraded cabins, gourmet food, and personalized loungewear and amenity kits, Air India Business Class experience is truly getting upgraded with each passing day.
