Planning a trip to India from USA this summer holiday? It’s not just exciting but overwhelming too. The very thought of traveling home gives immense joy; however, the number of airline options and itineraries makes the process complex for many Indians. A myriad of factors, such as budget, nonstop travel, one-stop transit, layover tours, transit visa, onboard seating, inflight facilities for kids, total travel time, connection time during a layover, etc. go into consideration while booking your travel with the best airline. Not all the airlines flying between USA and India are best. Each of them is individually best.

Air India

Air India is the only international carrier offering nonstop flights between USA and India, covering some of the busiest routes between the two countries. Since its homecoming to the TATA Group, the airline has made bold moves, such as multi-billion-dollar fleet upgrade, launch of Premium Economy seats, induction of modern aircraft like A350-900s with top-notch amenities, $400mn narrowbody aircraft retrofit, expanded lounge network, a unique loyalty program, offering inflight Wi-Fi on most routes…thereby progressively improving passenger experience.

Booking nonstop Air India flights saves you, particularly first-time travelers and senior citizens, from the hassles of international transit and layovers in a third country. In short, Air India is a great choice for US-India travel with a familiar Indian experience in the sky.

Emirates Airlines

Emirates is a leading choice for travelers who seek both comfort and luxury. With a layover in Dubai, passengers can enjoy one of the most luxurious airport experiences in transit. And, if your layover in Dubai is of 8 hours or more, you may be eligible for Emirates’ Dubai Connect package, which offers complimentary hotel stay, free meals, airport transfers, and a free transit visa depending on your nationality, India or American.

The best deals for Emirates flights tickets to India are in demand for the airline’s regionally-inspired inflight meals tailored to your destination. And, for those who want a little extra comfort without paying business class fare, Emirates Premium Economy is the perfect option. Available on A380 and A350 flights, it offers spacious 19.5-inch-wide seats with 40 inches of legroom and 8 inches of recline for superior comfort.

So, if you want to turn your long-haul travel into a luxurious and memorable experience, Emirates is one of the best airlines to fly between USA and India.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is one of the top Middle East airlines for USA-India travel via Abu Dhabi where pre-clearance of US immigration & customs lets you enter the US as a domestic passenger. Known for its advanced fleet, which offers comfort, safety and efficiency, Etihad offers cozy seating and award-winning hospitality in all travel cabins. Early this year, the airline opened a US Pre-clearance lounge at Abu Dhabi Airport for premium travelers; interestingly, eligible passengers can directly board Etihad flights to USA from the lounge.

Families flying with young children or infants can benefit from the Flying Nanny service, where trained staff help parents in keeping little ones entertained throughout the flight. Additionally, Etihad offers a complimentary Abu Dhabi stopover, allowing passengers to explore the city at no extra cost. However, a transit visa is required to step out of Abu Dhabi International Airport, depending on your passport.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has been awarded the prestigious ‘Airline of the Year’ title by Skytrax for a remarkable eight times. Among the top 10 airlines to India and USA with the highest commitment to safety, Qatar Airways offers pre-select meal facility and a fulfilling dining experience above the clouds. Check out what makes it a family-friendly airline for travelers with kids and the ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline’.

Doha City stopover for transit travelers is one of the biggest perks of booking Qatar Airways flights to India or USA with layovers exceeding 8 hours. Rather than waiting at the airport, you can turn a transit layover into a mini vacation, visit iconic landmarks in Doha City, and go on a luxury shopping spree. The best part is both US citizens and Indians are eligible for a visa waiver on arrival at Hamad International Airport, Doha.

Turkish Airlines

One of the few international carriers with a young fleet and a high safety rating, Turkish Airlines lists among Indian Eagle’s top 10 airlines to fly to India and USA. It flies to 14 major US cities and connects them to India seamlessly via Istanbul. New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Houston, Dallas, Seattle, Detroit, Denver, and Miami are on Turkish Airlines’ USA-India network.

Like Etihad and Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines offers one of the best layover city tours between USA and India. A complimentary guided Istanbul city tour for international transit passengers is one of the perks of booking Turkish Airlines flight itineraries with a layover of 6 hours or more at no extra cost. The best thing is that Indians having a valid US visa or Green Card, are eligible for a single-entry e-visa to Turkey for Istanbul city sightseeing.

Singapore Airlines    

Among the best airlines for flights to USA from India, Singapore Airlines is known for exceptional service, world-class comfort, and reliability. The airline consistently ranks among the top carriers globally, offering a seamless travel experience with well-timed connections through Singapore Changi Airport, one of the world’s top 10 airports. Their Premium Economy class, in particular, stands out for extra legroom, soft leather upholstery, adjustable personal reading light, in-seat USB ports, and noise-canceling headphones.

Singapore Airlines takes in-flight dining to a whole new level with its “Book the Cook“ service, allowing premium class passengers to pre-select gourmet dishes curated by world-renowned chefs. Starting in April 2024, their enhanced menu offers over 200 dishes, including Indian specialties like chicken biryani and garlic-roasted prawns, ensuring a fine dining experience at 40,000 feet.

Check out this guide on free Singapore City and Changi Airport tours during a layover before booking Singapore Airlines flight tickets for USA to India travel.

Lufthansa

Among European carriers, Lufthansa is a strong contender for flights between USA and India, against the Middle East airlines. Recently, Lufthansa Group expanded codeshare agreement with Air India to fly you from USA to a total of 15 destinations in India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Efficient connection through Frankfurt/Munich, Star Alliance membership, strong safety records, and commitment to improving inflight service standards make Lufthansa one of the best airlines to fly to India or USA via Europe.

Lufthansa’s new Allegris travel cabins with significant upgrades in Economy Class, pod-like seats in Premium Economy, in-seat temperature control in Business Class, and spacious double suites in First Class have taken the aviation world by storm. Grab Lufthansa flights deals to India or USA to travel in the Allegris cabins for a premium flying experience.

British Airways

British Airways is one of the oldest and trusted airlines in the US-India travel corridor, having built good reputation for service, safety, and reliability. You can have complimentary seat selection within 24 hours of your scheduled flight with British Airways, other than convenient connectivity to the airline’s wider network in the US. Smooth connections to USA or India via London Heathrow Airport where premium facilities are available for a comfortable layover drive demand for British Airways flight deals at Indian Eagle, the most trusted air-ticketing partner of Indians in USA.

Check out London Heathrow Airport’s transit visa rules for Indians traveling to and from USA.

Virgin Atlantic

If you’re looking for a comfortable journey between USA and India, Virgin Atlantic is a fantastic choice. Known for its award-winning customer service, the airline ensures a welcoming and enjoyable experience from start to finish. Premium Economy passengers enjoy wider seats, extra legroom, and priority boarding on Virgin Atlantic flights between USA and India. If you’re flying in Economy, the spacious 31-inch seat pitch makes your journey comfortable.

Onboard, you’ll be treated to complimentary drinks along with delicious in-flight meals that come with an added dessert and hot chocolate service. Families traveling with children benefit from special kids’ meals and Virgin’s entertainment program, Vera, which includes fun activities, games, and a selection of family-friendly content. To make long-haul journeys even more comfortable, all passengers receive an amenity kit of essentials, like a toothbrush, earplugs, an eye mask, and socks.

Virgin Atlantic continues to strengthen its presence in India, offering flights from San Francisco to Delhi, New York to Mumbai, and New York to Bengaluru. It also offers excellent connectivity to New York’s JFK airport, with multiple well-timed flights for added convenience.

The post What are 10 Best Airlines to Travel to India from USA in 2025? A Complete Guide appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

After implementing the new carry-on baggage limit for flyers with effect from the first day of 2025, the government of India is enforcing another mandate for airlines. The sensitive data of international travelers flying into and out of India will compulsorily be shared with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), an agency of the union finance ministry, starting April 1, according to the Passenger Name Record Information Regulations, 2022.

Picture Credit: Traveltradejournal.com

The onus of sharing passenger details (listed below) with Indian Customs falls on airlines and their codeshare partner operating flights to and from India. Any instance of non-compliance will incur penalties to them. The Passenger Name Record Information Regulations, which Indian government brought in August 2022, is now being enforced strictly. All airlines flying to India are required to register with the National Customs Targeting Center-Passenger. The registration deadline is January 10, 2025.

Usually, passenger data is available with the Indian customs and immigration authorities only after international flights depart from or arrive in India. Pre-departure and pre-arrival risk profiling of international travelers is the objective of Indian government requiring airlines to share passenger data. This move is aimed at detecting, investigating and prosecuting those charged with such offenses as tax fraud, money laundering, illegal trade, and trafficking.

What passenger data airlines have to share with Indian Customs

Some airlines are already sharing the below information of passengers booking flight tickets to India from USA and other countries, in a prescribed format. Effective from April 1, 2025, it is mandatory for all the airlines to share 19-point passenger data at least 24 hours before a scheduled international flight takes off or lands so that high-risk departures and arrivals could be detained and interrogated on time.

1. PNR record locator code
2. Date of reservation/issue of ticket
3. Date(s) of travel
4. Traveler name(s)
5. Frequent flyer and benefit information (free tickets, upgrades, etc.)
6. Number of travelers on a PNR
7. All available contact information (email, telephone number, mobile number)
8. All available payment/billing information
9. Travel itinerary
10. Travel agency/travel agent
11. Code share information if any
12. Split/divided information (when one PNR contains reference to another PNR)
13. Travel status of passenger(s) (including check-in status)
14. Baggage information
15. Ticketing information including ticket number, ticket type, Automated Ticket Fare Quote
16. Seat number
17. Any previously collected passenger information, such as passport number, date of birth, gender
18. All historical changes to the PNR
19. General remarks including Other Service Indicated (OSI), Special Service Indicated (SSI), Supplemental Service Request (SSR) information

“To be shared on a case-to-case basis with the law enforcement agencies of India or any other country,” the passenger name record information would be saved in a secure system for 5 years. Any unauthorized access to or use of the passenger information shall be prevented as the government of India has specified strict privacy and protection guidelines. “The processing of such sensitive passenger details as race/ethnic origin, religion or philosophical faith, political opinions, health, sexual life or orientation shall not be permitted,” as per the regulation.

After expiration of the stipulated 5-year period, the passenger data shall be “disposed of by depersonalization or anonymization through masking out the relevant information which can serve to identify directly the passenger to whom the passenger name record information relates, provided that such depersonalized or anonymized information may be unmasked when used in connection with an identifiable case, threat or risk for the specified purposes”.

“With the Passenger Name Record Information Regulations in effect, India entered the league of 60 countries, including the United States, that have a strict policy in place for airlines to share sensitive passenger data with customs, immigration and border control authorities,” said the chief travel information officer of Indian Eagle, a leading international air-ticketing agency and the most trusted travel-booking partner of Indians in America.

The post Airlines to Share Your Travel Booking Data with Indian Gov. Agencies before Your Travel to or from India appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

JAL, one of the best airlines with premium economy cabins, has made a strategic move to expand its reach across India starting from the winter 2024 schedule. It has signed a codeshare agreement with IndiGo, the biggest Indian airline in terms of domestic network. The codeshare alliance with IndiGo will provide international passengers of Japan Airlines with seamless connectivity to 14 Indian cities from New Delhi and Bengaluru.

In the first phase of the codeshare partnership, IndiGo will add Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Amritsar, Chennai, Kochi, Tiruchirappalli, Thiruvananthapuram, and Coimbatore to Japan Airlines’ India network. IndiGo will also connect Pune, Goa, Lucknow, and Varanasi with JAL flights from Indira Gandhi DEL Airport and Kempegowda BLR Airport.

PC: Boeing.mediaroom.com

Currently, New Delhi and Bengaluru are the only destinations of JAL flights to India from USA and other countries via Tokyo. Japan’s flag carrier operates daily flights to New Delhi from/via Tokyo Haneda Airport and weekly three flights to Bengaluru from/via Tokyo Narita Airport. The codeshare route to India, exploring more options other than Delhi and Bengaluru, will generate more traffic and better deals for JAL flights.

The JAL-IndiGo codeshare agreement will enable Indians from the US network of Japan Airlines to travel seamlessly to the above-mentioned 14 Indian cities with one ticket. Boston, Dallas, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York JFK, and San Diego are among the global destinations of JAL airlines.

“Precisely, IndiGo is the wind beneath the wings of several international carriers, including Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and American Airlines, for their market growth in India. While Air India is eyeing expansion in key international markets, such as the USA, through more nonstop flight routes from India, IndiGo is flexing its revenue muscle through codeshare agreements with more and more major airlines,” said Sourav Agarwal, the 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.

The post Japan Airlines Codeshares with IndiGo to Offer Seamless Travel to 14 New Destinations in India appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Various international travel regulations gave a fillip to the demand for nonstop flights between USA and India during the pandemic. Starting 2023 onwards, the demand in this sector shot up as senior citizens and family travelers prefer convenience to costs these days. A one-way trip on most of the nonstop flights from USA to India takes 13 to 17 hours, which is 6 to 8 hours shorter than one-stop flights. Simple itineraries, thorough baggage check-in, and less jet lag are a few other advantages of booking nonstop flight itineraries without any international transit.

Usually, nonstop or direct flights cost a little more than two-stop or one-stop flights. However, you can save on USA to India direct flights tickets through IndianEagle.com, a trusted travel-booking partner of Indians in North America. Currently, nonstop Air India flights between USA and India make a larger pie of this segment. With its fleet being expanded and upgraded to international standards, Air India will be thriving as an unrivalled player in the nonstop/direct travel corridor.

Nonstop Flights between USA and India:

• Chicago ORD to Delhi by Air India
• New York JFK to Delhi by Air India
• New York JFK to Mumbai by Air India
• San Francisco to Delhi by Air India
• San Francisco to Mumbai by Air India
• Washington DC to Delhi by Air India
• Newark EWR to Mumbai by Air India
• SFO to Bengaluru BLR by Air India
• Newark (EWR) to Delhi (DEL) by United Airlines
• Newark EWR to Mumbai by United Airlines (to be resumed this winter 2023)
• San Francisco to Delhi by United Airlines (to be resumed this winter 2023)
• Chicago ORD to Delhi by United Airlines (to be resumed on 20 March 2024)
• New York JFK to Delhi by American Airlines
• Chicago ORD to Hyderabad by Air India (suspended)
• New York JFK to Mumbai by Delta Airlines (suspended)

2023 will see more nonstop flights from New York to Mumbai, as Air India is all set to serve this one of the busiest routes in the US-India travel corridor in February. Delta flights to India were discontinued during the pandemic, just after one year of the airline’s comeback to Mumbai in December 2019. In view of Delta Airlines’ continued suspension of nonstop flights to Mumbai from USA, Air India is the only carrier to provide JFK to Mumbai direct flights starting February 14, 2023.

Among the USA to India nonstop flights, American Airlines flights to Delhi from NYC JFK are extended to Mumbai by codeshare partners – Vistara and IndiGo. A one-way trip on nonstop Air India flights from JFK to Mumbai will take 14 hours 10 minutes, whereas the travel time on American Airlines-IndiGo codeshare flights via Delhi is 21 hours 45 minutes.

Air India and United Airlines are the only carriers operating nonstop flights from Chicago to New Delhi, India. Air India flights from Chicago ORD to Delhi IGI Airport take 14 hours 10 minutes for a one-way trip. Chicago to Delhi nonstop flights on United Airlines take 15 hours 45 minutes for one-way travel. Chicago to Hyderabad nonstop flights continue to be suspended. IndianEagle.com books cheap one-stop flights between Chicago to HYD Airport round the year. 

As of today, San Francisco to India is the busiest and most popular route served by several major airlines. SFO is the only US airport having direct connectivity to New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Cheap Air India tickets for SFO to Delhi nonstop flights and direct SFO to Mumbai flights are available on IndianEagle.com. The San Francisco to Delhi route continues to see United flights suspended in the event of the Russian airspace restrictions. Starting from March 2023, United Airlines will get into competition with Air India flights on the SFO and BLR Airport route.

New Delhi is the most connected destination for nonstop flights from the United States. Washington DC, Chicago, Newark EWR, New York, and San Francisco have direct connectivity to Delhi IGI Airport. American Airlines, United, and Air India nonstop flights to New Delhi are in a head-to-head competition with the Middle East carriers operating one-stop flights between USA and Delhi. Here is the travel time that the below airlines will take for a one-way JFK to DEL flight on 14 January 2023:

• Air India: 13 hrs 50 minutes (nonstop)
• American Airlines: 15 hrs 20 minutes (nonstop)
• Emirates: 17 hrs 10 minutes (layover 1 hr 35 minutes)
• Qatar Airways: 18 hrs 15 minutes (layover 2hrs 25 minutes)
• Etihad Airways: 18 hrs 50 minutes (layover 3 hrs)
• Turkish Airlines: 19 hours (layover 3 hrs 35 minutes)

Seattle to India direct flights have an uncertain future, as American Airlines’ plans for the Seattle to Bengaluru nonstop route have been shelved indefinitely. Since the route was announced, we had waited for the launch; but the pandemic pushed the launch from 2020 to 2022, and finally, American Airlines put this route on hold. However, you can grab the best low-fare deals for Seattle to India flights with short layovers from IndianEagle.com.

The post Which Airlines Operate Nonstop Flights between USA and India, and on What Routes in 2024? appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

We do mostly purchase itineraries with a short layover (2-3 hours) for long-haul international flights between USA and India. If our connecting flight happens to be delayed at a transit airport, we feel out of breath. How would it be if you are offered a complimentary tour of the transit city during a long layover? Amazing! Isn’t it? If you get good deals for Turkish Airlines’ USA to India flights with a minimum 6-hour layover at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, just grab it. Turkish Airlines offers Touristanbul, a guided Istanbul City tour for free to its international passengers in transit.

Turkish Airlines’ Free Istanbul Tour for Transit Passengers

If you are flying Turkish Airlines from USA to India, and if your itinerary has a layover of 6 hours or more at Istanbul International Airport, you should not miss the free Istanbul sightseeing tour. Why not make your layover at Istanbul a travel diary full of ‘selfie’ moments at some of the historical landmarks in the city, rather than waiting for the connecting flight?

Visa Requirement for Touristanbul Program

Do I need a Turkish visa to get on a (free) tour of Istanbul while in transit? Getting on a city tour, though during a layover, means exiting Istanbul airport and entering the country; hence, it requires a Turkish visa. Indians having a valid US visa or Green Card (lawful residence permit), a UK or Ireland visa, or a Schengen visa, are eligible for a single-entry e-visa to Turkey. You can obtain an e-visa from Turkey Government’s e-visa portal or Turkish Airlines’ counter or desk at the departure airport.

Turkey is a visa-free destination for US citizens

US citizens are exempt from the visa requirement to visit Turkey as the country granted visa-free travel access to the United States. If you are a US passport holder, you are eligible for visa-free stay in Turkey for up to 90 days in a period of six months. Not just for Americans, Turkey is now a visa-free destination and transit stopover for Canadians as well. So, as a transit passenger with a US/Canadian passport, you can take advantage of the visa-free entry to Turkey and embark on a sightseeing tour during your long layover.

Suitable for family travelers, backpackers and solo trippers; the Touristanbul program covers all expenses for meals, transportation, tourist site entry fees and museum tickets. It is focused on Istanbul’s historical places, heritage sites, natural tourist attractions and beautiful restaurants. No advance registration for the program is required. You can sign up for Touristanbul at the Hotel Desk in Istanbul Airport’s International Arrivals Terminal. If you check in your baggage for the connecting flight, you can keep the bags at the airport’s baggage storage facility for a nominal fee.

Turkish Airlines’ unaccompanied passengers under 18 years of age are not eligible for the free Istanbul City tour, Touristanbul. There is something more exclusive for passengers of Turkish Airlines’ business class flights.

Bosphorus Experience for Turkish Airlines’ Business Class Travelers

It will definitely be a cherry on the cake for Turkish Airlines’ passengers who have got cheap business class flight tickets to India or other destination via Istanbul. Yes, your itinerary must include at least 7-hour wait time at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. As part of the Bosphorus Experience in the city of Istanbul, you can have an exclusive, luxury motorboat ride on the Bosphorus River and drink to breathtaking views of the historical landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, the Maiden’s Tower, Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace. Turkish Airlines’ business class travelers in transit can have an unforgettable tryst with the city’s unmatched grandeur and magnificence while dining at any of the waterfront restaurants of Çırağan Palace Kempinski.

Turkish Airlines’ Overnight Stopover Program for Transit Passengers    

What to do if your Turkish Airlines flight to India or USA includes connection time of 20 hours or more in Istanbul? You can sign up for Turkish airlines’ free Stopover Program for international transit passengers, regardless of your travel class. Passengers of Turkish Airlines’ economy flights to India or USA are eligible for complimentary one-night accommodation at a 4-star hotel. Those traveling on Turkish Airlines’ business class flights between USA and India will get complimentary stay for two nights in a 5-star hotel.

How to apply for free hotel accommodation under the Istanbul Stopover Program?

Once you have booked a US-India round-trip itinerary of Turkish Airlines through Indian Eagle, a most trusted travel-booking partner of Indian Diaspora, you are needed to follow a process detailed here. The airline will issue a hotel voucher to you after you provide your PNR/ticket number, valid email ID, phone number and your preferred room type (single or double) at least 72 hours prior to your departure from the country of travel origin. The stopover program can be availed for either onward or return trip.

What are the best tourist places to visit in Istanbul during a stopover?

Unique in geography and rich in history, Istanbul is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with an unmistakable old-world charm to it. The city is a treasure trove of historical, cultural and architectural wonders. Two of the unmissable tourist attractions you must visit during a Istanbul stopover are the iconic Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque – the masterpieces of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture respectively. Also, Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet Square, Galata Tower, Basilica Cistern, and Kariye Museum are havens for history and architecture enthusiasts. The colorful Grand Bazaar is the ultimate hunting ground for shopaholics whereas the Bosphorus Cruise immerses you in the beauty of Istanbul skyline on laidback evenings.

I have a long layover at Istanbul Airport both during my onward travel from US to India and return trip. If I apply for Touristanbul, will I still be eligible for Free Istanbul Stopover while returning?

No. You can only avail one of the two free programs offered by Turkish Airlines. No passenger can apply for both Touristanbul and Free Istanbul Stopover for the same itinerary.

My flight got canceled due to operational reasons and I had to reschedule my travel. Should I rebook Turkish Airlines’ stopover program? 

Yes, you need to rebook the stopover program and free hotel accommodation service. Your current booking of Turkish Airlines’ free stopover program will be automatically cancelled in case your flight is cancelled due to operational reasons.

My US-India itinerary involves Turkish Airlines’ codeshare flights with IndiGo. Can I apply for the Free Istanbul Stopover Accommodation service?

Yes, Turkish Airlines’ US-India itineraries involving flights operated by its codeshare partner, IndiGo, qualify for the Free Istanbul Stopover Accommodation service. You can avail the free stopover program either during your onward trip to India or return journey to the USA.

The post All about Turkish Airlines’ Free Istanbul Tour for Transit Passengers Flying between USA and India appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

2024 will be the year of a premium economy war between airlines, including Air India and Emirates. With Emirates having scheduled its premium economy flights to India from 29 October, the competition will heat up in the US-India travel corridor, where Air India’s Premium Economy service has already made its presence felt. Air India’s brand new offering launched in June 2023 is on an expansion spree with modern planes lining up to join the fleet. Dubai-based Emirates known for its inflight service and hospitality is expected to provide a top-notch Premium Economy experience.

Air India vs Emirates: Premium Economy Seats

Emirates’ Premium Economy on A380s (double-decker jumbo aircraft) is more spacious than Air India’s on B777-200LRs (as of now). Evidently, premium economy seats on Emirates’ A380 flights to India have better features than those on Air India flights from USA to Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. 19.5-inch width and 40-inch pitch set Emirates’ premium economy seats a notch above Air India’s premium economy seats with 19-inch width and 38-inch pitch.

You can recline your seat by 8 inches without causing inconvenience to your co-passengers behind in Emirates’ Premium Economy. You get only 5 inches of recline in Air India’s Premium Economy. Both the airlines offer adjustable headrest, leg rest, footrest and cushioned seating to elevate your comfort in premium economy. However, you can adjust the headrest at 6 different levels to your convenience and relax better against a soft pillow supporting your back on premium economy seats to be provided by Emirates flights to Mumbai and BLR Airport.

If both airlines’ premium economy cabins are evaluated on the index of elegance and aesthetics, Emirates is likely to score higher than Air India. The upholstery of creamy leather seats exudes soft golden hues lending a regal look to premium economy of Emirates’ A380s. On the other hand, soothing blue dominates the interior of premium economy cabins on B777-200LRs that Air India leased from Delta Airlines. More aircraft being retrofitted with premium economy and refurbished with exquisite upholstery will ramp up Air India’s Premium Economy game in 2024.

Air India vs Emirates: Premium Economy Fares  

Needless to say, fares is an important consideration for long-haul international air travel. Indian Eagle, a leading travel-booking partner of Indian Diaspora, books cost-to-cost USA to India premium economy flight tickets with Emirates, Air India, and other airlines. However, Air India has better deals than Emirates Airlines for premium economy travel. Refer to the below screenshot for Air India Premium Economy fares vs Emirates Premium Economy fares for a one-way trip from San Francisco to Mumbai on 6 December 2023.

PC: IndianEagle.com

You can log on to IndianEagle.com, enter your preferred travel dates and some other route, to say JFK to Mumbai or SFO to Bengaluru, select Premium Economy, and compare Emirates vs Air India fare deals for your travel. You will be able to see the premium economy fare difference between the Indian airline and the Dubai-based carrier.

Emirates vs Air India: Inflight Dining in Premium Economy 

Emirates is second to none in offering an exclusive inflight dining experience – which won’t be an exception in the soon-to-be-launched Premium Economy. If you travel in Premium Economy with Emirates flight tickets from USA to Bengaluru or Mumbai, you will be treated to a specially curated multicourse menu inspired by reginal cuisines. IndianEagle.com, a leading air-ticketing partner of Emirates, accessed the premium economy menu on the airline portal and found that it has grilled chicken, smoked salmon, chicken tikka wraps, classic Emirates pizza, mushroom omelet, paneer mutter masala, blueberry pancake, etc.

Air India’s premium economy dining on some flights between USA and India have been praised by many travelers. Part of the best-in-class hospitality to passengers in premium economy, Air India’s new menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board are Indian to the core with a contemporary touch. The menus, inspired by India’s urban culinary landscape, have both classics and fusions, such as Turmeric Chili Omelet, Mixed Vegetable Paratha, Mushroom Scrambled Eggs, Aachari Paneer, Grilled Prawns in Fennel Cream Sauce, Murgh Rezala Kofta, Murgh Elaichi Korma, Classic Chili Chicken, Chicken Chettinad Kathi Roll, Baked Fillet of Fish with Herb Almond and Garlic Crust, Masala Dal and Brown Rice Khichdi with sprouts.

“Some of our customers who got the best Air India deals for premium economy travel from Indian Eagle shared that they were given a refreshing welcome drink in fine glassware and a hot towel before every meal during the journey. They had liberal choices on the menu of drinks including mocktails, wines, whiskeys, and beers of premium brands. Masala Chia and Assam Tea are signature hot beverages served on Air India flights. We are keen to see what hospitality Emirates extends to premium economy guests on its flights to India from USA, starting 29 October 2023,” said the chief customer relations manager at Indian Eagle.

Air India vs Emirates: Inflight Entertainment in Premium Economy

Be it premium economy or business class flights to USA, Emirates has the best inflight entertainment content in the sky for its guests of all age groups. Travelers to be flying in Emirates Premium Economy to and from India will get access to 650 plus TV shows, more than 2000 movies and 4000+ hours of music in various regional languages on Emirates’ ICE inflight entertainment system. Premium Economy seats are equipped with 13.3-inch HD screens for you to stay entertained on long-haul Emirates flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, and New York to Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Air India does equally leave its premium economy guests spoilt for choice with the volume and quality of inflight entertainment. As part of the ongoing transformation program, Air India has enriched its inflight entertainment content with myriad blockbusters and classics from Hollywood, Bollywood, and various language-speaking regions of India for the brand new Premium Economy cabins on B777-200LRs having modern inflight entertainment systems.

The post A Comparative Guide on Emirates vs Air India: Premium Economy Fares, Seats, Inflight Services, Upgrade appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Luxury and comfort, which were once the hallmarks of Air India until the turn of the century, are back as brand attributes of the Tata airline in its transformation journey towards delivering the best-in-class travel experience. After having upgraded its inflight service on select international flights and having launched a single integrated web system for seamless customer support, Air India has turned its attention to expanding its lounge network and modernizing its signature Maharaja lounges, both domestically as well as internationally.

Picture Credit: Moneycontrol

Air India’s lounge network has total 26 airports in India

Since the airline’s takeover by the Tata Group, known for its world-class hospitality business, Air India’s lounge access has expanded from 16 to 26 airports in India. Now the domestic lounge network covers 26 airports including Mangalore, Lucknow, Madurai, Vadodara, Indore, Nagpur, Srinagar, and Patna in partnership with the existing lounges at those airports. Moreover, Air India has inked a deal with the best food courts in a bid to extend its hospitality and improve passenger experience at 11 other domestic airports without lounges.

Air India’s lounge services for business class flyers and other premium passengers are available at major international airports in India through the airline’s strategic partnership with various lounge service providers. While traveling with business class flight tickets of Air India, you can retreat into the luxuries of the Oberoi Lounge at Bengaluru Airport, Meridian & Oberoi Lounges at Chennai Airport, Port Lounge at Kolkata Airport, and other top-class lounges at Hyderabad RGI, Mumbai CSMI, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram airports.

Air India’s lounge service at 41 international destinations including USA 

The international destinations where Air India’s lounge services for business class travelers are available include five major US airports having nonstop flights to India. The lounges which Air India’s premium passengers can access to spend their waiting time and unwind before departure from or after arrival in the US are:

• United Lounge at San Francisco International Airport
• Turkish Airline Lounge at Washington Dulles Int. Airport
• Virgin Clubhouse Lounge at Newark Liberty Int. Airport
• Air France-KLM Lounge at Chicago O’Hare Int. Airport
• Air India Maharaja Lounge at New York JFK Airport

In line with its 5-year transformation plan titled Vihaan.AI, Air India has recently collaborated with Swissport Lounge at Chicago ORD International Airport and SAS Lounge at Newark EWR International Airport, among some of the top-notch airport lounges in its global network. The Tata Group is all set to provide a world-class lounging experience to premium customers who meet the eligibility criteria for Air India’s lounge access in the USA and other countries.

Air India Maharaja Lounges in USA and India 

Air India provides its signature hospitality to premium passengers at its flagship Maharaja Lounge at Indira Gandhi International Airport T3 in New Delhi and JFK International Airport T4 in New York City. The iconic Maharaja, the airline’s mascot which has got a makeover as part of rebranding, will greet customers with folded hands at the entrance of the Maharaja Lounge. Reportedly, plans to modernize these lounges as per the international taste are embedded in Air India’s ongoing transformation into a world-class airline.

What are Air India’s Maharaja Lounge services at Delhi IGI Airport and NYC JFK Airport? Located next to the new Encalm Lounge on the Mezzanine Floor of T3 at IGI Airport, the AI lounge has two sections: Business Class and First Class. The spacious lounge offers good seating arrangement comprising recliners, couches, and cozy sofas. There are work stations, complimentary Wi-Fi, showers, segregated nap rooms with recliners, self-serve beverages, a fully-stocked mini bar, newspapers, magazines and other basic comforts in the lounge. The round-the-clock buffet serving Indian and international cuisines is the mainstay of hospitality offered at the Air India lounge at New Delhi International Airport.

“Located post the TSA security check on Level 4 in T4, the AI Maharaja Lounge at JFK Airport NYC has floor-to-ceiling windows which let ample natural light in and function as plane spotters. With seating arrangements on either side of the central walkway, the lounge has facilities similar to the above.  The buffet including both Oriental and Continental food woos Indian travelers with such traditional staples as sambar rice, chicken tikka masala, conned dosa, etc. 7AM to 12 AM is the operational hour of the Air India lounge at JFK Airport, according to our customers,” said the chief travel advisor of IndianEagle.com.

More contemporary facilities and luxurious comforts will be introduced at the Maharaja Lounges in the coming days.

Who can access Air India’s Maharaja Lounge services?

At New Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport, the Maharaja Lounge can be accessed by first and business class passengers of Air India flights to/from USA and other countries. Additionally, the lounge is available for the airline’s frequent flier program members, Maharaja Club members, travelers with Star Alliance Gold status, premium passengers of other Star Alliance member airlines, and special guests including VIPs.

Other than the abovementioned traveler groups, those with Priority Pass membership offered by premium credit cards can visit JFK Airport’s AI Maharaja Lounge for up to 3 hours. Entry to this Priority Pass lounge may be restricted to Priority Pass members during peak hours. Precisely, the Air India lounge facilities are accessible to you depending on your travel class, fare type, frequent flier status, Priority Pass membership, Star Alliance membership, or special guest status.

Is Air India’s Maharaja Lounge present at Mumbai International Airport?

Air India’s signature lounge folded up at Mumbai CSMI Airport before the pandemic. The way the Tata airline is expanding its network and improving its service, no wonder travelers flying into and out of Mumbai are likely to get an Air India lounge in the near future.

I got my economy flight upgraded to business class using the newly introduced Upgrade+ feature of Air India. Am I now eligible for Air India’s free lounge service in USA/India?

In our knowledge, the perks of a travel class upgrade on Air India flights do not include complimentary lounge access. If you are a member of Air India’s frequent flyer program or have Star Alliance Gold status, it is recommended that you contact the airline and check whether you can get the lounge access for free.

The post Where can Premium Travelers Access Air India’s Lounge Service in USA and India? A Complete Guide appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Good news for those scheduled to travel on Air India! The Tata airline discontinued the ‘Bid Upfront Program’ and introduced an easy-to-use cabin upgrade facility with instant confirmation for select flights and select routes. The new program is named ‘Air India Upgrade+’ that you can use to upgrade your travel class from economy to premium economy or business for a fraction of what seats in higher cabins actually cost.

What is Air India’s Upgrade Plus program? It is a great opportunity for you to travel on cheap business class flights with Air India if you choose to upgrade while or after booking your economy tickets, and if you don’t mind paying a little extra fare for the luxurious comfort that Air India’s business class offers on nonstop flights to India from USA, Europe, and Australia.

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What are benefits of Air India’s Upgrade+ from economy to business class?

The benefits include perks of flying in the business class, such as gourmet meals from Air India’s new inflight menus, luxurious seating, and extra baggage allowance. The other perks are priority airport check-in, priority baggage handling, and priority boarding. A successful cabin upgrade from economy to business comes with faster immigration clearance and expedited security through priority lanes for premium economy and business class flyers.

However, the benefits of using Air India’s Upgrade Plus to travel in premium cabins do not include complimentary lounge facility. Also, the fare conditions of original booking remain applicable even after the cabin upgrade. Be it cancellation/rebooking charges or flying points gained, it will be based on the original booking.

What are eligibility criteria for using Air India Upgrade+ from economy to business?  

To be eligible for Air India’s Upgrade+ program, you should have a confirmed flight ticket on the airline’s document number 098 and have a valid email id updated in the booking reservation (you will receive an upgrade invitation to this email). The flight you are scheduled to travel on must be operated by Air India.

Traveling with an infant or in a group, or carrying a pet makes you ineligible for Air India’s travel cabin upgrade program.

Can I bid for economy to first class upgrade for my travel on Air India? 

At present, Air India’s bidding system is available for one level upgrade from economy to business class, and from business to first class. With your flight booked in economy, you cannot bid to travel in Air India’s first class.

How to use Air India Upgrade+ program for an upgrade in travel class?

You will receive an email invitation for Air India’s Economy to Business Class upgrade on your registered email address. Once you purchase cheap economy tickets for Air India flights, say from USA to India, from IndianEagle.com, you can check whether the itinerary is eligible for an upgrade from economy to premium seats on the airline website. First of all, you should note the above-mentioned eligibility criteria for Upgrade+ program.

Go to AirIndia.com and click ‘Book & Manage” in the top menu bar. It will show a dropdown menu wherein you should click “Seat Selection & Upgrades”. Then go to the ‘Upgrade+ program‘. You will see a big red bar with two white boxes to check your eligibility for Upgrade+. If you are the primary traveler, enter your PNR/booking reference number and your last name and click on submit. If you are eligible for an upgrade of the flight scheduled in the next 72 hours, you can go ahead and get your seat upgraded from economy to business class or premium economy at a fixed amount decided by Air India. 

Enter your credit card details for general verification (payment deduction will happen after upgrade is successful). Submit your upgrade offer after reviewing your personal information and other details. You will be upgraded instantly and within two hours of submission, you will also receive a confirmation email about the upgrade applicable throughout your flight operated by Air India.

Is there a time window to upgrade cheap Air India flight tickets to a premium class?

Air India’s cabin upgrade window closes 12 hours before the scheduled departure of flights. However, you may still stand a chance to upgrade your travel class at the last minute (within 6 hours of departure). For this, you need to reach out to the airline’s check-in counter at the departure airport.

Can I cancel the confirmed upgrade to my travel on Air India flights to/from India?

No, it is not possible to cancel the upgrade once confirmed. And if you cancel your flight after a successful cabin upgrade, you will automatically lose the amount paid for upgrading your seat to business class from economy. 

How Air India’s Upgrade Plus program works? 

Air India’s new cabin upgrade program works for flights departing within the next 72 hours and based on the availability of seats in premium travel cabins. Currently, it is available for economy to business class upgrades for specific flights and on select routes.

I got the best deal from IndianEagle.com for last minute flights with Air India. Am I eligible to bid for an upgrade on the last-minute flight? 

You are advised to visit the airline’s website to check your eligibility for cabin upgrade on flights departing within the next 72 hours. A last-minute upgrade is also possible but subject to availability. You can check with the airline officials during the airport check-in.

I want to cancel my reservation but my travel class upgrade has been successful. Will I get a refund of the upgrade amount?

The extra amount you paid for purchasing the upgrade won’t be refunded, according to Air India. However, the economy class fare (if refundable) which you initially paid to travel on Air India will be refunded as per the airline policy and the ticket rules.

I want to rebook my flight. Can I transfer the upgrade while rebooking? 

Air India’s Upgrade+ program is exclusive to specific flights. Hence, confirmed upgrades are non-transferable and non-refundable. So, you will not be rebooked in an upgraded travel class if you change your travel dates in the original reservation.

I paid to reserve a seat in Economy. Will I get back the seat reservation fee if my flight ticket is upgraded to Air India’s Business Class?

The amount you paid to get your preferred seat reserved in Economy is likely to be refunded, according to Air India; once you are upgraded to a class higher than Economy.

The post Upgrade Plus: Air India’s New, Easy-to-use Cabin Upgrade System for Economy Flyers to Travel in Premium Cabins appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

A trip back home always means heavy luggage, especially when your family and friends anticipate foreign presents (generally speaking) as much as they await your return. The baggage policy of Air India, then, becomes more of a deciding factor when choosing the airline for your US to India travel. Air India is known for its generous baggage allowance for passengers traveling between the two countries. It is one of the reasons why Air India’s US to India nonstop flights are quite popular with Indians. Find here the detailed baggage allowance rules for the airline’s different cabin classes.

Air India’s Cabin Baggage Allowance for US to India Flights 

All Air India passengers, regardless of their travel class, are allowed to onboard with one cabin bag and one personal item for free (handbag, laptop, camera, binoculars, blanket, overcoat, reading material, umbrella, inhalers and other important medicines, food for infants, collapsible wheelchairs/crutches/walking sticks for the specially-abled).

• Dimensions of the carry-on bag must not exceed 55.8 (h) x 35.5 (l) x 25.4 (w) in centimeters or 22 (h) x 14 (l) x 10 (w) in inches, with the sum of all three dimensions amounting to 114.98 cm or 45.27 in.
• Permissible weight of a cabin bag is 8 kg in Economy class and 12 kg for Business and First classes. If you are carrying any personal item additionally, make sure that the combined weight of both your bag and personal item does not exceed 8 kg in Economy and 12 kg in the First/Business class.

Can You Carry Extra Cabin Baggage on Air India’s Economy Flights from US to India?

In order to carry a bag weighing more than 8 kg, you will have to pay USD 10 per kg as an extra baggage charge. However, it must be noted that a bag heavier than 10 kg is not allowed in economy class at any cost.

Air India’s Free Check-in Baggage Policy for Business Class Flights

On Air India’s business class flights to India from USA, you can check-in two pieces of luggage for free, weighing 32 kg each. No extra weight is allowed unless you are a Flying Returns member. Total dimensions of checked-in bags must not exceed 158 cm. The passengers of Air India’s First Class flights get the same baggage allowance.

Air India’s Free Check-in Baggage Allowance for Premium Economy

The check-in baggage allowance for Air India’s premium economy flights to India is currently the same as it is for the economy class. It means you can carry two bags for free. Each bag cannot be heavier than 23 kg and the dimensions must not exceed 273 cm. At present, the brand new premium economy is available only on select flights – San Francisco-Bengaluru, New York-Mumbai, and San Francisco-Mumbai. The delivery of A350s that the airline is awaiting will make Premium Economy available on Air India flights from New York to Delhi, SFO to Delhi, Chicago to Delhi, and Washington DC to Delhi.

Air India’s Free Check-in Baggage Allowance for Economy Flyers

You can check-in two bags, each weighing not more than 23 kg, on Air India’s cheap economy flights from USA to India, for which IndianEagle.com has unbeatable fare deals. As for the total dimensions (sum of its length, breadth and height), it should not measure more than 273 cm.

Who Can Check-in Extra Baggage on Air India’s flights from USA to India?

Members of Air India’s Flying Returns Club can check in one piece of extra baggage. A 20-kg bag is allowed for Star Gold members flying with any Star Alliance airline and extra 10 kg for Silver Edge Club members flying with Air India, across all travel classes. Additionally, if you are traveling with infants, you can take advantage of the infant’s entitlement to a check-in bag weighing up to 10 kg.

Does Air India Allow Liquid Items in Baggage? 

Your hand baggage can include 100 ml of liquids, gels, and sprays packed in re-sealable plastic bags (preferably 1 liter bags). These liquid items can be beverages, cosmetics, and toiletries (shampoos, sunscreens, moisturizers, etc.). All liquid items will be screened for security reasons.

My travel from Newark to Delhi involves two carriers: United Airlines and Air India. Can I check in two bags for free?

Maybe, not. If United Airlines is the validating carrier of your itinerary, the baggage allowance for your travel through the destination will conform to United Airlines’. Unlike Air India, United Airlines allows only one piece of free checked baggage in Economy.

Can You Book an Extra Seat on Air India flights from USA to India for Your Belongings?

Yes, you can book an extra seat for special belongings such as fragile items or musical instruments. Sporting equipment, depending on its weight, may incur additional charges.

The post What’s Air India’s Baggage Policy for US to India Travel in Economy, Business, Premium Economy? appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Switzerland stopover is one of the best airline stopover programs for international travelers transiting in Europe. A free transit stopover lets you explore an additional international destination at a very little cost while traveling between USA and India. Cruising on Lake Zurich, riding on the Glacier Express, trekking in the Alps, visiting the Chocolate Museum, an excursion trip to Mount Rigi, going on an adventure spree in centra Switzerland and likes are the perks of Swiss International Airport’s Stopover Switzerland program available for up to four nights in Zurich, Geneva and other cities.

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Having booked the best of flights with long connection time or multi-city flights by SWISS Airlines between USA and India on IndianEagle.com, you can avail of the Stopover Switzerland program. Swiss International Airlines’ stopover program consists of eight customized travel packages; each with 3 or 4-star hotel accommodation and a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited free rides on Switzerland’s public transportation system. The stopover packages for international transit passengers of SWISS are available in two categories: single destination and multi destination.

If you opt for a single-destination package of the Stopover Switzerland program while booking your trip on SWISS Airlines flights from USA to Delhi, Mumbai, or Singapore, you can visit only one Swiss city to spend the stopover. The multi-destination Stopover Switzerland packages for transit passengers of SWISS flights from USA to Mumbai and New Delhi include a fixed itinerary, seamless transportation to different tourist places, luxury accommodation in three or four star hotels, and a list of things to do during the stopover.

Whatever single or multi-destination package you choose, it comes with a Swiss Travel Pass for hassle-free local transportation in first or second class. The pass allows unlimited rides by train, bus and boat in Swiss cities including Zurich and Geneva. Free entry to over 500 museums and a fair discount on mountain excursions in Switzerland come bundled with the pass available for consecutive 3 to 15 days. The pass also comes with useful tips on local tourist attractions and activities.

Interestingly, a Swiss Travel Pass can get you convenient rides on the most popular Glacier Express and Bernina Express for scenic journeys through valleys in the Swiss Alps. Advance seat reservation on these trains is recommended due to high demand by tourists the year round. Though the pass includes panoramic train rides in Switzerland, seat reservation is payable.

Visa requirement for a transit stopover in Switzerland

Do Indians need a visa for stopover in Switzerland? Yes, Indian passport holders need a regular Swiss Schengen visa to enter Switzerland and spend a stopover there. Even if you have a valid residence permit or visa issued by the US, Canada, Ireland, Japan, or a Schengen country, a stopover outside of Swiss airports requires you to have a regular Schengen visa.

I may plan for a Zurich City sightseeing tour during a long layover in my itinerary with SWISS Airlines. Do I need a Swiss visa to leave the airport transit area?

If you are an Indian passport holder, you must have a regular Swiss Schengen visa to leave the transit area of Zurich International Airport and tour Zurich City during a long layover.

What are the American destinations for SWISS airlines flights from India?

Swiss International Airlines operates flights to/from 7 major airports in the United States, including New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA) and Boston Logan.

“SWISS Airlines’ stopover program seems the beginning of a greater time for international travelers transiting through Europe. It may push major European airlines to introduce similar stopover travel programs. With most of the Middle East airlines offering free stopover at their respective hubs in the Gulf region, many travelers from USA, India and other eligible countries prefer to fly via the Middle East. With European airlines jumping on to the bandwagon, travelers will have more choices to spend stopovers in a much better way,” opined Chief marketing officer of IndianEagle.com, a leading air ticketing agency in the US.

The post Traveling to India or USA via Switzerland? All You Need to Know about SWISS Airlines’ Free Stopover Program appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.