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.

PC: Twitter

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.

PC: MySwitzerland.com

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.

Of late, a woman traveler’s voice in the New York Times’ ethics column took everyone aback. She wrote about her ordeal of traveling in economy with kids, while her husband takes to the fancy of flying in luxury as he pays for his First Class travel or gets an upgrade from Business Class for himself though they travel together. It is primarily because he finds business class flight tickets too expensive to afford for the entire family. Netizens called this strange, unfair, and iniquitous.

Premium Economy comes into play where long-haul business class travel breaks the bank. It is the middle-of-the-road travel class between Economy and Business. It suits both, business travelers on a budget and economy travelers willing to pay a little more for added comfort. Premium Economy tickets cost a little more than economy class airfares and less than business class flight deals online.

PC: Emirates Airlines

What are Emirates’ Premium Economy destinations in India and USA?

Finally, Emirates raised the curtain over its Premium Economy flights to India. Emirates’ flagship double-decker A380 will offer Premium Economy service on flights to Mumbai and Bengaluru starting October 29 this year. Currently, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Paris, London, Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland are the destinations of Emirates’ A380 flights with Premium Economy. This brand new service with competitive edges over other airlines, will be available to Houston and Los Angeles starting in July 2023.

Interestingly, Emirates itineraries for Premium Economy flights between USA and India are similar to Air India’s Premium Economy flights between SFO and Bengaluru, SFO and Mumbai, and New York JFK and Mumbai. Come November 2023, you will be able to travel on Emirates flights with Premium Economy service on the following US to India routes:

• San Francisco to Mumbai and Bengaluru
• Los Angeles to Mumbai and Bengaluru
• New York to Mumbai and Bengaluru
• Houston to Mumbai and Bengaluru

Emirates Premium Economy Seats

Premium Economy on Emirates’ A380s is said to be a game changer in the international market, with luxurious seats, quality inflight food, and award-winning inflight entertainment. This travel cabin is being rolled out on about 130 aircraft in Emirates’ fleet of A380s and B777s. Sophisticated interiors, highly aesthetic design, leather seating, and business-class-like inflight service make Emirates Airlines’ Premium Economy a class apart from that of American and European airlines.

What’s the difference between Emirates’ Standard Economy and Premium Economy? The main difference is the comfort of seating long hours on 19.5-inch wide, cushioned seats with adjustable headrests and greater recline in Premium Economy.  The seats offer a 40-inch legroom pitch, thereby providing enough cozy space for you to stretch out on raised leg rests. On the other hand, Emirates’ 17.5-in wide economy seats have a shorter legroom pitch up to 34 inches.

The cream-toned leather seats are accessorized with fluffier pillows to comfort your back when you recline the body during a long-haul flight. A signature motif of the ghaf tree (the UAE’s national tree) in gold is one of the salient features of the exclusively designed interior.

Can I sleep on Emirates Premium Economy flights? 

Unlike the Business Class of Emirates, Premium Economy seats are not lie-flat beds. However, you can lounge your body from head to toe to catch a good sleep on the seat with a greater recline and an adjustable leg rest. If uncompromised comfort is a prerequisite for you to get sound sleep while flying, the spacious leather seats are designed to suit your needs.

Perks of Flying in Emirates Premium Economy

Is Emirates’ Premium Economy worth upgrading from regular economy? Yes, it is not only for spacious, luxury seating, but also personalized attention and service that travelers are lavished with on board. Separate check-in, priority boarding, and generous check-in baggage allowance are among the perks of flying in Premium Economy on Emirates flights to/from USA. Emirates’ A380s without First Class have Premium Economy with its own lavatory on the front of the upper deck. A380s with First Class have Premium Economy seats on the front of the lower deck. The front location makes it possible for guests to exit the aircraft before economy travelers, thereby facilitating their connection to the next flight (if they have any) in case of a short layover.

Does Emirates offer complimentary lounge access with Premium Economy?    

Like most airlines with premium economy, Emirates does not provide complimentary lounge access to its premium economy guests. Not even Emirates’ best flight deals for premium economy travel to/from USA come with this facility. Instead, you can buy Emirates’ lounge service at the origin/connection/destination airport for a discounted price. You can buy the best deal for Dubai Airport’s Plaza Premium Lounge while booking cheap Emirates flight tickets from IndianEagle.com.

Is Wi-Fi available in Emirates Premium Economy?

Seamless access to inflight WiFi is available for Emirates’ Skywards members, regardless of their travel class and itineraries. If you are among the Skywards Gold/Silver/Blue members, you can make the most of Emirates’ free WiFi service in Premium Economy.

Dining on Emirates Premium Economy flights

Quality inflight dining is a hallmark of Emirates’ Premium Economy service to New York, San Francisco and other destinations. Global dishes with seasonal flavors that Emirates’ cosmopolitan chefs cook for Premium Economy guests are elegantly served on Royal Doulton China tableware with stainless steel cutlery wrapped in linen, emulating the sophistication of a fine-dining restaurant. “Be it a continental breakfast or a multicourse lunch/dinner, you are sure to discover a meal to suit your taste from our regional monthly menus,” said Emirates. Lunch and dinner are complemented with fruit salad and delectable desserts.

“What elevates your ‘Premium Economy’ experience with Emirates is that you can celebrate a special occasion on board if it coincides with your flight. You can contact the airline and order a celebration cake of vanilla or chocolate flavor 48 hours before your scheduled departure,” said the chief travel economist of Indian Eagle Travel. Emirates Premium Economy reviews that we have received from our customers are positive about the range of inflight beverages, including wines and vintages from Business Class,” he added.

Where is Emirates Premium Economy flying to and from?

Currently, Emirates is operating Premium Economy flights on double-decker A380s to New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Paris, London, Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland. This beautiful cabins with competitive edges over other airlines, will be available to Houston starting June and to Los Angeles starting July 2023. In our knowledge, Emirates Premium Economy will enter Indian skies later this year.

We are thrilled to see our partner’s premium economy class in service after three years of the pandemic-induced hiccups to its launch. As a leading air-ticketing partner of Emirates Airlines, we will offer our customers and newsletter subscribers cheap flights tickets to India for Premium Economy travel from USA once this brand new cabin is fully available in the US-India corridor.

The post Emirates Launches Much-awaited Premium Economy to Make Travel Cheaper than Business, Better than Economy appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Senior citizens with difficulty movement, physically challenged individuals, minor children, travelers with infants, first-time travelers, and individuals with travel anxiety do, at times, find it worrisome to travel alone thousands of miles by air. Certain issues like complex airport environment, high-tech security screening procedures, little knowledge of directional signage terminology, difficulty handling heavy bags, inexperience of using self-service devices, and hours-long waiting in check-in and security screening queues make unaccompanied air travel a gnawing concern about their physical or psychological health for their families.

All thanks to Air India’s Namaskar Sewa for alleviating the concern to some extent. The Tata-owned airline extended ‘Namaskar Sewa’ service, launched in 2019, from the first class to business flights to economy travelers, for unaccompanied travelers including senior citizens and others requiring assistance to sail through from the entry gate to the aircraft seat.

Air India’s Namaskar Sewa is a meet and greet service. As part of the program, a dedicated personnel receives travelers at the airport entrance and assist them every way possible until they are seated in the aircraft.

For those with confirmed business or economy flight tickets, Air India started offering the Namaskar Sewa service at New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport and Mumbai International Airport. The service can be availed for a nominal fee. Travelers who connect to Air India’s international flights to/from Delhi and Mumbai are the primary target of the program, as they may have to transfer from one terminal to the other.

On seeing travelers’ response to the initiative during the pandemic, Air India started offering Namaskar Sewa at Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Bengaluru and other major airports where there are sizeable numbers of Air India’s customers for international destinations.

Available to all flyers starting from September 2019, the ‘Namaskar Sewa’ service costs domestic travelers Rs 750 each and Rs 1500 per international flyer. The fee may have been revised after the pandemic-restricted travel rebounded. Those who register for Air India’s Namaskar Sewa prior to their scheduled departure on international flights to USA or any other countries have a pleasant experience of checking in, screening, and boarding at India’s major international airports.

Air India that operates a growing number of nonstop flights to and from India does often receive complaints from passengers having faced certain issues at airports. Namaskar Sewa is a welcome move for elderly travelers and other travelers with kids flying alone in economy class, who knowing only regional languages find it upsetting to get past security checkpoints and board international flights.

“Overseas Indians who seek companionship or assistance for their parents traveling alone on international flights, in Facebook groups such as Travel Solution for Indian Parents, can think of Air India’s Namaskar Sewa as a short-time alternative,” remarked the chief customer relations officer of IndianEagle.com, a leading portal for cheap air tickets to India.

The post Air India’s Namaskar Sewa from Airport Entry to Aircraft Seat is Good for the Elderly and Others Traveling Alone 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 will shoot 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 traveling on long-haul routes 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 What Routes between USA and India have Nonstop Flights in 2023 and 2024? appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Good news for Indians in and around New York! Finally, the wait is over. Come February 2023, you will get direct flights from New York to Mumbai. Starting February 14, Air India will start operating daily nonstop service between New York JFK and Mumbai. In its current schedule, the airline connects New York to Mumbai via New Delhi. New Boeing 777-200LRs that the airline will induct into its long-haul fleet this year end will be deployed for direct service between Mumbai and New York JFK.

A one-way trip on nonstop Air India flights from New York to Mumbai will take 14 hours 10 minutes. The booking window is open at IndianEagle.com where cheap NY JFK to BOM flight tickets are available now for February and March. As of NOV 16, the best deals are $482 and $511 for weekday travel on February 15, 2023. The same deals are available on IndianEagle.com for New York to Mumbai travel in mid-March. Airfares being dynamic, these deals may not be available later this week or month.

The flight AI 116 will depart from New York JFK Airport at 11:55 AM EST and arrive at Mumbai CSMI Airport at 11:35 AM IST. In view of the continued suspension of flights to Mumbai by Delta and United Airlines, Air India’s will be the only nonstop service to Mumbai from the northeast US.

Boeing 777-200LR for Air India’s Nonstop NYC to Mumbai Flights   

Boeing 777-200LRs to be deployed for long-haul direct flights to India from New York JFK have three travel classes – economy, business, and first class. B777-200LRs belong to the long-range category of wide-body aircraft suitable for long-haul intercontinental routes like San Francisco to Mumbai, New York to Singapore, and Chicago to Sydney.

Air India’s B777-200LR has an increased maximum take-off weight (347.5 tons) among other unique features. The more take-off weight, the more payload (carrying) capacity. B777-200LR’s maximum take-off weight is almost double the aircraft’s fuel capacity (148.7 tons) plus payload capacity (passenger, baggage, and cargo). Since the aircraft can accommodate additional fuel tanks in the rear cargo hold, it can carry extra fuel for extra flying time (in case the airline needs to change its route due to some foreign airspace restrictions) without compromising on the total load of passengers’ checked-in bags.

Air India’s Baggage Allowance for New York to Mumbai Nonstop Flights  

Baggage allowance for Air India’s nonstop flights to Mumbai from New York JFK Airport is the same as that for airline’s nonstop flights on other routes between USA and India. As Air India’s check-in baggage policy goes, economy passengers are entitled to 2 check-in bags, each weighing up to 23 kg for free. Air India’s free baggage allowance for business class travelers permits 2 check-in bags of 32 kg each on New York to Mumbai flights. If the weight of one’s check-in baggage exceeds permissible limits, additional baggage fees apply.

“Our Indian customers in Washington DC, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Philadelphia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Maine are happy about the seamless connectivity to Mumbai from John F. Kennedy Airport, as they can easily reach New York by road,” said the chief customer relations officer of IndianEagle.com, a most trusted air ticketing agency selling cheap Air India tickets for nonstop flights to India from USA.

The post Air India to Fly New Aircraft for Daily Direct Service from New York to Mumbai in February; Cheap Tickets Available Now appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.