Long-haul travel from India to USA, and that too with an international layover, is overwhelming for first-time travelers. The very thought of navigating big airports, sitting buckled up for hours, transit in a third country, stepping into a different time zone…evokes fears and anxiety to the extent of pressing the panic button. On top of that, language barriers intensify the fear of flying alone, especially in non-English-speaking elderly travelers from India.

The above sums up Ramana Jalluri’s Reddit post wherein he poured out his apprehensions about his sexagenarian mother’s first international trip to the US: “Amma in her 60s would be flying to USA via London all alone for the first time. She can’t speak Hindi or English other than Telugu. How would she navigate the bustling terminal during her transit at London Heathrow? She may miss the connecting flight as she won’t be able to understand the wayfinding signage or announcements in English. What if anything goes wrong…”

His post resonated with many Indians in USA, among the Reddit users, who have had the same feeling about their elderly parents’ first solo flight. Contrary to Ramana’s anxiety, his mother had a comfortable journey, a safe flight, a pleasant experience – she flew from Hyderabad to Dallas, Texas smoothly. Before booking her flight tickets to Dallas, he tried to find a fellow traveler having the same itinerary as hers. He even reached out to online communities and groups, but his efforts bore no fruit.

“While googling for special airport service for senior citizens, Ramana Jalluri came across Travel Beats, Indian Eagle’s in-house travel magazine for Indian Diaspora. Our article on British Airways’ in-person airport assistance in Indian languages caught his notice. Available for free, the newly introduced service aims to help non-Hindi or non-English-speaking Indians with airport procedures from departure to boarding to transit. On knowing this, he heaved a sigh of relief, as it mitigated his worries to a great extent,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of Travel Beats.

He went on to purchase British Airways flight tickets from IndianEagle.com for his mother’s round trip between India and USA. Once the tickets were confirmed, he visited the airline website, booked in-person airport assistance for his mother at RGI HYD Airport and selected Telugu as her only medium of communication. British Airways’ meet and greet service is available in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Punjabi, and at five major airports: New Delhi IGI, Mumbai CSMI, Hyderabad RGI, Bengaluru Kempegowda, and Chennai MAA.

He further wrote on Reddit, “British Airways’ in-person airport assistance service is a welcome relief. The moment Amma arrived at Hyderabad Airport, she was greeted by an assistant who spoke fluent Telugu. At every step of her journey from Hyderabad to London Heathrow where she had a connecting flight to Dallas with American Airlines, she had someone by her side to assist her. I was mostly worried about her transit at Heathrow; however, she had hassle-free connection to American Airlines.”

“Now she’s here with me, smiling, glowing, more confident than ever. And I’m just… proud. So proud. We kids often forget that it’s our mothers who brought us into this world and had far tougher journeys than a few hours in the air. They raised us without Google Maps, mobile apps, social media, and yet, when they travel alone, we panic. Sometimes we worry too much, forgetting that the strength they gave us has always been their own,” Ramana Jalluri concluded.

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Remember the movie English Vinglish, the character Shashi (played by Sridevi), and her first-time travel from India to New York? She was unassertive, hesitant, and vulnerable right from airport check-in to immigration clearance to boarding. All because of language barriers. Like this character, many elderly Indians traveling solo to visit their children settled abroad feel lost in real while navigating international airports. Most of them are non-English and/or non-Hindi speakers.

PC: British Airways (customized by Indian Eagle for illustration purpose only)

But no more! British Airways became the first foreign carrier to close the language gap for Indian passengers, with its in-person guidance in 5 Indian languages – Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Punjabi. This first-of-its-kind support is part of BA’s brand new Meet and Assist service available across all five Indian airports – New Delhi IGI, Mumbai CSMI, Hyderabad RGI, Bengaluru Kempegowda, and Chennai MAA. These are the gateways of British Airways flights to and from India.

British Airways’ in-person airport support in local languages aims to help Indians communicate their needs effortlessly for less stressful travel from India to the UK and beyond. No more difficulty checking in, navigating the airport for facilities, understanding the boarding announcements, finding the pre-assigned seat on board, and transiting to connecting flights at London Heathrow for non-Hindi and/or non-English-speaking Indian travelers, particularly unaccompanied senior citizens.

Also Read: Transit Visa Guide for Indians Flying via London

Interestingly, BA’s language-based assistance extends from Indian airports to London Heathrow Airport where it makes transit connections as seamless as possible. Hence, it mitigates your worries even if your non-English-speaking elderly parents travel unaccompanied to the US via London Heathrow, one of the busiest airports in the world. The best thing? The in-person guidance in your language is the complimentary part of British Airways’ brand new Meet and Assist service.

Integral to the airline’s commitment to removing barriers and flying Indians in comfort, the local language-friendly assistance initiative is currently available at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai airports for free, with Hyderabad to follow on 8 April 2025. This dedicated service has been rolled out following the success of trials for months in 2024.

How can you avail British Airways’ free in-person service?

After securing the best deals for British Airways flights to USA through IndianEagle.com or any other agency, you can register for BA’s in-person assistance through ‘Manage My Booking’ on the airline website. Prior to your airport check-in on the scheduled day of travel, the airline’s Meet and Assist team will greet you and address your queries/needs in your preferred Indian language (out of the abovementioned). Days of discomfort are gone for non-Hindi and non-English speakers among senior citizens, especially from South India.

Is British Airways good for senior citizens’ solo travel to USA?

Among the best airlines to India and USA, British Airways became senior citizens’ travel-friendly airline for its brand new meet and assist service in Indian languages. This may eat into the market share of nonstop Air India flights that many Indians in North America book for their parents’ travel between USA/Canada and India. No exaggeration; BA’s in-person assistance in local languages is a highly competitive edge over the Middle East carriers,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor at Indian Eagle, the most trusted travel-booking partner of Indians in the US.

“It’s important to us that every customer can travel in safety, comfort and with dignity, and we know that there are some who need an extra helping hand throughout their journey. As part of our new Meet and Assist program, our trained colleagues will be able to act as a companion on the ground for our customers with access requirements, ensuring a smooth flying experience,” said British Airways’ Director of airports.

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Bagless arrival at the destination is no less than a nightmare for a traveler after international long-haul travel. It amounts to an ordeal, particularly for overseas Indians, who pack in ethnic costumes for a family celebration and gifts for relatives in India. With a little guarantee for reunion with your checked baggage during the peak travel season, you may end up missing your connecting flight to the final destination. It has a domino effect, causing a feud with the airline crew, making you wait for long hours, and ruining your holiday mood.

You will no longer be caught off guard on arrival even though the bags that you check in for British Airways flights don’t arrive at the destination. Your travel on British Airways flights from USA to India awaits an altogether new experience mid-air rather than an unexpected surprise on landing, that is timely information about your checked baggage missing or not loaded onto the aircraft at the departure airport.

PC: British Airways

British Airways’ new baggage software runs a check on the checked bags of passengers aboard flights after take-off. If your baggage is found to be missing or not loaded onto the aircraft, the software will send a notification to the cabin crew, and the cabin crew will inform you (to your dismay) immediately when the flight is mid-air or prepares for a descent. It gives the cabin crew a chance to figure out a possible solution before you reach London Heathrow Airport for a transit layover or the destination.

If your checked bags were left behind at the departure airport, the cabin crew will discuss with you where and when you would like the bags to be delivered at the destination. You may get immediate compensation for lost baggage without being required to visit the lost baggage counter at London Heathrow or the arrival airport, if the airline crew is not able to trace your missing bags. Precisely, British Airways’ new lost baggage system saves passengers from the ordeal of waiting for hours in the baggage claim area expecting their checked bags to show up on baggage carousels.

Developed by Microsoft, the software was put to a pilot trial that saw the participation of over 10,000 passengers of British Airways. Interestingly, there’s a lot more to flying with British Airways in the coming days. The cutting-edge software not only helps with the whereabouts of your checked luggage, but also alerts the cabin crew about your likelihood of missing the connecting flight at London Heathrow or to the final destination from the entry/arrival airport in India or USA.

Getting to know the likelihood of missing the connecting flight will surely be a great advantage of traveling with British Airways. You can explore alternative options with the airline staff in time to have a hassle-free travel experience. Sean Doyle, the Chairman and CEO of British Airways, described the Microsoft software as “a complete leapfrog from where we are today.”

“Be it Air India or British Airways, keeping tabs on your checked bags, from departure to arrival, is easy and simple these days. Air India provides a real-time baggage tracker on its website and app. Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Delta Airlines are no exceptions. Apple device users can use AirTag trackers to keep a check on their baggage while flying British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Check out our video on how to trace your checked bags for a stress-free journey,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of Travel Beats.

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Travel light and save on airfares. You can avoid paying extra baggage allowance by adhering to the operating airline’s baggage policy for your ticket and travel class. Apart this, you can save big on air travel if you carry only cabin baggage. Yes, major international airlines are coming up with hand-baggage only fares for those traveling without checked baggage. Recently, Delta Airlines and British Airways introduced ‘Basic Economy’ fares on transatlantic routes.

Currently available for those taking flights to and from Atlanta, Detroit and Minneapolis on select transatlantic routes, Delta Airlines’ hand-baggage only fares may be extended to all routes in Delta’s network. You can avail British Airways’ basic economy fares for London-bound flights from Austin, Boston, Denver, Oakland and Philadelphia.

Undeniably, hand-baggage only fares (basic economy) are cheaper than standard economy fares given any airline. Both Delta Air Lines and British Airways are offering basic economy fares in conjunction with their respective codeshare partner airlines. Interestingly, both the airlines’ hand-baggage only fares include more or less the same facilities as for standard economy flight tickets from USA.

“Finally, leading airlines are coming into terms with the demand for a lower fare by those traveling only with cabin bags for a weekend leisure break, a short business meeting, or a solo trip. When there is fare difference between economy class and premium economy class, why not fare for those traveling with hand baggage is different from that for those having checked bags?,” opined the chief travel economist at Indian Eagle, a reputed international travel organization in the US.

Delta Airlines vs British Airways: Hand-baggage Only Fares

Both the airlines generously offer the best of economy travel class for hand-baggage only fares. British Airways is happy to allocate seats in advance, offer complimentary food & drink, and provide headphones as well as blankets to travelers booking basic economy fares for British Airways flights to and from USA. Delta Air Lines too promises the high quality economy cabin experience for the same fares.

But Delta Airlines’ basic economy fares come with a few limitations including no advance seat allotment and boarding by last zone. Besides, two or three or more basic economy fare-holding passengers traveling together on Delta flights may not be able to seat together. Families traveling on British Airways’ economy flights for hand-baggage only fares may be seated together, as per the airline’s spokesperson. If there is an adult with a child under 12 on the same booking, though for basic economy fares, they will be seated together in British Airlines’ economy travel cabin.

However, travelers booking hand-baggage only fares get access to the same inflight entertainment content as that for regular economy air tickets on both the airlines.

British Airways’ hand baggage allowance remains unchanged for basic economy fares. One handbag / laptop bag of maximum 23kg and one additional cabin bag of the same weight limit are permitted to travelers having British Airways’ hand-baggage only fares. On top of that, you can save on British Airways’ basic economy fares by using British Airways’ Avios (equivalent to reward points or frequent flyer miles). It’s just like a cherry on the cake. Furthermore, British Airways’ Executive Club members will get Avios and Tier Points on booking of basic economy fare tickets.

Also Check: United Airlines’ Free Personal Device Entertainment

Interestingly, British Airways’ basic economy or hand-baggage only fares can be clubbed with other fare types. For example, basic economy fare for an outbound flight and standard economy fare for a return flight can be combined in a round trip booking with British Airways. No details as such are available from Delta Airlines, currently.

There is a high demand for hand-baggage only fares on certain routes between the US and India since many travelers book flights to India from USA for short business trips and end up paying standard fares, which is higher than basic economy airfares, though they carry only cabin bags. We at Indian Eagle do often receive queries regarding availability of hand-baggage only fares for US to India economy and business class flights.

About Indian Eagle Travel   

Indian Eagle is a most trusted travel booking partner of Indians in the United States, offering the cheapest fare deals for economy flights to India, business class flight tickets to India and last-minute travel to India throughout the year. Indian Eagle has been in the business of making US to India air travel cheaper and better for years. It guarantees the lowest airfare and the best service in the industry.

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The United States is leaving no stone unturned to secure and strengthen its borders with biometric technology for both inbound and outbound flights, thereby streamlining the process from entry to check-in to screening to boarding at international airports. Major airlines, including British Airways operating flights to and from the United States have joined hands with the US Customs and Border Protection agency.

Having aligned its mission to scale up the customer service at major US airports with the US government’s new-age airport security goals, British Airways has expanded the trials of biometric technology for its passengers traveling to and from the United States. British Airways kicked off trials of biometric technology first at Los Angeles International Airport in November 2017. Now the purview of trials has extended to New JFK Airport, Orlando International Airport and Miami International Airport.

The use of biometric boarding and arrivals technology at Los Angeles Airport (LAX) has facilitated boarding of more than 400 passengers on to British Airways flights in 22 minutes, which is equivalent to one-third of the time the airline takes to board the same number of passengers, without using the technology.

Now British Airways that offers its best deals for US to India flights at Indian Eagle has teamed with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority to set up biometric boarding gates for trial at Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida. The passengers of British Airways’ Orlando to Gatwick flights will undergo trials of biometric technology which is supposed to board a plane with 240 seats within 10 minutes.

With biometric boarding gates in place, British Airways’ passengers are not required to produce their boarding passes and passports at the time of boarding flights from Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami and New York JFK Airport. Travelers are required to look into the camera while walking onto a plane through the biometric boarding gate. The technology verifies their biometric data in passport or visa based on their corresponding facial features.

More and more US airports are implementing biometric boarding and arrival technology, while Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport is the first smart Indian airport to get biometric boarding by the end of 2018. Do travel on cheap flights to Bengaluru from USA by paying less for business class tickets of British Airways or any other airline.

Notably, British Airways was the first airline to deploy biometric boarding technology for a trial on the passengers of its flights from USA to India and other destinations. The airline has been working with the US government’s Customs and Border Protection agency that is hell-bent on cutting visa overstay in USA. The technology removes the hassles of fingerprinting customers and swiping travel documents, thereby making it possible for air travelers to speed up their journeys.

Apart from trials of biometric boarding gates at Los Angeles and Orlando airports, biometric trial is available for passengers of British Airways flights from London Heathrow to New York JFK and Miami airports on arrival. The technology verifies passengers’ identity through facial recognition and links it with the data about them already available with the US Customs and Border Protection agency.

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British Airways flights are more relaxing than before! Neither the seat width nor legroom is increased. Neither upholstery is changed nor seat pitch is raised. British Airways has taken a step forward to make its flights immensely comfortable by introducing in-flight meditation classes on long-haul routes.

The airline has added the Headspace video channel to its inflight entertainment system. The new channel is full of audio-visual content related to meditation techniques and mindfulness exercises, which travelers can watch and practice in the air. Meditation is one of the best ways to avoid jetlag and release stress during long-haul flights.

British Airways inflight entertainment system’s new channel airs nine guided meditation programs. Each program is meant for a particular group of travelers having specific needs. Neither of the programs runs more than 10 minutes. The content of the programs is deliberately designed to make passengers feel relaxed during and after the flight.

Andy Puddicombe, the Headspace video channel co-founder and former monk, plays a guide himself in the meditation programs for British Airways flights on long-haul routes. Each program addresses a different need. If one program helps stressed elderly passengers to unwind themselves, the other program helps agitated travelers feel clam. The new initiative makes travelers enjoy the journey to their destinations, irrespective of their individual problems and needs.

“Our partnership with Headspace is one of the newest initiatives to make our customers feel at home on board by making long-haul flights more fulfilling. With the meticulously guided programs of the Headspace video channel, customers can do meditation and mindfulness yoga to de-stress themselves while sitting on board, at 35,000 feet,” says Troy Warfield, British Airways’ Director of customer experience.

The existing audio-visual content of British Airways’ High Life Inflight entertainment system includes such programs as ‘Flying with Confidence’ and ‘Dawn Chorus: Sounds of Spring’ for the wellbeing of travelers. The new meditation channel adds to the wellbeing content in sync with the airline’s customer service excellence and in response to travelers’ need.

Don’t miss meditation while traveling on British Airways flights to India from the United States.

Travel Beats is a digital news portal by IndianEagle, a leading international organization booking the best flights to India with the best airlines. Subscribe to Travel Beats for the latest updates on USA to India travel.   

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We have received the query “Does British Airways have Wi-Fi?” many times. Now we do have the answer ‘Yes’. British Airways to offer high-speed Wi-Fi in flight is certainly good news for you. The national carrier of the United Kingdom has announced its plan to offer inflight Wi-Fi connectivity on long-haul and short-haul routes in its global network. British Airways’ passengers will soon be connected to the world while flying at a height of 38,000 feet.

The airline is currently upgrading 100 aircrafts with high-end Wi-Fi systems for long-haul routes to provide international travelers with smooth Internet connection on board. Inflight Wi-Fi service is a need of flyers these days, irrespective of their travel classes and routes. This upcoming facility will also be available on British Airways’ short-haul routes. Wi-Fi systems are being installed in 300 aircrafts for short-haul flights.

British Airways’ Wi-Fi service is not absolutely new. British Airways’ B747-400 aircraft for long-haul flights was equipped with Panasonic Global Communication Suite for only 12 months from 2014 to 2015. Named “High Life Connect”, it enabled travelers to access Internet on their personal devices during Boeing 747-400 flights.  British Airways deployed the Wi-Fi fitted aircraft to evaluate performance of the Panasonic Global Communication technology and assess the usage of Internet on different routes. The airline currently offers this facility only on flights between London Heathrow and New York.

The plan to equip 90% of British Airways’ fleet for long-haul flights with Wi-Fi systems will be executed by the beginning of 2019. The airline is looking to operate the first short-haul flight with AtG in 2017.  The plan to launch Europe’s fist inflight 4G broadband service on short-haul aircrafts in collaboration with Britain’s satellite company, Immarsat, is underway.

“We think Wi-Fi technology has advanced a lot and the time to implement it for our passengers on board across the global network is ripe. It will facilitate their requirement to stay connected and be at work in the sky,” says a senior professional of British Airways.

The upcoming inflight Wi-Fi service is surely a new reason to fly by British Airways.

Indian Eagle issues cheapest tickets for British Airways flights to India from from New York, Austin, Houston, San Francisco, Chicago, Newark, Los Angeles and Atlanta. The best flight is guaranteed at the lowest fare.

More about British Airways

• British Airways Economy Seats
• British Airways’ New Cabin Bag Size
• British Airways’ Pre-order Meal Service
• British Airways’ Baggage Details for US-India Flights
• British Airways’ Inflight Services

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British Airways is all set to defy the current trend of squeezing space of Economy seats, while more and more airlines are reducing the width of Economy seats to make space for a few more passengers. Recently, Qantas Airways has been in news for adding more seats to the Economy travel cabin for short-haul flights. In this grim scenario of air travel, British Airways’ defiance of the trend seems to win the hearts of Economy travelers.

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants has raised an alarm about passengers’ health and safety issues because of narrower and less-padded seats in the Economy cabin. Economy seats are getting narrow and less padded. In 2014, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines replaced normal cushion seats with slim-line seats. According to aviation experts, phrases like slim-line sound stylish and seem to convince passengers about the comfort of perching on these seats. Less-padded seats occupy less space, which makes it possible to increase the number of seats by a few. More seats mean more passengers. More passengers mean more money.

READ ALSO British Airways’ Inflight Services on Flights to India

The move to widen British Airways’ Economy seats on 787-9 Dreamliners will fetch the airline more attention in the global market. According to Kathryn Doyle, Manager of British Airways’ Aircraft Product Cabin Interiors, the decision to widen Economy seats resulted from passengers’ dissatisfaction and complaints about discomfort on long-haul flights. Widening of seats by half an inch helps to improve passengers’ comfort without raising the level of competition with rival airlines.

JetBlue Airways is one of the few airlines which were favorites of air travelers for Economy seats with spacious legroom and free baggage check. It is reported that JetBlue Airways will reduce legroom by 5% the next year. The airline has already started taking baggage fees. Some opine that more seats in the Economy travel cabin will make more money for investors, while some believe that it will help airlines to avoid bearing the brunt of issuing cheap air tickets.

READ ALSO British Airways’ Baggage Policy for US to India Flights

Though narrow and less-padded seats make Economy flyers unhappy, airlines have other reasons to make them happy. For instance, Qantas Airways is packing the Economy cabin with more seats on one hand and installing inflight wireless streaming entertainment systems on the other hand. However, usefulness of such measures in contrast to space reduction is debatable.

While aircraft manufacturers including Boeing and Airbus are reportedly packing more seats into Economy travel cabins at the behest of airlines, British Airways has embraced a liberal policy with regards to its Economy flights. However, aviation industry experts are waiting with a bated breath to know, “Where is the extra space to widen British Airways’ Economy seats on 787-9 Dreamliners?”

Recently, British Airways reduced the size limits of carry-on bags in order to make space in overhead bins. The new cabin baggage police came into effect on August 18. Click here to read more. – Indian Eagle

Indian Eagle books British Airways’ cheap flights to India from New York, Austin, Houston, San Francisco, Chicago, Newark, Los Angeles and Atlanta. The best flight is guaranteed despite the lowest fare.

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Is traveling by air while pregnant possible? Do international airlines permit flying during pregnancy? Is a “fitness or no complication” certificate from a doctor mandatory for international flights during pregnancy? There is a lot to know about airlines’ policies for pregnant travelers before booking your flight. As different airlines have different policies for expectant women, you may end up being baffled about which airline is the best for flying during pregnancy, or which airlines have compliable rules for traveling during pregnancy. You may get tips on flying to India from US during pregnancy from different sources, but knowing nothing about US to India airlines’ policy for pregnant women won’t help. Below is our guide on how you can travel to India from US when you are pregnant, based on a compilation of regulations from some of the major airlines:

Different Airline Policies for Flying during Pregnancy

Air India’s Policy for Pregnant Passengers

According to Air India’s policy for pregnant travelers, expectant women in good health can fly till the 32^nd week of pregnancy. Air India permits traveling during pregnancy to women with high possibility of normal delivery till the 35^th week. In this case, a medical certificate ascertaining their fitness for flying on long-haul routes is essential. Flying during pregnancy beyond 35 weeks may be possible on grounds of urgency or compassion. Flying while pregnant till the actual delivery requires women travelers to sign an indemnity bond and be accompanied by a physician on Air India’s international flights. Permission for traveling at the advanced stage of pregnancy should be sought from Air India’s Chief Medical Officer.

READ MORE Air India’s Baggage Policy for US to India Flights

British Airways’ Policy for Expectant Women

British Airways’ policy for air travel and pregnancy is stricter than Air India’s. Expectant women cannot board British Airways’ flights once the 36^th week of pregnancy is over. If you are expecting more than one baby, you cannot fly with British Airways after the end of the 32^nd week of pregnancy. Flying while pregnant for more than 28 weeks requires you to carry a confirmation letter from your doctor or midwife with regards to your fitness for air travel and the possible delivery date.

READ MORE British Airways Baggage Policy for US to India Travel

United Airlines’ Policy for Pregnant Women

A medical certificate confirming your health and fitness is required for traveling on United Airlines in the ninth month of pregnancy. The certificate should not be dated before 72 hours of the scheduled departure. You need to carry the original certificate and its two copies as well. According to United Airlines’ policy for pregnancy and air travel, the medical certificate from a doctor or midwife should carry an official statement about your physical wellness for flying. Make sure to carry the original certificate in your handbag because you need to produce it while checking in at the departure airport. Flight attendants may ask for copies of the certificate during air travel.

READ MORE United Airlines’ Service Policy for Special Travelers

Lufthansa’s Policy For Flying during Pregnancy

Lufthansa permits traveling during pregnancy in uncomplicated cases. Expectant women having no physical complicacy can board Lufthansa flights till 4 weeks before the possible delivery date or the end of the 36^th week of pregnancy. It is not mandatory to carry a medical certificate. If you are expecting more than one baby in uncomplicated pregnancy, you can be flying while pregnant till the end of the 28^th week. You need to undergo a health checkup and get a certificate from your physician or gynecologist confirming your medical fitness for air travel after the 36^th week of pregnancy. The certificate should clearly state that flying while pregnant is not harmful for you.

READ MORE Lufthansa’s Inflight Entertainment on Long-haul Flights

Emirates’ Policy for Traveling during Pregnancy

Emirates Airlines’ policy for flying pregnant makes it mandatory for expectant women to carry a genuine medical certificate or letter issued by a qualified doctor or midwife during air travel in the 29^th week of pregnancy. The medical certificate should state the type of pregnancy: singleton or multiple, the stage of pregnancy, the possible delivery date, and the traveler’s physical condition as well as fitness. If you forget to carry or fail to produce a duly signed medical certificate while checking in at the departure airport, you will be denied boarding. Emirates Airlines does not permit flying in case of multiple pregnancies after the 32^nd week of gestation. Traveling on Emirates’ flights is permitted for single pregnancies even after the 36^th week of gestation, on the basis of prior clearance by the airline’s medical department. You should fill a medical information form (MEDIF) and submit it to seek clearance.

READ MORE Emirates’ Menu on US to India Flights

Etihad’s Policy for Pregnant Travelers

On Etihad Airways, traveling while pregnant with one or two babies is possible without a medical certificate till the 28^th week of gestation. However, Etihad Airways’ “flying while pregnant” policy is rigid for the period from the beginning of the 29^th week till the end of the 36^th week. Women expecting one baby or two need to submit a medical certificate stating their physical fitness and estimated delivery date prior to flying with Etihad Airways after the 28^th week of pregnancy. The airline does not permit traveling after the 36^th week in case of ‘single pregnancy’ and after the 32^nd week of gestation in case ‘multiple pregnancy.’ The airline accepts only clinical / hospital letterheads issued, signed and stamped by doctors or midwives as medical certificates within 7 days before the date of departure.

READ MORE Best Facilities in Etihad’s Economy Class

Jet Airways’ Policy for Pregnancy Travel

Jet Airways’ ‘travel during pregnancy’ policy is more or less the same as that of other major international airlines. Traveling by air during pregnancy is permitted to expectant women till the end of the 28^th week in complicated single pregnancy or uncomplicated multiple pregnancy cases. You need to get a medical fitness certificate from your treating doctor. Jet Airways’ ‘pregnancy travel’ policy allows only expectant women with uncomplicated single pregnancy to fly till the 35^th week if they carry a ‘fit for air travel’ certificate from their treating doctors. No flight with Jet Airways is booked for women with uncomplicated multiple pregnancy or complicated single pregnancy after the 32^nd week. The airline’s Medical Department clearance is a must.

*These airline policies for flying during pregnancy are applicable to most of international flights across the globe. The airlines may modify their policies for pregnant travelers at any time and without notification.

Get cheap airfare deals for US to India flights on IndianEagle.com. Indian Eagle offers the lowest airfare online from these airlines.

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Earlier this month, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for a cut in dimensions of carry-on bags in a bid to optimize space in overhead bins of aircraft cabins. IATA suggested the dimension of 55x45x25 cm for cabin bags to be reduced to a dimension of 55x35x20 cm for convenient storage of carry-on bags in overhead bins. Even Lufthansa and Emirates Airlines agreed to accept IATA’s proposal. However, IATA withdrew the proposal and put it on hold, a few days later, making it a reason for the passengers of Emirates and Lufthansa Airlines to rejoice.

But, British Airways has decided to reduce the size limits of carry-on baggage for all flights. The decision will be implemented on and remain effective from August 18, 2015. No passengers with cabin bags larger than 40x30x15 cm would be allowed to board British Airways flights from August 18. 45x36x20 cm is the existing size of carry-on bags, according to British Airways’ inflight baggage policy.

Passengers can continue to carry two pieces of hand baggage on flights with British Airways, and the second cabin bag (main bag) will remain unchanged in size, much to the pleasure of travelers. The decision to reduce the dimensions of one cabin bag resulted from an increase in the number of customers flying with hand baggage, exceeding the storage capacity of overhead bins.

Handbags and laptop bags within the new size limits will be marked with a yellow tag facilitating easy boarding of passengers into the World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) and World Traveller (Economy) cabins, at departure airports. Only the hand baggage with yellow tags will be allowed on board.

Cabin bags exceeding the new size limits will be checked in. Passengers may be asked to pay for checking in extra bags if the total number of check-in bags exceeds the permissible collective weight, according to British Airways’ check-in baggage policy. If overhead bins become full on very busy flights before all passengers are boarded, some passengers at the end may be asked to check in their carry-on bags without yellow tags.

British Airways expects passengers to comply with its new hand baggage policy so that flights can depart on time. The airline is looking to maintain punctuality and ensure convenience for passengers at the same time.

CLICK to Check British Airways’ Baggage Policy for Flights to India

Indian Eagle books cheap flights from USA to India with British Airways flying to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Ahmadabad.

Call us at 1800-615-3969, and our travel specialists will address your queries about checked baggage allowance and free baggage policy applicable to your flights to India with British Airways.

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