What is United Relax Row Seating in Economy

In United Airlines’ economy travel cabins, Relax Row is a couch-like flat seating that a row of three seats with adjustable leg rests transforms into for optimum comfort. The leg rests of a window seat, a middle seat, and an aisle seat can be lifted together up to a 90-degree angle to provide a bed-like flat surface where you can stretch out or lie down alone or with your spouse/kid during long-haul flights. United describes it, “Fly solo or together, naptime or family time, the entire row is yours.”

Which aircraft will get United Relax Row seats  

United Airlines is rolling out Relax Row seats on its long-haul fleet of B787 Dreamliner and B777s for flights to New Delhi, London, Manila, Sydney, Dubai, and other prime destinations. The booking of Relax Row seats on United flights is expected to open in early 2027, with expansion plans for more than 200 aircraft by 2030. Each B787 and B777 will feature 12 Relax Row sections between United Standard Economy and United Premium Plus cabins.

United Relax Row features and amenities

Added comfort from sitting to sleeping in Economy cabins is the purpose that Relax Row is designed to serve. United Airlines’ Relax Row seating comes with special amenities, like a cozy mattress pad, a blanket, and two extra pillows. Family travelers with kids booking Relax Row seats will also get a children’s travel kit with a plush toy.

The concept is similar to what Air New Zealand has done with its Skycouch, where seats convert into a couch-like space, and how Lufthansa offers Sleeper Row by blocking adjacent seats with bedding. However, United’s approach aims to make this a more structured and widely available feature.

Who can benefit from Relax Row, among United Airlines’ passengers

• Travelers booking nonstop United flights from USA to India
• Elderly passengers needing extra space to rest
• Couples looking to share a relaxed seating space
• Women traveling with young kids
• Travelers craving a business class-like feel in Economy
• Solo travelers willing to pay extra for extra comfort and better sleep   

United Relax Row pricing and booking 

Once open for booking for travel in 2027, you can reserve Relax Row seats on United flights through IndianEagle.com, a leading international travel-booking company. United Airlines’ new economy seats – Relax Row – will be more comfortable yet cheaper than premium economy. If you and your spouse fly together, you can book a Relax Row at the cost of three United economy seats. If you are three travelers including a kid, a Relax Row couch booking will cost you an equivalent of three United economy tickets. One Relax Row booking may cost you up to $1500.

The post With Relax Row, United Airlines Offers Couch-like Seating with Mattress and Pillows in Economy first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post With Relax Row, United Airlines Offers Couch-like Seating with Mattress and Pillows in Economy appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The escalating tensions in West Asia are sending ripple effects in global aviation by dramatically triggering crude oil and jet fuel prices to soar above $100 a barrel (the highest since 2022). Even a moderate increase in fuel prices can affect airline economics, provided jet fuel being the single largest fare component in long-haul flight tickets, such as from US to India. It is forcing airlines to revise fuel surcharges and raise fares to offset additional operational expenses, amid the global fuel supply challenges.

Air India raises fuel surcharge in tickets

Hit by the jet fuel price hike, Air India increased fuel surcharge for both domestic and international flights. Come 18 March 2026, Air India flight tickets to USA and Australia will cost an additional $50 per passenger due to the fuel surcharge increase from $150 to $200, in addition to a usual fare hike driven by the changing demand-supply dynamics. Effective 12 March, domestic fares of Air India and its subsidiaries include Rs 399 as fuel surcharge per ticket.

Cathay Pacific doubles fuel surcharge

Another popular Asian airline operating flights between USA and India bypassing the Middle East airspace, Cathay Pacific has doubled the fuel surcharge for long-haul service. Cathay Pacific’s new fuel surcharge, USD149 (doubled from US$ 73), will apply to tickets issued on or after 18 March. The aviation fuel cost that has roughly doubled amid the soaring crude oil prices since the outbreak of conflicts in West Asia, is a major driver for the fuel surcharge increase.

Air France-KLM raises long-haul fares by $58

Of the European airlines providing safe travel between USA and India amid the Middle East travel disruptions, Air France-KLM’s flight ticket prices have soared by an additional US$ 58 per passenger, effective 11 March 2026. This fuel surcharge for long-haul economy flights varies depending on travel classes. However, the Lufthansa Group of airlines has a hedging system to indemnify international fares against the soaring fuel costs.

US airlines to respond to soaring fuel prices

US airlines are feeling the heat of a sharp rise in jet fuel costs, but they are yet to react to it. United Airlines’ CEO Scott Kirby is keeping a close watch on the Middle East war developments and said that UA flight ticket prices could soar in the coming days if the global fuel supply challenges further drive up the aviation turbine fuel price per barrel. Delta Airlines’ spokesperson echoed the same thoughts referring to the evolving situation in the Gulf region.

Thai Airways to raise fuel surcharge by 10-15%  

Since Thai Airways operates codeshare flights on some US to India routes via Bangkok, traveling with Thai Airways is not immune to an airfare and fuel surcharge increase. Reportedly, Thai Airways ticket prices may surge by 10-15% in the form of fuel surcharge in a bid to offset the rising jet fuel price. The airline said that travelers may see an approximate 15% fuel surcharge in tickets in the coming days.

Japan Airlines

Of the Asian airlines for safe US-India travel routes, Japan Airlines thinks it is too early to respond to the fuel price surge. JAL already has fuel surcharge as a fare component. As of now, Japan Airlines is not looking to revise the fuel surcharge before 1 April 2026. However, nothing can be said surely given unprecedented volatility of the geopolitical crisis.

To book or not to book summer travel now

“The history of international airfares in the aftermath of a global crisis like COVID-19 signals that this is the right time to book cheap flight tickets from USA to India for your summer travel, before airlines’ new fuel surcharge takes effect this month. When countries gradually reopened doors and travel rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines increased fares manifold to recuperate their overwhelming losses to some extent. If the ongoing geopolitical conflict prolongs jet fuel price hikes, airline ticket prices will further burn holes into your pocket,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of IndianEagle.com.

Indian Eagle discount coupons can help you offset the increasing airfares to some extent. Check out Eagle Deals at IndianEagle.com for your preferred itinerary and dates, and use the code IEUGADEIDTB to save additional $25 on Eagle Deals.

The post Air India to Air France: Airlines Raise Fares and Fuel Surcharge Impacting Your US to India Travel Costs first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Air India to Air France: Airlines Raise Fares and Fuel Surcharge Impacting Your US to India Travel Costs appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Once again, the Middle East airspace has become turbulent for international flights between the US and India, Europe and South Asia, East Asia and Africa, and Europe and Australia. It is not even a year since the Middle East conflict troubled international travel in June 2025. The escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions 2026 have shut down several major airports in the Middle East, except Istanbul Airport, with transit passengers from the US, India and other countries stuck inside terminals. The temporary closure of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha Hamad International airports is also affecting the US to India travel.

Airlines suspend flights amid Iran-Israel crisis

Ensuring passenger safety against the Iran-Israel tensions, Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have temporarily suspended their operations, including connecting flights at their hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Passengers who were about to take connecting flights to their destinations via the Middle East got stranded due to the precautionary closure of the airspace. Some India-bound flights from the US got diverted to Oman before reaching Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Some US-bound flights from India via the Middle East got diverted to Munich, as per various reports.

• Qatar Airways: Since the Qatari airspace is closed, Qatar Airways flights remain suspended on March 2.
• Etihad Airways: Etihad flights to and from Abu Dhabi will mostly remain suspended on March 6. Passengers holding valid Etihad tickets booked on or before FEB 28 for travel within March 10, 2026 can reschedule their travel on Etihad-operated flights through March 30, 2026.
• Emirates: Emirates flights to and from Dubai continue to be suspended through March 6. Emirates is open to rebooking your travel on alternate flights up to 30 April 2026 if your travel is originally scheduled on or before 31 March 2026.

In response to the current geo-political conflict, Kuwait Airways has also suspended all inbound and outbound flights for the time being. +965-1802050 is Kuwait Airways’ WhatsApp customer service number for the affected passengers. Only Turkish Airlines seems to be operating US-India flights via Istanbul, since Istanbul International Airport is not as affected as other Middle East airports.

Air India to reroute flights to/from New York and Newark through Rome

Air India flights to the US, Canada, and Europe are not immune to the worsening Iran-Israel conflict. The Middle East airspace closure and its impact on the surrounding regions forced Air India to suspend 50 flights to the West (the US, the UK, and Frankfurt) for March 1, 2026. The suspension of AI flights between Amritsar and Birmingham, Delhi and Zurich, Delhi and Copenhagen, and Delhi and Birmingham, is extended to 2 March, 2026.

The latest Air India news is that flights to North America and Europe (except the above routes) will be operating from 2 March as per the schedule, but the airline will reportedly use alternate routings, thereby increasing the flying hours. The below Air India flights to New York JFK and Newark EWR will take technical halts in Rome (Fiumicino Airport) until the geopolitical situation improves.

• AI119 and AI116 flights between BOM and JFK (via Rome)
• AI191 and AI144 flights between BOM and EWR (via Rome)
• AI101 and AI102 flights between DEL and JFK (via Rome)

Air India is open to rescheduling flights booked on or before 28 FEB 2026 for travel up to 5 March 2026 without levying any fee.

Passengers scheduled to travel to India or USA are strongly advised to watch out for airlines’ alerts and advisories. Save airlines’ customer helpline and emergency contact numbers for updates on your travel scheduled over this weekend or the next week. If your Indian Eagle flights to India or USA are affected by the Middle East crisis and the airspace closure, contact Indian Eagle customer support for rescheduling and alternate options.

Airlines that avoid Middle East airspace to operate US-India flights

US-India flights via Europe are unaffected in the current geo-political situation. Air France, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, and Swiss Air avoid the Middle East airspace for their US-India service. Similarly, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Cathay Pacific are safe airlines for travel between USA and India amid the Middle East tensions. If you are looking to travel in March, check out IndianEagle.com or call +1800-615-3969 for best phone-only deals of Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and European carriers.

General advice for those scheduled to travel later in March 2026

Don’t panic if your travel is at least one week away from now. Keep checking your flight PNR status every other day. Do act only if it shows cancelled on the airline website or you receive an alert or cancellation notification from the airline or the travel agency.

The post Here’s How Middle East Conflict Impacts Travel between USA and India: Flight Delays, Diversions, Cancelation first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Here’s How Middle East Conflict Impacts Travel between USA and India: Flight Delays, Diversions, Cancelation appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Just the US where travelers can cancel flight tickets for free within 24 hours of booking, India opens a 48-hour window for free airline ticket cancellation and rescheduling. Also, the civil aviation watchdog – DGCA has issued new refund rules and timelines for airlines, effective 26 March 2026, aiming to make air travel more transparent and accessible for Indians. No more worries about airlines’ hefty cancellation fees and refund delays! But there are some conditions. This is part of Indian Aviation’s broader plans including preventive guidelines for wheelchair service misuse at airports.

DGCA rules in free 48-hour airline ticket cancellation 

Effective 26 March 2026, DGCA’s new air travel rules empower you to cancel flight tickets and amend the reservation within 48 hours of booking without paying the airline fee. This is a great relief for many travelers who paid the airline fee in thousands of rupees for cancelling refundable bookings or lost the entire value of non-refundable tickets due to unprecedented events, like medical emergency or death-like exigency in the family. 

The free 48-hour flight cancellation and amendment rule is subject to certain conditions: 

• If you change your travel dates or upgrade your reservation to a premium class within 48 hours of booking, the airline fee may not apply except a fare difference.
• International flight tickets for travel within 15 days from the booking date are not eligible for free cancellation and/or rescheduling.
• The 48-hour void window is close to domestic travelers with their flights scheduled within 7 days from the booking date. 

DGCA revises flight ticket refund rules for airlines 

Starting 26 March, 2026, airlines’ refund timeline will improve, according to the new DGCA rules. India’s aviation watchdog, DGCA requires cancellation charges and refund amounts to be disclosed to passengers fairly and unambiguously at the time of booking flight tickets. It is a mandate for airlines to maintain absolute transparency about ticket cancellation fees and refund amounts through their contracts with travel agents and air-ticketing portals.          

• Airlines are directed to release refunds within 7 days of cancellation for flight tickets purchased through credit cards.
• Airlines should ensure that the refund timeline does not exceed 14 working days for flight tickets purchased from a travel-booking company like IndianEagle.com.
• Airlines shall not hold the refund amount in the form of a credit by default. The passenger’s consent must be obtained before airlines issue the refund in the form of a credit voucher.  
• DGCA’s new refund rules for airlines clearly state that all statutory taxes, user development fee (UDF)/airport development fee (ADF), and/or passenger service fee (PSF) must be refunded.
• Airlines must comply with the updated refund guidelines, irrespective of fare types, including promos, discounted fares, special fares, and tickets with non-refundable basic fares.        

Free name corrections in flight tickets

A 24-hour window for free name corrections in domestic and international flight tickets will also open for Indians, starting 26 March 2026. Misspellings of traveler names are not uncommon during a flight discount offer when cheap airline deals are booked in a hurry. Though subject to your identity verification by airlines, your misspelt name would be corrected within 24 hours of booking travel, without the airline fee for passenger name correction.

Also Check: A Guide on Major Airlines’ Policy for Passenger Name Correction 

Do 48-hour free airline ticket changes to US-India itineraries?

Most probably, no. DGCA India’s free 48-hour cancellation policy is valid for itineraries, one way or round trip, originating in India.

The post DGCA India Rules in Free 48-hour Cancellation and New Refund Timeline for Airline Tickets first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post DGCA India Rules in Free 48-hour Cancellation and New Refund Timeline for Airline Tickets appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

India’s Union Budget 2026 revised the baggage rules for international arrivals, both Indian-origin and foreign-origin. It replaced the decade-old baggage regulations of 2016 by increasing the duty-free limit for imported goods to India from the US and other countries. Also, the customs duty relief on personal jewelry has got a little better for NRIs and OCI cardholders traveling to India in 2026. India’s new duty-free baggage allowance is effective starting 2 February, as per the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

Whom does India’s new baggage rules 2026 apply to?

The new baggage rules, 2026, including new duty-free limit, and strict customs guidelines, apply to all passengers of international flights to India from USA and other countries. It equally applies to those arriving in India by sea routes.

• Indian residents
• Tourists of Indian origin; NRIs and OCI cardholders
• Foreigners with a valid visa, other than tourist visa
• Tourists of foreign origin
• Crew members

What is the new duty-free limit for passengers to India?  

In the Union Budget 2026, the government of India raised the duty-free limit to Rs 75,000 for the arriving Indian residents, NRIs, OCI Cardholders, and foreigners holding valid non-tourist visas. Earlier, Indian Customs’ duty-free allowance was limited to Rs 50,000 on the total valuation of foreign goods imported to India for personal use. Under the bonafide baggage rules, 2026, the new duty-free limit is Rs 25,000 for foreigners (non-Indian origin) arriving in India by air or sea. Earlier, it was only Rs. 15,000.

New customs rules for bringing laptops to India

India’s new baggage rules, 2026, allow you to bring a new laptop or notebook free of customs duty in your bona fine baggage. You must be 18 years or above, and the new laptop or notebook purchased abroad must be for your personal or family use, or gifting, under Section 79 of the Customs Act, 1962. You have to pay the applicable customs duty on a second new laptop if the value exceeds the enhanced duty-free limit.

What if you carry dutiable goods to India beyond the duty-free limit?

On arrival in India, you need to pay customs duty on the amount minus the new duty-free limit of Rs 75,000, if the value of dutiable goods in your bonafide baggage exceeds the duty-free allowance.

Well, there is some good news for overseas Indians visiting the home country and resident Indians returning from an international trip. The new finance bill, under the Union Budget 2026-27, has reduced the customs duty to a flat 10% for all dutiable goods, from electronics to fashion accessories to high-end luxury items to gourmet food, that they carry for personal use or a non-commercial purpose like gifting (to a certain extent).

Effective from 1 April 2026, you will be paying only 10% as customs duty on the taxable value of imported goods, minus the duty-free limit of Rs 75,000, provided the dutiable goods are honestly declared through the Red Channel at Indian airports. Previously, taxable imports from abroad, though for personal use, attracted a basic customs duty of 20% or higher on the extra value.

“It means, starting in April 2026, the cost of bringing electronic items from USA to India for personal use or gifting will significantly drop. If you bring a new iPhone from USA to India, other than your personal one in use, you will have to pay a flat 10% customs duty on the iPhone price minus the duty-free allowance of Rs 75,000, and a social welfare surcharge at 10% of the applicable customs duty,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor at IndianEagle.com, your trusted travel-booking partner.

What foreign items don’t qualify for the flat 10% customs duty in India?  

The reduced customs duty won’t apply to alcoholic beverages, printed reading materials, tobacco products, cars, and items that require an import license.

How much gold jewelry can you bring under India’s new baggage rules 2026?

Under the new baggage rules effective 2 February 2026, India redefined duty-free jewelry allowance for Indians, both resident and overseas. The redefined jewelry allowance is purely weight-based now, irrespective of the value. Whether you are a resident Indian, or an NRI living abroad, you are entitled to carrying gold jewelry duty free to India within the following limits:

• 40 grams for Indian women and 20 grams for Indian men returning from an international trip
• 40 grams for Indian-origin women and 20 grams for Indian-origin men residing abroad for more than 1 year

This guide for NRIs and Indian-origin foreign tourists is brought to you by Indian Eagle, a leading US-based travel tech company and your trusted travel-booking partner. Check out the current Indian Eagle discount offer and use the coupon code IEHOLITB to get an additional $25 OFF on flights to India. The offer is valid through 28 FEB 2026.

The post Flying to India in 2026? Check New Duty-free Limit and Customs Duty for Carrying Taxable Items from Abroad first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Flying to India in 2026? Check New Duty-free Limit and Customs Duty for Carrying Taxable Items from Abroad appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Currently, the US visitor visa interview appointments are 2 to 8 months away from today, depending on the US Embassy and Consulates in India. The wait time was equally unprecedented in 2022 and 2023 following the COVID-19 pandemic. In mid-2023, the longest wait time for B1/B2 visa interview appointments in India was 400 days. It stretched into the year 2024 for those who wanted to travel to the US in mid-2023. Precisely, the US tourist visa backlog was and is there.

The uncertainty, driven by the long visa delay, of reuniting with their parents and other family members continues to cause emotional distress to many Indian immigrants and non-immigrants in the US. Indian parents are missing out on important events in the US, such as childbirth, marriage anniversary celebration, housewarming, and graduation ceremony. However, Indian American Sunil Dhar, who lives in San Francisco,  found a way for his son’s would-be in-laws and other family members from New Delhi to bypass the US visitor visa in 2023.

His younger son was about to get married in June in the United States, but the bride’s parents and other family members were facing the long B2 visa interview wait time in New Delhi. Reportedly, Sunil Dhar tried hard to ensure that his would-be daughter-in-law’s parents could attend the wedding in the US as wedding is a significant event in Indian culture and a Hindu wedding is incomplete without certain rituals that a bride’s parents perform. In 2022, some of Sunil Dhar’s extended family members from India could not attend his elder son’s wedding in San Francisco due to various visa-related issues.

To avoid the visa-related issue this time, Sunil Dhar made certain arrangements so that his guests from India could enter the US without a visa and bless the couple. He shifted the wedding venue from the Bay Area further up the West Coast. The wedding took place in Blaine near Seattle, Washington State. The Peace Arch Park on the US-Canada border, the northern boundary of Blaine City, was selected as the wedding venue. Interestingly, the Peace Arch Park is a visa neutral zone without immigration checkpoints.

The bride’s family from India had the Canadian visa. They could enter the park via British Columbia without having a US visa and facing any immigration check. Hence, the bride’s parents and other guests traveled to Canada from Delhi, instead of booking Delhi to San Francisco flight tickets. The northern half of the park is in Canada and the southern half stretches into the US. They entered the park from the northern half and attended the wedding in the southern half.

“Other than the above, there was another way to bypass the US visa interview delays across India in those days. Indian nationals seeking B1/B2 visas could apply at the US Mission/consulates in international destinations, such as Kuwait City, Japan, and Seoul where the US tourist visa wait time was relatively very shorter (7 to 10 days). However, starting September 2025, non-immigrant visa applicants, including B1/B2, can schedule visa interview appointments only in their country of citizenship or legal residence,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of Travel Beats.

Travel Beats, a leading community and travel news portal for Indian Diaspora in the US, is a subsidiary of Indian Eagle LLC. IndianEagle.com, the most trusted travel-booking partner of Indians and Americans, is currently offering an additional $25 discount on flight tickets from USA to India and beyond. IEREPUBLICTB is the discount code valid through 31 January (CST hours).  

The post Indian Family from New Delhi Attended Daughter’s Wedding in USA without B2 Visa first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Indian Family from New Delhi Attended Daughter’s Wedding in USA without B2 Visa appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

India and her diaspora do still have a reason to rejoice, though Homebound, the official entry to the Oscars 2026, is out of the race in the Best International Feature Film category. Lagaan, a Bollywood blockbuster in 2002, was the last Indian film to make it to the Oscars nominations. However, amid the Hollywood titles – Sinners and One Battle After Another – running high with multiple nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, Indian American Geeta Gandbhir has grabbed some spotlight.  

Who is documentary filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir in USA?

Geeta Gandbhir is an Indian American filmmaker, director, producer, and editor known for her compelling work in documentary cinema. She has built a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades, focusing on socially important subjects such as racial justice, violence, systemic inequities, and civil rights. She has won multiple awards and recognitions, including Emmys and Peabody Awards.

She was born in 1970 in Boston to Indian immigrant parents who moved to the United States in the 1960s. Her father, Sharad Gandbhir, emigrated to study chemical engineering, and her mother, Lalita, joined him later. Geeta and her siblings grew up in the Boston area. Her sister Una S. Gandbhir is a superior court judge in Alaska, and her brother Ashwin Gandbhir is a filmmaker and editor too.

Why filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir is in the news

Geeta Gandbhir just created history by earning two Oscar nominations at the 98th Academy Awards (2026) for her work in documentary cinema. “The Perfect Neighbor” and “The Devil is Busy” from her repertoire are riding the waves of Oscar nods for Best Documentary Feature and Best Documentary Short Film respectively. This rare achievement has placed her among an elite group of filmmakers whose storytelling is sharper than two-edged swords and has a mass appeal.

Geeta Gandbhir’s The Perfect Neighbor is a full-length documentary feature that explores the June 2023 fatal shooting of Ajike “AJ” Owens in Ocala, Florida. Directed and produced by Gandbhir, the documentary has earned critical acclaims for its ethical storytelling and careful examination of accountability. Close to her heart professionally and personally, The Perfect Neighbor won the US Documentary Directing Award after it was premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. It streams on Netflix.

The other Oscar nomination that Geeta Gandbhir has earned is for The Devil Is Busy that she co-directed with Christalyn Hampton. It is a 31-minute short documentary on the safety of patients and healthcare staff amid continuous protests against abortion restrictions in America. It portrays Tracii, the head of security at a women’s healthcare clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, and shows how she sincerely protects patients and other staff over the course of a day.

Is Geeta Gandbhir the first Indian American to earn Oscar nominations?

No, Geeta Gandbhir is not the first Indian American to receive an Oscar nomination. That distinction goes to M. Night Shyamalan, a renowned Indian-origin American filmmaker with roots in South India. His directorial, The Sixth Sense, had earned two Oscar nominations in 2000, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Later, two Indian American engineers – Parag Havaldar and Kiran Bhat – emerged among the Oscar winners in 2017.

Geeta Gandbhir’s Education and Early Influences

Geeta’s academic journey began at Harvard University, where she studied visual art with a focus on animation. It was here that she encountered influential mentors who shaped her future career. During her time at Harvard, Spike Lee, the acclaimed filmmaker, taught at the university, and Geeta worked closely with his long-time editor Sam Pollard. These early mentorships exposed her to strong narrative filmmaking principles and encouraged her initial work in narrative projects before she transitioned fully into documentaries.

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The post Indian American Geeta Gandbhir Creates History with Two Nominations for 98th Academy Awards appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Since December 2024, Japan Airlines has been offering seamless connectivity beyond its two primary gateways – New Delhi and Bengaluru – through IndiGo, a leading Indian airline with the largest domestic market share. Precisely, IndiGo has been connecting Japan Airlines’ passengers to a broad domestic network from Indira Gandhi DEL and Kempegowda BLR airports as one of JAL’s strategic codeshare partners.

New Delhi and Bengaluru were the only destinations for Japan Airlines flights to India before its codeshare alliance with IndiGo. JAL, one of the best airlines with premium economy seats, operates daily flights to Delhi IGI Airport from/via Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) airports. JAL flights to Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport from/via Narita International Airport have daily frequency. However, Japan Airlines’ connection between Narita and New Delhi is a temporary service, from 17 January to 1 March 2026.

Japan Airlines’ India network covers 18 cities through IndiGo

IndiGo facilitates domestic travel to and from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, Pune, Goa, Varanasi, Lucknow, Amritsar, Surat, Chandigarh, Aurangabad, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thiruvananthapuram, and Leh (Ladakh) for Japan Airlines’ passengers via New Delhi and Bengaluru. The JAL-IndiGo codeshare partnership enables Indians from the US network of Japan Airlines to travel seamlessly to the above-mentioned 18 Indian cities on a single ticket.

“IndiGo is the wind beneath the wings of several international carriers, like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, American Airlines, and Air France-KLM for their market growth in India. Not just Japan Airlines, but all these carriers continue to find IndiGo as a reliable codeshare partner for its upgraded fleet, brand-new business class cabin (IndiGo Stretch), and largely, domestic network, and on-time performance. IndiGo is flexing its revenue muscle through codeshare alliances,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of Travel Beats.

Reportedly, IndiGo, which is primarily branded as an economy airline, is looking to reposition itself with billion-dollar plans to add premium economy and business class to its product portfolio. Thirty A350-900 planes with premium economy and business class seats, which IndiGo has recently placed an order for, will help the airline align with premium passengers of its foreign codeshare partners and their expectations.

IndiGo, which was primarily branded as an all-economy airline for nearly two decades, is repositioning itself to cash in on business class travel. In November 2024, IndiGo Stretch, a brand-new business class product with a number of complimentary services, was rolled out to compete with Air India on metro-to-metro routes and cater to premium guests of its international codeshare partners. IndiGo Stretch features wider seats in a 2-2 configuration, with greater recline, extra legroom, adjustable headrests, and power outlets. IndiGo Stretch bookings include liberal cabin baggage allowance (12kg per person) and priority check-in.

Budget flight tickets of Japan Airlines and other major carriers flying between USA and India are just a call away. Call the toll-free +1800-615-3969 to grab Indian Eagle’s phone-only deals for affordable trips from USA to India and beyond. Indian Eagle, a leading travel-booking partner of Indian Diaspora and Americans, has been booking international flights at the lowest prices for nearly 20 years.

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The post Travel on JAL-IndiGo Codeshare Flights to 18 Indian Cities beyond Delhi and Bengaluru on Single Ticket appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Aircraft shortage has been a major setback to Air India’s expansion plans, revival goals, transformation journey, and revenues since late Ratan Tata bought back the airline with its outdated fleet. Making the derelict, debt-ridden airline take off to great heights in full glory again proved to be more than a monumental task over time. Despite a multibillion-dollar order placed in February 2023 for a new wide-body fleet, global supply chain issues and geo-political tensions continued to delay new aircraft delivery, as well as retrofitting of the existing aircraft.

As they say every dark cloud has a silver lining, Air India welcomed 2026 with a brand-new B787-9 Dreamliner having arrived to New Delhi from Seattle on 11 January. The first Dreamliner, in the series of 20 Boeing 787-9s, will be inducted into long-haul passenger service in February, and 2026 will see a total of 6 new widebody deliveries including two A350-1000s, according to a media briefing from the Tata Group.

“The induction of an advanced Boeing aircraft into Air India’s fleet is like the dawn of a new beginning. The brand-new B787-9 is not just the first line-fit Dreamliner, it is a new hope for Air India to reclaim its dominance in the nonstop flights service corridor, like from USA to India. Inarguably, aircraft shortage is the principal reason for continued suspension of Air India flights to Washington Dulles IAD since 01 September 2025,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor at IndianEagle.com.

In addition to a Boeing 787-9, Air India took phased delivery of six widebody A350-900s as part of its historic Airbus order including 34 A350-1000s. The safest and best aircraft in Air India’s long-haul fleet, A350-900s have stabilized operations for nonstop flights from New Delhi to New York JFK, Newark EWR, and London Heathrow. Air India’s A350 flights with Premium Economy seats, best-in-class amenities, superlative inflight service, and choicest food have earned rave reviews from passengers traveling between New York and New Delhi.

B777-200LRs leased from Delta Airlines and B777-300ERs leased from Etihad could not survive the pitfalls of Pakistan’s airspace closure, such as rerouting of long-haul flights, refueling stops in Europe, longer travel time, stretched crew duty hours, additional fuel intake, and increased operational overheads. That’s why Air India decided to operate two key routes – San Francisco to Mumbai and Bengaluru – with short layovers in the US and/or India, starting in March this year.

The post After Welcoming New B787-9 in January, Air India to Resume Discontinued Nonstop Flights with More New Aircraft in 2026 first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post After Welcoming New B787-9 in January, Air India to Resume Discontinued Nonstop Flights with More New Aircraft in 2026 appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

2025 was full of events for international aviation, with mixed results for airlines and travelers alike. Staff strike, airspace restrictions, airport system outage, US government shutdown, and likes caused operational disruptions through 2025. However, 2026 is the year of aviation technology upgrades, inflight Wi-Fi rollout, terminal developments, new airport launch, etc. – which are highly anticipated to make international aviation less vulnerable. It may impact your travel from USA to India and beyond in 2026.

International Air Travel Trends in 2026 from USA to India  

1. Major US airport upgrades in 2026

Through 2026, several major US airport upgrades will enhance international travel and ease passenger flow. New York JFK Airport Terminal One will begin phased operations in 2026. Baltimore-Washington BWI Airport will unveil its revamped terminal on 9 January 2026. Seattle–Tacoma Airport (SEA) is finalizing major concourse and passenger facility enhancements by 2026 to streamline passenger flow. The recently launched Pittsburgh International Airport will continue welcoming travelers into 2026 with faster and more modern facilities.

2. India’s new international airports in 2026

Indian Aviation is soaring to new heights with two new world-class international airports: Navi Mumbai NMIA and Noida Jewar DXN. Aiming to boost global connectivity and aviation economy for multibillion dollars, both Navi Mumbai and Noida Jewar airports will kick international operations soon. Among the upcoming airports in India, Bhogapuram International Airport is a much-awaited gateway to Andhra Pradesh. The airport coming up near the coastal city of Vishakhapatnam is anticipated to commence operations by June 2026.

3. New wheelchair policy for Indian airports in 2026

Curbing the misuse of passenger assistance is one of the key international travel trends in 2026, with Indian Aviation moving toward more efficient service models. Under the updated DGCA wheelchair policy, airlines may charge able-bodied passengers for wheelchair requests to check misuse, while travelers with genuine mobility needs will continue to receive assistance free of charge. Although the rule has been approved and added to the DGCA regulations, airlines have not fully implemented charges yet, as fee structures are still being finalized.

4. Singapore’s No Boarding Rule for inbound travelers

Starting 30 January 2026, Singapore will enforce a No-Boarding Directive requiring airlines to stop passengers from boarding flights if they do not meet Singapore’s entry requirements. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will notify airlines about travelers flagged as high-risk or ineligible, including those without valid visas or passports. Airlines must deny boarding to these travelers or face penalties. Singapore’s No Boarding Rule helps prevent last-minute disruptions for Singapore Airlines flights to India from USA, and other airlines.

5. Emirates to offer turbulence-free flights in 2026

Turbulence being a major risk to passenger safety at 35,000 feet, Emirates is leveraging artificial intelligence to make skies safer for travelers in 2026. Among the international air travel trends is operating turbulence-free flights that Emirates is looking forward to in a bid to position itself as the world’s safest airline. Emirates Airlines has introduced an AI-based turbulence prediction system that leverages real-time data to improve forecasting of turbulence and alert pilots accordingly. Isn’t it a compelling reason to book Emirates flight tickets for international travel?

6. Fewer nonstop flights between India and USA in 2026

The US-India travel corridor is witnessing a shift with the shrinking number of nonstop Air India flights from USA to India. Starting March 2026, Air India flights from San Francisco to Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru will stop being nonstop due to airspace restrictions, rising operational costs, and other setbacks. 2026 will see fewer nonstop flights between USA and India than previous years. Read about Air India restructuring its international operations.

7. US Airports That Offer Visitor Passes to Go Past Security

Last-minute hugs and byes are back at airport terminals in the US. Several US airports now allow non-travelers to enter post-security terminal areas through approved visitor or guest pass programs. Seattle–Tacoma, San Diego, Orlando, Philadelphia, Detroit, Oakland, Tampa, and New Orleans offer limited daily passes that let visitors clear TSA security without a boarding pass. Visitor Pass programs typically require online pre-approval and highlight a broader shift toward more accessible and friendly US airport experiences. Airport visitor passes in the USA are a growing aviation trend for 2026.

8. Airlines rolling out in-flight Wi-Fi Expands in 2026

Steady in-flight Wi-Fi is emerging as a major international air travel trend in 2026. Several international airlines are moving toward faster and more accessible onboard connectivity. British Airways has announced a fleet-wide rollout of free high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Starlink in 2026. American Airlines is rolling out complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi for AAdvantage members from January 2026. Air France is also expanding Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi across its widebody fleet through 2026. Meanwhile, Air India continues to equip international aircraft on the US-India route with onboard Wi-Fi, with broader availability expected in 2026.

The post International Travel Trends 2026: Airport Visitor Passes, New Routes, Fewer Nonstop Flights, New Airports, New Wheelchair Policy first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post International Travel Trends 2026: Airport Visitor Passes, New Routes, Fewer Nonstop Flights, New Airports, New Wheelchair Policy appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.