Videos and reports of travellers stranded for hours at Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport early this week, due to the staffing shortage amid the ongoing US government shutdown, urged caution among those scheduled to take flights this weekend or the next week. As the shutdown continues through its 38th day from 1 October, the airport staffing crisis deepens only to cause travel disruptions over flight delays and cancellations this holiday season. 

Adding fuel to the fire is DOT Secretary Sean Duffy’s warning that if the government shutdown does not end, 40 major US airports would see a 10% cut in flight operations starting 7 November. The unprecedentedly longest shutdown in the history of America has sent airlines into a tizzy over last-minute preparedness for a 10% reduction in flights to and from 40 airports nationwide, including 30 high-traffic airports. Below is the list of US airports, including the busiest hub airports, impacted by DOT’s decision to cut thousands of flights as long as the government shutdown goes on: 

Major US Airports to get flights cut amid the government shutdown 

• Boston Logan International (BOS)
• Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International, ATL 
• Dallas Fort-Worth International, DFW
• Charlotte Douglas International, CLT
• Washington Dulles International, IAD
• Denver International, DEN
• Newark Liberty International, EWR
• New York JFK International, JFK  
• George Bush Houston Intercontinental 
• Los Angeles International, LAX
• San Francisco International, SFO
• Chicago O’Hare International, ORD
• Memphis International, MEM
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International, PHX
• Seattle/Tacoma International, SEA
• Philadelphia International, PHL
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne Country, DTW
• Indianapolis International, IND
• Baltimore/Washington International, BWI
• San Diego International (SAN)
• Minneapolis/St Paul International, MSP
• Miami International, MIA

Does FAA’s flights cut order for 40 airports affect international flights? 

International flights to and from USA are less likely to be impacted. United, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Alaska have asserted that their scheduled international operations are not under the radar of the 10% flight reductions – which aims to reduce the workload on the understaffed air traffic control teams. United Airlines assures that its not cancelling any of its hub-to-hub flights within the US. Chicago, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Newark NJ are United hubs in the US.

US Airport Travel Tips amid the Government Shutdown

Stay Alert and Show up Early at Airport 

Keep an eye on your phone and the email inbox for notifications from the airline or your travel agency. Do also keep your booking PNR handy to check flight confirmation online or with the airline directly. If your scheduled departure is not affected by the FAA’s planned 10% cut in flights, show up early at the airport to avoid missing the flight. Minimum 4 hours of buffer time for airport check-in and TSA security clearance is recommended given the airport staffing crisis induced by the government shutdown. FYI, some major US airports are sharing real-time updates on wait times through their websites and mobile apps. 

Avoid a tight connection in your itinerary

If your itinerary has a tight connection at a major US airport, rethink it given the current slowdown in the airport procedure. Rather, rebook an itinerary with a relaxed domestic to international or international to domestic connection in the US. For instance, if the Phoenix to Los Angeles/San Francisco leg of your itinerary has a tight connection, consider taking a road trip to LAX or SFO Airport from Phoenix. Don’t forget to keep the airline informed to avoid being marked ‘No-Show’ at Phoenix Airport.  

Travel light with fewer bags 

You may have got many dresses to pack in for an event in India, gifts for friends, etc. But Traveling with too many bags will amplify inconvenience for you given long queues and limited staffing at TSA checkpoints amid the government shutdown mayhem. If you are traveling with kids and/or elderly family members this holiday season, it is wise to pack in only necessary things complying with the TSA guidelines for liquids and restricted items. At the same time, don’t overlook airline-specific restrictions for power banks and electronic items on board. 

Buy only refundable flight tickets       

“If you have not yet booked your winter holiday trip for some or the other reason, make sure to buy last-minute flight tickets with refundable fares. What if the FAA order for flights cut affects your trip from any of the 40 US airports affected by the government shutdown. We have the best affordable phone-only deals for last-minute flights to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the UAE. The offline fare deals from our airline partners are just a call away at +1800-615-3969,” said the chief customer support officer of IndianEagle.com.

Compassion and Cooperation are the key

Don’t forget that the airport staff and TSA agents have been working unpaid for more than 30 days due to the US government shutdown. Compassion for and cooperation with them will let you navigate through the airport situation that may go further downhill in the coming days. It would be great of you to reduce their workload by following the guidelines, like carrying valid travel documents, adhering to the permissible checked baggage allowance, avoiding chunky jewellery and belts with large metal buckles.

The post FAA Orders Flights Cut at 40 US Airports; Know How to Secure Your Travel amid Government Shutdown first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

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“Wrong terminal” is one of the reasons for travelers to miss their flights, domestic or international. The right terminal information, among others, helps avoid missing flights especially during short connections. If you are scheduled to fly with Air India to or from New Delhi Airport on or after 26 October 2025, you need to be aware of the right terminal for hassle-free domestic to international and international to domestic connections.

At New Delhi IGI Airport, Terminal 2 is reopening on 26 October after months of renovation, and Terminal 3 is scheduled to undergo expansion for enhanced international traffic capacity. Accordingly, Air India is reshuffling its domestic operations between T3, T2, and T1. On 26 October, Air India is shifting 60 of its domestic flights from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2, and its subsidiary – Air India Express will be having all its domestic operations from Terminal 1. This means travelers flying into or out of New Delhi must have the right terminal information.

How to Check Delhi Airport Terminal for Air India Flights

For passengers of Air India flights to New Delhi from USA or other countries with domestic connections, here is a simple 4-digit trick to identify the right terminal for their connecting domestic flights. If the domestic flight number in your itinerary is a 4-digit number starting with “1” (for example, AI12340), it means you must transit to T2 from T3 for the domestic connection. Air India’s domestic flights that still have three digits (like AI302) will continue to operate from the international Terminal 3. If the domestic flight number begins with XI, you need to transfer to Terminal 1 after international arrival.

“If the domestic to international connection for your outbound flight requires you to transfer from T1 to T3 at Delhi Airport, you need to select from Air India itineraries with significant transit time given the distance between T1 and T3 (around 8 km). Hence, checking the Air India flight number (4-digit or 3 digit) for the domestic leg in itineraries is recommended for your convenience,” said the chief ticketing officer of IndianEagle.com, the most trusted source of cheap airline tickets to India.

How to Transfer between Terminals at Delhi IGI Airport

When your international flight lands at T3, you go through arrival formalities including immigration, checked baggage claim, and customs clearance. Once you are done, you head to the terminal for your connecting domestic flight, irrespective of airline.

T3 to T2: At Delhi Airport, T3 to T2 distance is not more than 500 meters. You can either walk (about 10–15 minutes) or take the free shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes. The shuttle is well-marked and easy to find near the arrival area.

T3 to T1: T1 is farther from T3 at DEL Airport and cannot be reached on foot. You can use the free inter-terminal shuttle service that operates around the clock between T1, T2, and T3. Alternatively, prepaid taxis or app-based cabs are available outside Terminal 3 if you prefer a direct ride.

Air India automatically transfers checked bags from Terminal 3 to T2 and T1 without requiring you to claim and recheck in your bags, If the entire itinerary has a single PNR. If the international leg and the domestic leg in the itinerary have different PNRs, you need to collect your checked bags at T3 and recheck in at T2 or T1.

Helpful Facilities at Delhi Airport for Transit Passengers

Delhi International Airport provides dedicated assistance desks at all terminals to help passengers with transfers. Look for counters of connecting Air India Flights customs clearance at T3. The ground staff can confirm your domestic terminal, guide you to the shuttle area, and help if your next flight departs soon. There is also buggy service for passengers with mobility needs, luggage trolleys, and free Wi-Fi in all terminals. There are food courts, rest areas, and lounges if you have a long layover. Navigating Delhi Airport during terminal transfer is easy once you know where to go. The airport staff are helpful when it comes to guiding transit passengers.

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The post Air India is Changing Terminals at Delhi Airport: All You Should Know for Smooth Connection appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Singapore Airlines has been flying around the world for more than five decades and has built a reputation for punctuality, safety, and service excellence that few carriers can match. In 2025, the airline was named the World’s Best International Airline by Travel + Leisure magazine in the USA. At the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025, Singapore Airlines won three major honors, including World’s Best Cabin Crew.

The above recognitions matter to international passengers flying over 8000 miles from USA to India and vice versa. Singapore Airlines delivers not just comfort but also reliability, consistency, thoughtful service and a lot more beyond competitive fares. IndianEagle.com, the most trusted air-ticketing partner of Indians and Americans, has surveyed Green Cardholders and OCI Cardholders on what makes them book Singapore Airlines flight tickets for premium travel between USA and India.

Free Changi Airport layover Tours and Best Singapore Stopover Deals

No way to get bored either inside or outside Singapore Changi Airport. Both Singapore Airlines and Changi Airport offer the Free Singapore Tour Program to transit passengers with a layover of 5.5 to 24 hours. Yes, absolutely free! A guided tour of Sentosa Island, the erstwhile site for the British military and a Japanese prisoner war of camp, was recently added to the Free Singapore Tour Program for Changi Airport layovers. You can sign up for any of the available tours at no cost. Each tour lasts 2.5 hours.

You can turn your Singapore transit into a one-day or two-day vacation, with the Singapore Stopover Holiday package that includes cozy hotel stay, airport transfer, food discount vouchers, and more than 15 tourist attractions for a price. The best deals for customized Singapore Stopover packages are just a call away (+1800-615-3969) at Indian Eagle, a leading partner of Singapore Airlines.

Changi Airport: Best Transit Hub with World-Class Facilities

For passengers who prefer to stay airside, Changi International Airport itself is a destination. Regularly adjudged as the world’s best airport, Changi is designed to make transit effortless and enjoyable. You can explore Jewel Changi, a complex that houses the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, a forest valley, canopy bridges, and hundreds of shops and restaurants. There are also movie theatres, butterfly, bamboo, and orchid gardens, spas, and swimming pools inside the terminals.

For long-haul travelers flying between India and the US, the facilities at Changi Airport make all the difference. Instead of dreading a layover, you actually look forward to it. If your long-haul journey to India from USA demands a break, you can unwind in day rooms, transit hotels, and premium lounges that you can access within the airside transit area. Changi SIN Airport is more than a hub; it is an experience and what’s why people love flying with Singapore Airlines.

Why Fly with Singapore Airlines? Inflight Food is the Best Answer

Long hours in the sky demand food that is not just filling but fresh, flavorful, and comforting. The best-in-class inflight dining is among the exclusive perks of traveling with Singapore Airlines. This is why Singapore Airlines has not just set a global benchmark; it consistently ranks among the top 10 airlines serving the best food in the skies.

“Singapore Airlines’ Book the Cook program that brings 5-Star restaurant-level creativity to the skies is one of the unique offerings in Premium Economy, Business Class, First Class, and Suites. This service lets you pre-select your main course from a gourmet menu before you fly. Our premium customers flying with Singapore Airlines between USA to India, do often praise regional Indian dishes on the menu that makes the dining experience feel personalized,” said Dheeraj Duvvru, CEO of IndianEagle.com.

The quality of food is reinforced by Singapore Airlines’ Farm to Plane initiative, which emphasizes sourcing fresh, sustainable ingredients from trusted producers. The airline also collaborates with celebrated chefs, such as Monica Galetti and Sanjeev Kapoor to design seasonal menus for premium cabins, bringing a fine-dining feel onboard.

Singapore Airlines Customer Service and Family-Friendly Travel

Singapore Airlines is renowned for its customer service, built on one of the most rigorous training programs in aviation. Every new cabin crew member undergoes four months of intensive training, which is nearly twice the industry average. This ensures passengers experience not just warm hospitality but also consistent professionalism, safety awareness, and attention to detail on every long-haul flight between India and the US.

The airline also caters thoughtfully to families, elderly travelers, and passengers with special needs. From infant-friendly booking policies and child meal options to the acceptance of assistance dogs in the cabin, Singapore Airlines makes travel easier for parents and seniors alike. Its US-India network covers major gateways, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Newark, Seattle, New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kochi, offering seamless connections via Changi International Airport.

Singapore Airlines Exclusive Amenities and Onboard Services

On Singapore Airlines flights, unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi is available to premium guests and KrisFlyer members in all cabin classes. Its KrisWorld entertainment system adds another edge, with one of the world’s largest libraries of movies and TV shows, including a wide selection in Indian languages that makes long US to India flights more enjoyable.

Premium travelers experience award-winning cabin design, from spacious Business Class seats that convert into fully flat beds to exclusive Suites with private enclosed cabins. On the ground, the airline’s SilverKris Lounges and the ultra-exclusive Private Room at Changi Airport set new benchmarks for luxury and comfort before departure.

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The post 5 Reasons Why Singapore Airlines is a Smart Choice for US-India Travel appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Starting 1 October 2025, the checklist for travel to India includes a new digital arrival form that complements India’s Fast-Track Immigration system, specifically for non-Indian passport holders. The government of India eliminated the physical disembarkation card and introduced the e-arrival card for foreign nationals and citizens, aiming to reduce delays in the airport process.

Indian Eagle, the most trusted travel-booking agency for budget flight tickets to India, walks you through what is the new e-Arrival Card, how to apply for it, who are exempt, etc. Read on to know whether OCI Cardholders need the digital e-Arrival Card to enter India.

What is India’s e-Arrival Card  

The e-arrival disembarkation card is a token of safe entry into India for foreign passport holders. This pre-arrival process ensures post-arrival convenience, faster immigration clearance, and quick exit or transfer to the connecting domestic flight at major Indian airports. Until 1 October, inbound foreign travelers had to fill out a paper disembarkation form aboard flights to India or at entry airports. Filling the physical form manually would entail such risks as human error, misinformation, incomplete or inaccurate details, and slow processing.

Requiring foreign visitors to fill out a digital arrival form is a global trend these days. Like Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines, Singapore, Japan, China, and South Korea; India digitized the pre-arrival process to streamline and secure the immigration system for foreign travelers. You must fill out the online form before your scheduled flight to India. Without a digital disembarkation card, you may risk your entry to India or face boarding denial at the departure airport.

Who Needs e-Arrival Card to travel to India?

OCI Cardholders and all foreigners, including tourists, students, business visitors, and medical treatment seekers, must fill out the digital Disembarkation form at Indian government’s e-Arrival Card portal within 72 hours prior to their scheduled arrival in India. No, OCI cardholders are not exempt to India’s new entry requirement for foreigners. Starting 7 October 2025, Indian-origin foreign citizens having an OCI Card must travel to India with a digital arrival card.

How to Apply for India’s e-Arrival Card: Step-by-Step Guide

It is easy and simple to apply online for a disembarkation card to enter India. You neither need to upload documents nor pay a fee. It takes a few minutes to fill out India’s digital arrival form, a replacement of the physical disembarkation form.      

• Open the official website www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or download the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile app.
• Fill out the online form with your personal details, passport number, date of arrival in India, valid contact information, address of stay in India.
• Add details of other travelers in the same form, if you are flying with family or friends.
• Review the information you provide in India’s e-arrival form for a disembarkation card before you tick the self-declaration box and submit the form.
• A confirmation message comes to the registered email ID and/or mobile phone number. Save it on your phone or carry a printout with you.

Benefits of India’s Digital Arrival Form

The e-Arrival Card brings several advantages for foreign travelers arriving in India:

• Faster immigration clearance
• Reduced wait time on arrival
• Quick exit or transfer to domestic flights
• No stress to fill out the form during a flight
• Absolute convenience to apply using a phone
• Fewer chances for inaccuracy of details
• No room for handwriting error
• Verifiable data of foreign arrivals
• More efficient process for the government to track arrivals
• Enhanced immigration security

If you’re planning your winter holiday travel to India via Dubai, this short reel is a must watch. Don’t just transit via Dubai; make it unforgettable for your family, with a budget-friendly Dubai Stopover package from Indian Eagle.

 

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Air India, one of the best international airlines for USA to India travel, offers three economy fare types – Value, Classic, and Flex with a varying degree of affordability, flexibility and ease for travel date changes. Designed for customers with different needs, the Value Economy and the Classic Economy fares provide more or less the same travel experience on ground and on board. There is no difference in terms of inflight meals, services, entertainment, and cabin baggage allowance.

What are Air India VALUE and CLASSIC fares in Economy?

Air India Economy VALUE fares are the best deals for those who travel light and have fixed travel dates. On the surface, the VALUE fare is more affordable than the Classic fare, whereas the CLASSIC fare comes with better flexibility and higher checked baggage allowance (detailed below). Air India CLASSIC Economy fare deals entitle you to check in two bags (23kg each) for free, while the VALUE Fare allows only one piece of free checked baggage.

VALUE vs CLASSIC: Best Air India Economy Fares

VALUE is the lowest Air India economy fare with some cons, like high penalties for itinerary modification. Once the free 24-hour void window (from the time your flight booking is confirmed) expires, any modification in the reservation – rescheduling or passengers’ name correction – incurs a fixed penalty of $325 per traveler.

In contrast to Air India VALUE Economy fares, the CLASSIC fare comes with pros, like lower modification penalties. You can reschedule your one-way travel or round trip to India for a $216 fee per person, prior to 3 days of the scheduled departure. Thereafter, the penalty rises to $325.

If you reschedule the travel dates in a confirm booking for four travelers, you can save ($325-$216) $109×4 = a whopping $436 on modification penalties. It is wise to choose a CLASSIC fare for Air India flight tickets in Economy anticipating a change of travel dates, given travel disruptions are common amid unpredictable visa and immigration regulations these days.

VALUE vs CLASSIC: Air India Checked Baggage Allowance

The difference between the Air India Economy fare types – VALUE and CLASSIC – is $60-$90 depending on travel season, route, and other factors. A VALUE deal may be attractive but not economical in certain scenarios. Below is a comparative analysis on which fare type is more economical for economy class flyers.

Given Air India’s extra checked baggage charges for international travel, you can save a lot with the CLASSIC fare rather than the VALUE fare in Economy. VALUE being the lowest economy fare, you can check in only one bag (max 23kg) for free. If you need to pack and check in a second bag of up to 23kg, you will have to pay approximately $240 in addition – which is three times more than what you save on the VLAUE fare.

In contrast, Air India’s Economy CLASSIC fare perks include two pieces of free checked baggage allowance (max 23kg each) per adult traveler. You can pack in many food items and other things especially for your travel from India to USA without worrying about additional check-in baggage fees.

The post Air India Economy Fare Types, VALUE vs CLASSIC: What is Best for Your US-India Travel first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post Air India Economy Fare Types, VALUE vs CLASSIC: What is Best for Your US-India Travel appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Other than Air India, American Airlines and United operate nonstop flights to New Delhi from the East Coast USA. Choosing between United flights and American Airlines is a tough call — especially when your destination is the same from two different major airports in the East Coast US: New York JFK and Newark Liberty EWR. Evidently, United Airlines vs American Airlines – is a very common topic that many Indians from New York and Newark google.

Given both carriers offer industry-standard service, comfort and value, this United vs American Airlines comparative guide would help you know which airline is better for your travel between USA to India.  

United or American Airlines: Who has better Economy Class  

When it comes to comparing United Economy Class with American Airlines Main Cabin, both carriers fare well as far as their nonstop flights to New Delhi are concerned. They have decent standard economy cabins with 31 inches of seat pitch and give you the option to book seats with extra legroom for added comfort. In this context, United Economy Plus Extra gives a tough competition to American Airlines’ Main Cabin Extra. Their seatback IFE screens offer impressive 13-inch 4K displays and a huge content library. Their standard economy seats come with USB ports and portable device charging outlets among a myriad of inflight amenities.

American Airlines vs United: Economy Baggage Allowance

Checked baggage allowance for Economy travelers is where American Airlines and United Airlines differ from each other. Both carriers allow to check in only one bag for free in standard economy and charge for a second piece of checked baggage. While you pay $100 for checking in a second bag on American Airlines flights from New York to Delhi, United Airlines charges $200 for a second check-in bag on Newark EWR to Delhi flights.

American Airlines vs United: Family Seating Options

Both the US carriers are liberal about the seating of family travelers with children on board. United Airlines’ family seating policy ensures that children under 12 are seated with at least one adult at no extra cost even in Basic Economy. If adjoining (free) seats are not available in Standard Economy for a family with a kid (kids) under 12 years, United Airlines’ seat map technology may unlock complimentary upgrades to Preferred Seats for them. Check the family seating policy in detail.

American Airlines has a higher age limit for children to be seated with their parents or accompanying adults on board. According to American Airlines’ family seating policy, children under 15 can sit next to at least one parent for no additional cost in all Economy Class fare segments. However, it is subject to certain conditions. You concern of being seated away from your child is mitigated while flying with United or American Airlines.

Business Class Flight: United vs American Airlines

You will feel spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing between United or American for business class flights to India, as both United Airlines Polaris and American Airlines Flagship Business offer a premium experience. Both the airlines tick the boxes, such as direct aisle access, lie-flat seats, privacy doors, priority services, complimentary lounge access, wireless charging, larger entertainment screens, and two pieces of checked baggage for free (32kg each).

The only major difference between United Airlines and American Airlines is in terms of fares and deals. Check out Indian Eagle for which airlines have the cheapest flight tickets to India for your winter travel. Or, call the 24×7 customer helpline (+1800-615-3969) for unbeatable phone-only deals from major airlines.

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The post American Airlines vs United: Which is Better for Your US to India Travel? A Comparative Guide appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

You can get to fly in Emirates’ award-winning Premium Economy cabin for free or less. Yes, Emirates Airlines has unlocked its loyalty program – Skywards – for premium economy travel across its global network. As a member of Emirates Skywards, you can now earn and redeem miles for premium economy flights and upgrades. The rollout of premium economy seats on more aircraft and more routes drove the extension of Emirates Skywards.

“Until now, Emirates’ frequent flyers were not able to earn miles on booking premium economy flights. Even redeeming Skywards miles for an upgrade from economy to premium travel was restricted. Thus, Emirates extending the Skywards loyalty program benefits to Premium Economy is a welcome move for our customers in the US-India travel corridor,” said Dheeraj Duvvuru, CEO of IndianEagle.com.

How many Skywards Miles are required for Premium Economy tickets or upgrades?

A one-way ticket in Emirates Airlines’ Premium Economy requires you to redeem 15,000 or more Skywards Miles, depending on your itinerary and travel dates. Precisely, you must accrue minimum 15,000 Skywards Miles to exchange for a seat on Emirates’ SFO to Mumbai flights, JFK to Ahmedabad flights, or Houston to BLR flights. You can upgrade from economy to premium economy on Emirates flights for minimum 7020 Skywards Miles (one-way). You must request an upgrade prior to boarding a scheduled flight; it is subject to availability of seats in premium economy cabins.

How to redeem Emirates Skywards Miles

It is simple to redeem Skywards miles for Emirates flight tickets or award flights with partner airlines, travel cabin upgrades, hotel stays, and airport lounge access. Whatever miles you earn for buying the best Indian Eagle deals for Emirates flights to India are automatically credited to your account. If you’re an existing member of Emirates Skywards loyalty program, you can tell Indian Eagle’s customer support to add your membership number to the booking. Once you accumulate minimum 15,000 Miles, you can redeem for one-way premium economy travel through your Emirates Skywards account.

Emirates Premium Economy Destinations

Mumbai, London, Houston, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Auckland, Sydney, and Melbourne are among the destinations for Emirates Premium Economy in 2025. Among the airline partners of Indian Eagle, Emirates is highly betting on the premium economy segment of international travel by retrofitting its widebody fleet of A380s, A350s and B777s. It is anticipated that all double-decker A380s in Emirates’ fleet will have this cabin by December 2025. Apparently, Emirates is the only Middle East airline to offer full-service premium economy experience with dollops of luxury.

The post Fly in Emirates’ Premium Economy and Earn Next Flight or Travel Cabin Upgrade: All about Emirates Skywards Miles first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

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‘Can I make an international connection during a short layover at Abu Dhabi Airport? Is 2 hours enough for transfer to a connecting flight at Paris CDG Airport?’ At Indian Eagle, the customer support team often receives such queries from travelers flying USA and India via Paris, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Singapore, Amsterdam, or Helsinki. Some of them fear missing connecting flights to India/USA due to delayed take-off from the departure airport or a heavy rush at connecting airports during a busy travel season.

Good news for international passengers connecting through Paris CDG Airport! In a major development, Air France-KLM has introduced a new initiative – Short Connection Pass – for passengers with considerably short layovers. Under this initiative at Paris airports, passengers with short connection windows get priority access to connecting flights to the final destination – USA, India, or any other country.

How Air France-KLM’s ‘Short Connection Pass’ works for connecting flyers? 

The Short Connection Pass automatically activates a priority process across CDG airport before or after your arrival in Paris if the layover duration drops beyond a threshold limit (60 to 45 minutes) for your connecting flight to New York, Boston, Seattle, New Delhi, or Mumbai. An email or a text/WhatsApp message will notify you that you are eligible for priority access to the boarding gate for the next flight. Passengers of Air France-KLM flights don’t need to call the airline or the travel agent to check whether their limited connection time is enough to catch the next flight.

Precisely, the Short Connection Pass works as an alert system for transit passengers with tight connection between two flights at Paris CDG Airport. When their flight connection window shrinks significantly, the new initiative indemnifies them with high priority at security checkpoints and other key points to quicken their transfer to the boarding gates, ensuring they do not miss flights.

At Paris airports, the Short Connection Pass works through real-time data sharing and smooth coordination between Air France and Groupe ADP (the authority that owns and manages international airports in Paris). They efficiently monitor wait times at security checkpoints and the time required for other formalities and transfer to the boarding gate in sync with departure schedules of connecting flights. The airport service provider is automatically notified of your short connection.

Besides the above passenger-friendly initiative, Groupe ADP has rolled out a dedicate passage with a multilingual signage system to ensure seamless transit for connecting passengers with short layovers at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Though most Indian Eagle US-India flight itineraries have significant layovers in Paris, unforeseen events at times tighten the connection window only to make things difficult for family travelers and unaccompanied senior citizens.

However, all thanks to Air France-KLM’s Short Connection Pass initiative. Air France is planning to replace bus transfers with more jet bridges for direct boarding of international passengers connecting at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Not only the plans to optimize the transit system, but also the work to make terminal navigation easier during flight connections is in progress. Similar to the Middle East airlines offering stopover tours, Air France’s stopover program for transit travelers is on the cards to make Paris an attractive hub.

The post Short Layover in Paris? Air France-KLM’s Short Connection Pass won’t Let You Miss Connecting Flight to USA or India first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

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Indians are not Indians if they travel to USA without their familiar or favorite spices, snacks, sweets, and pickles. Essential items that they are fond of do fill half of their checked bags for India to USA flights. It’s absolutely natural to crave and carry some flavors of home, but not all food items are allowed to bring to USA from India. Save this guide to traveling with food from India to USA and pack your checked bags accordingly. Knowing the US CBP guidelines on food imports from India is equally important.

Indian Eagle, the most trusted source of budget airline tickets online and cheaper phone-only flight deals, presents this India-USA travel guide that comes handy for Indian students, H1B professionals, OCI cardholders, and B2 visa holders.

What food items from India are not allowed to USA

The United States has very strict rules when it comes to protecting its agriculture and health ecosystem from foreign food imports. That means the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prohibits certain food items from India and other countries, like rice, soybeans, and chickpeas, no matter how fond of them you are. Indians cannot bring rice into USA even though rice is a daily staple in many Indian communities including Bengali, Odiya, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalee.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables are not allowed because of pest concerns.
• Meat, meat products, poultry items are mostly restricted in any form, cooked, dried, or canned.
• Plants and seeds are not allowed to USA from India as these are categorized as ‘agriculture’ products.
• Herbal powders are subject to CBP inspections and may get flagged without a certificate from Indian authorities.

Can you bring dairy products into USA from India?

Packing in most dairy food items for flights to USA from India is restricted. You are not allowed to carry raw milk, paneer, and homemade dairy products in general (liquid/semi-liquid and perishable) to USA.

However, what you can pack in for USA is commercially packaged and labelled dairy products in sealed containers from India, like cheese, milk powder, milk-based baby food. Carrying liquid milk and milk-based products with proper packaging and labelling is allowed in small quantities for infants or young children.

Are homemade sweets among the food items allowed to USA from India?

Packing in boxes of homemade sweets like laddu and other delicacies for NRI children and relatives is a tradition in India. It is a manifestation of Indian mothers and grandmothers’ immeasurable love. You can carry from India to USA dry/semi-solid homemade sweets like laddu, kaju katli, soan papdi and shakkarpara in your checked bags. It is advisable to carry any homemade food item in small quantities. Do note at the same time that CBP officers at US airports are more likely to inspect your homemade food than commercially packaged products.

What food items are allowed to USA from India 

The list of food items that you are allowed to bring to USA from India is quite long. The key point to remember is that the permissible food items from India must be dry, non-perishable, commercially packaged, labeled and sealed in compliance with the CBP guidelines for foreign imports into the US.

Dried spices and herbs: It is totally fine carrying dried spices and herbs like turmeric powder, cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, sambar powder, chole masala. Many Indians can’t help having the familiar smell of Indian masalas even in the US. You can take homemade spices on flights to USA; just make sure to carry them in airtight containers.

Pickles and ready mixes: Name a single Indian community that can survive without pickles in meals, irrespective of the country of residence. To be precise, commercially packed and sealed pickles and ready mixes can be part of your checked baggage, as those are allowed into the US.

Instant noodles and ramen: These ready-to-cook packaged food products are a lifeline for Indian students and bachelors on H1B visa in the US. You can pack in instant noodles and ramen without egg or meat for your initial days in America.

Fish and seafood: A daily staple especially for Bengalis and Keralites! They carry fish and seafood to USA from India in small quantities for personal consumption. Do note that you can pack in only canned, dried, frozen, or smoked fish and seafood for international flights.

Dried fruits and snacks: These are among the food items that US CBP allows travelers to bring from India. Ready-to-eat snacks like Haldiram’s bhujia and homemade namakpara or murukku can go through TSA security checkpoints at US airports. Packed dried fruits can make way into your checked bags for India to USA travel.

Tea leaves, roasted coffee beans, dried lentils, chocolates, cookies, and baked items (eggless) are among the other food items that you can bring from India to USA.

Important tips for carrying allowed food items to USA           

Packaging: Always pack in commercially labeled, sealed food packets. This makes it easier for CBP officers to identify what’s inside and alleviates the chances of your food being questioned or rejected. For homemade food, use airtight containers or zip lock bags, and clearly label them with the contents.

Declaration: On arrival in the US, you must declare all food items from India through the CBP declaration form, irrespective of quantities. Failing to declare your food import can lead to heavy scrutiny, confiscation, even fines. The CBP penalty for not declaring food items can go up to $1,000, so it is always safer to be upfront and honest.

Quantity: The food you carry to USA from India must be for personal use. If you pack large amounts of any item, it may be seen as a commercial import, which is not allowed under personal baggage rules.

Regulations: Before you travel, it is a good idea to check the websites of US CBP and USDA for what food products are allowed and what’s not. This helps you avoid surprises at the entry airport in USA and ensures you are carrying only the food items compliant with the CBP guidelines.

The post Traveling to USA? A Complete Guide to What Food Items You can Carry from India and How to Pack first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post Traveling to USA? A Complete Guide to What Food Items You can Carry from India and How to Pack appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Aircraft and hospitality (both on ground and on board) are major drivers for Air India’s growth and transformation in the coming days. While the long-running global supply chain issues are delaying new aircraft delivery to the airline, several other issues have slowed down refurbishment of the existing Air India lounges and construction of new ones, including the flagship Maharaja lounge at San Francisco International Airport. However, something is better than nothing. The second Air India lounge in USA is under construction at SFO Airport, according to several reports.

Why SFO Airport for Air India Maharaja Lounge?

Needless to say, San Francisco is one of the primary Air India gateways in USA for nonstop flights to India. In the west coast US, Air India operates nonstop flights from SFO Airport to New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. SFO-DEL service has daily frequency, whereas the SFO-BOM frequency will be 3x weekly and the SFO-BLR flight frequency will be 4x weekly starting in September 2025. High travel demand on these routes drives the boking of Air India flight tickets like hot cakes.

The upcoming Air India lounge in San Francisco (SFO) would be a dedicated, upscale space with maharaja-like service to premium travelers, as envisioned by the Tata Group.

Location of Air India Lounge at SFO Airport

At San Francisco Int. Airport, the AI Maharaja Lounge is coming up on the fourth floor of the international terminal where the Golden Gate Lounge and the lounge of China Airlines are located. Some travelers taking flights from San Francisco to India noticed a signage outside the construction spot for Air India’s much-awaited lounge facility at SFO.

Currently, Air India’s Maharaja Club members and premium passengers can access United Lounge at SFO Airport to unwind before their departure to India or during a domestic connection after arrival.

When will the new Air India lounge open in San Francisco?

Air India has not yet officially announced any timeline for the under-construction Maharaja lounge at San Francisco Airport. It is highly anticipated that the airline’s third flagship lounge (next to the Maharaja Lounge at New Delhi and NY JFK airports) may open to public in 2026, as a significant milestone in Air India’s transformation journey – Vihaan.AI.

Also Read: Best and Safest Aircraft in Air India Fleet for US-India Travel

The post Flagship Air India Lounge is Coming up at San Francisco Airport: A Long-awaited Facility in West Coast USA first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

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