One of India’s leading airlines, Air India was established in 1932 by Sir J.R.D. Tata. It flew from Karachi to Juhu Aerodrome in Mumbai, later the flight continued to Chennai. In 1952, the government announced the merger of all private airlines to be run completely by the government. But after almost 68 years in early 2022, the airline returned to where it belonged, to the Tatas.

A Brief history of Air India

Air India (AI) was founded as Tata Airlines in the year 1932 by J.R.D. Tata. An interesting fact that many aren’t aware of is that Tata himself flew the first single-engine aircraft that carried air mail to Juhu aerodrome in Bombay all the way from Karachi. The flight then continued on to Chennai (then Madras). The airline was renamed Air India post World War II along with becoming a Public Limited Company. Maharaja, the mascot of Air India (AI) is famous worldwide and must be credited with increasing the popularity of the airline across the globe.

Destinations Air India Serves

According to the estimates of 2019, Air India operates between 102 domestic destinations along with nearly 45 international ones. It serves between 31 countries across the five continents around the world. The popular airline has a primary hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and a secondary hub at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.

Air India Fleet

Air India (AI) uses a series of Airbus and Boeing aircraft to serve various destinations across the globe. Several of these are wide body aircrafts that offer utmost comfort to passengers while traveling over long international flight journeys. The Air India aircraft that usually carries the President, Vice-President or Prime Minister of India has the call sign of Air India One.

It was recently announced that the new owners of the airline, the Tata Group are planning to restore Air India planes and renovate these to start commercial operations. The airlines now have several widebody and narrow body aircrafts that were not in use due to the lack of engine overhaul or because of the unavailability of some components or spares. But if everything goes as planned, these will be able to fly and resume operations; which in turn will increase the airline’s fleet

Air India to Acquire the Complete Stake of AirAsia India

The airline industry will witness another takeover as AirIndia will acquire the complete stake of debt-ridden AirAsia India. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) also gave an approval for this acquisition on 14th June 2022. It already had around 83.67% of the equity share earlier. After the deal is sealed, Air India will get the remaining 16% of the shares from AirAsia Berhad, which is a top Malaysian airline group. This will increase Air India’s share in the Indian domestic market by upto 25%.

Also Read: Air India Negotiates with United Airlines and Others for Codesharing

Services Offered by Air India

• eSuper Saver Scheme

As the name suggests, this scheme is one of the best ways to save money when booking Air India (AI) flights. The offer is valid for business class and economy travel on a few domestic Air India sectors and is meant only for single users. There’s an eSuper Saver Scheme which is meant for multi users.

Inflight Entertainment

The inflight entertainment offered by Air India (AI) is among the best offered by any airline in the world ensuring utmost passenger comfort. On board an Air India flight, you can expect to enjoy a vast number of entertainment channels, access to latest news, a variety of programs, TV shows, audio books, and a collection of good music.

• Special Needs Assistance

Air India (AI) takes care of the special needs of its passengers. For instance, if you are in need of a wheelchair, you will be provided one. However, the airline prefers that you request for one at the time of reservation or booking. This is to avoid the inconvenience you may face in the event that there aren’t any wheelchairs available at the last minute.

• Inflight Food Service

Air India (AI) takes its passengers on an epic culinary voyage through its top-notch food services. Passengers on board international flights are served all three meals while those on domestic ones are served high tea as well. Additionally, there are special meals such as religious meals, dietary meals, medical meals, and meals for babies and infants.

• Air India Airport Services

Air India (AI) has set up ground handling at more than 50 airports across the country. The services the airline offers via this include Passenger Handling, Technical Assistance, VVIP Charter Handling, Aircraft Recovery Assistance, Ramp Handling, Engineering and Allied Services among plenty of other things.

• Group Bookings

Air India (AI) offers group booking for more than 10 passengers traveling together. This is an incredibly convenient service as it means that entire families can travel on the same flight without having to split up. Many large groups of travelers prefer group bookings with Air India.

• Frequent Flyer Program

Air India (AI) shares its frequent flyer program with its subsidiaries. The program is called Flying Returns and you will earn good miles once you enroll. You have the option to redeem the points you earn here for travel on certain other airlines as well.

• Premium Lounges

First and Business Class passengers have the privilege to enjoy the Maharaja Lounge. At international airports that do not have the Maharaja Lounge, Air India (AI) shares lounges with other reputed international airlines. By the latest estimate, there are a total number of 8 Maharaja Lounges which travelers can enjoy.

You can book international flights to India through Indian Eagle and get amazing deals on Air India flights. So, why wait? Plan your itinerary today and save more on your travel expenses.

The post Air India: All You Need to Know About this Iconic Airline appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

A lot of travelers wonder if there are any benefits of booking flights through travel agents. Let us assure you that in the modern age of technology which has turned every traveler into his own trip planner, travel agents hold their own importance. While the ‘travel agent’ vs. ‘do it yourself’ saga is seemingly endless, there are quite a few advantages of booking flights through a travel agent. Keep reading if you wish to know why using travel agents to book flights happens to be a great idea, even during this digital age.

Advantages of Using a Travel Agent 

Travelers often wonder whether to book flights directly or through agents. While you may be able to find cheap airfares by yourselves, booking flights using the services of a travel agent will prove to be a lot more cost effective. So how do travel agents book flights at cheaper rates than you? They are able to do this because they have access to airline fares that ordinary travelers don’t. That is just one of the several benefits of booking flights through travel agents. Following are listed a few more benefits you can check if you’ve asked yourself is it better to use a travel agent or book online.

• Travel agents have access to great deals

Is it cheaper to book flights online or with a travel agent in India or elsewhere? This is among the top queries travelers have and the answer is a very surprising one. Booking with travel agents is often cheaper than booking online as they have access to awesome money-saving deals. Privy to secret airline prices, travel agents book scores of air tickets each day and will be able to easily tell you if the flight price you found online is a reasonable one. This is one of the topmost benefits of booking flights through travel agents.

• It is cost effective and time-saving

If you were thinking why use a travel agent instead of booking online, it’s because booking with travel agents will be a lot cheaper than booking online. Travel agents can help you avail airline discounts, codes, and coupons which would ordinarily be inaccessible to you. Booking with them will also enable you to save precious hours you’d otherwise have to spend poring over the internet looking for money-saving deals.

• There are no hidden fee charges

Plenty of travel agents or agencies have no hidden charges. In fact, some of them won’t even charge you anything and make their money from the suppliers. Those who charge are upfront about it. This kind of transparency is among the biggest benefits of booking flights through travel agents. However, don’t expect this from airlines because oftentimes, the prices they display are excluding taxes and other charges which pop up when you reach the payment stage.

• Many travel agents are ‘all inclusive’

What this simply means is that with the right travel agent, you’ll be able to book an entire tour package and not just flights. From hotels and tour groups to cruises and adventure itineraries, travel agents will book anything and everything for you.  If you’re wondering about cheap places to stay in India or anywhere else, just ask your travel agent. Also, if you need to head out on an emergency basis, they’ll be able to help you book some cheap last minute flights as well.

• Travel agents offer insurance as well

One of the best benefits of booking flights through travel agents is that they offer insurance as well. Depending on your trip, your health, and the intended destination, travel agents will help you get the best travel insurance covering medical emergencies as well as trip cancellations. Travel agents understand fine print better than travelers and will, therefore, make sure you’re well protected when booking with them.

• They can book your seats together, VIP treatment, and what not!

The chances of you grabbing a business class flight upgrade are higher if you’re using travel agents to book flights. It will be a cakewalk for travel agents to book your seats together in the same flight and at the very same price which would otherwise be quite challenging for you to do on your own. Also, they’re well-connected to major airlines, hotels, and other tour companies and will use that to get you VIP treatment should you wish for it. What could be better benefits of booking flights through travel agents than these!

• Travel agents are available 24/7

Getting someone from an airline to address your concerns can be a frustrating experience, to say the least. On the other hand, one of the best benefits of booking cheap flights through travel agents is that they’re available 24 hours and 7 days a week! One of the biggest benefits of booking flights through travel agents is that it’s relatively easier to get in touch with a travel agent to book flights or address a query when compared to a major airline. Not only will travel agents respond faster on call but will also give you personalized attention which you can’t really expect from international airlines.

Despite the rise in travel websites or apps, majority of people still consider booking international flight tickets through travel agents. Comment below and share your thoughts on what you think about these benefits. 

FAQs

Is it cheaper to book flights online or with a travel agent?

You can book cheap international flights online via Indian Eagle. If you book your itinerary online, you will also be able to check out prices on different websites and book the one which is the cheapest. 

Can travel agents get cheaper flights?

In most cases, travel agents try to offer you the cheapest flight to your destination. This is because they go through different websites and have contacts with airlines, travel agencies etc. that offer them the best deals. 

Do travel agents get discounts on flight?

Yes, travel agents most likely do get discounts on flights. 

How do I find the best travel agency near me?

In a digital age, you don’t need to search for travel agencies. You can book your cheap flight tickets through Indian Eagle. This online ticketing company has been offering cheap flight tickets from USA to India for the past 15 years. 

What is the best travel agency near me?

Indian Eagle is the best online ticketing company offering the cheapest flight tickets for your travel from USA to India. 

–Travel Diary

The post Top 7 Benefits of Booking Flights through Travel Agents appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

What is jet lag and what are the causes for it?

Human bodies are programmed to naturally perform a number of activities such as eating, sleeping, and exercising throughout the 24-hour period of a day. These inbuilt routines by which we function are called circadian rhythms that are thrown into disarray when we fly through different time zones. The unpleasant resulting phenomenon of this is known as jet lag.

What are some jet lag symptoms and signs?

Some very common symptoms of jet lag include extreme fatigue, diarrhea, headache, anxiety, dehydration, confusion, loss of appetite, irregular bowel movements, nausea, and sweating. However, these are just a few common signs and different people are affected differently by jet lag depending on stress levels, age, and the state of physical health. Thereby, the best way to get over jet lag may vary from person to person.

How long does it usually take someone to recover from jet lag?

Answering the query ‘how to recover from jet lag’ isn’t as simple as it may seem. While there is no specific time period for jet lag to last, recovery may depend on the number of time zones one crosses while traveling. For instance, if you’ve flown through 6 time zones, it could take your body typically 3 to five days to adjust to the sudden time change. The good news is that jet lag is temporary and most travelers recover within a couple of days.

Here’s how to overcome jet lag in 9 easy ways:

While most travelers know how to find cheap airline tickets, many are left stumped when it comes to dealing with jet lag. Whether you’re traveling in economic or business class flights, jet lag can strike anyone anytime. However, there are a few simple things you can do before, during, and after a flight to help beat jet lag. Listed here are 9 easy ways to learn how to recover from jet lag.

1. Try natural light therapy

For those who wish to know how to recover from jet lag, this is among the top things to do. Exposure to light is believed to help circulate the circadian rhythm of the body. If you cannot access natural light for some reason, say an emergency meeting or so, there are artificial light boxes available that you can use. Just be mindful that too much exposure isn’t good either and can actually end up having the opposite effect.

2. Stay hydrated

One cannot underestimate the importance and benefits of staying hydrated especially when it comes to flight journeys, even if it’s on last minute flights. If you suffer dehydration during a flight journey, your jet lag could get worse and you will take a lot more time to recover from it. Insufficient water intake will also harm your skin. Keep yourself from being dehydrated and drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight.

3. Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Especially on long haul flights, it may be tempting to enjoy a glass of wine thinking it will help you doze off. However, alcohol has dehydrating effects on the body and may actually contribute to helping you stay awake. If you don’t want to deal with how to recover from jet lag later on, don’t drink on the flight. Avoid caffeine and other caffeinated drinks for the same reason. Your body will be grateful for your decision to pass over these drinks on the flight.

4. Minimize sleep distractions

From crying toddlers to chatty co-passengers, there are several distractions to keep you up when trying to sleep on the flight. While you may not be able to do anything about those, you can definitely do other small things to make yourself more comfortable. For instance, you could keep the lights to a minimum, use an eye mask, plug in your noise-canceling earphones, and invariably shut everything and everyone out. Your mind and body will rest better with fewer distractions.

5. Take a hot bath before bedtime

So you’ve arrived at your destination, but your body still feels beat up. What do you do? How to recover from jet lag now? The best way to get over jet lag is to take a hot bath before bedtime. The warm water will help relax your sore muscles from the flight journey while the change in body temperature will enable you to sleep a lot quicker and more peacefully. This is a sure fire way to recover faster from jet lag.

6. Take rest for a couple of days

What your body needs to adjust to a new place, new environment, and a new time zone is a healthy mix of relaxation and activity. However, it is not advisable to over-exert your body with intense activity such as trekking or rock climbing. Give your body a couple days’ rest upon arrival and start with something easy such as a light jog or a short walk. Wait for the big things until your body is ready to handle that kind of pressure.

7. Keep track of the new time zone

If you want to know how to recover from jet lag faster, one of the best ways is to prepare your body for flying into a new time zone. Once seated, set your watch according to the time zone in your destination so that you are aware of the time you are arriving. Adjust your body likewise. For instance, you can try being awake if you’re arriving in the morning or doze off if your arrival is at night time.

8. Take Melatonin drug

Naturally secreted Melatonin regulates circadian rhythms in our bodies and enables us to sleep better. But the jury is still out there on whether or not the supplement of Melatonin can help combat jet lag. However, many travelers still go ahead and use it to aid their recovery from jet lag. You can do it too provided it is done under the skillful guidance of your medical practitioner. This may prove to be one of the answers for at least some if not all travelers when dealing with the important query of ‘how to recover from jet lag.’

9. Consider medication

If you’re still having trouble tackling jet lag after following the steps mentioned above, consider seeing medication. Ask your doctor to prescribe medication to help you sleep better and aid your body to recover from jet lag. If you’re flying somewhere on cheap flights for a work-related trip and have a meeting immediately upon arrival, you can ask for medication to help you stay alert for a couple of hours. Once your meeting is done, you can head back to your hotel and let your exhausted body relax.

Simple but effective, these are a few top ways you can use to beat jet lag! Don’t let the fear of jet lag keep you from flying. Follow these tricks the next time you wonder how to recover from jet lag and help your body to normalize faster. Be a pro at beating jet lag and learn to enjoy your flight journeys!

–Travel Diary

The post How to Recover from Jet Lag: 9 Easy Tricks that Actually Work! appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

The Polaris Lounge – one of United Airlines’ most recent innovation drives -has redefined the airline’s on-ground services for its premium or business class passengers. With its remarkable United Polaris lounges at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), the airline has already set a benchmark for other airlines’ business class airport lounges. United Airlines is now all set to open its next United Polaris lounge at Houston George Bush Intercontinental
Airport (IAH).

With posh interiors, immaculate services, and a tranquil ambiance, the Polaris lounges allow customers of United Polaris, the airline’s premium cabin travel class to unwind, freshen up, and dine before their trip.  The United Polaris Lounge at Houston (IAH) is the latest one to be opened and will be followed by a United Polaris Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) sometime this fall. Here’s a closer look at a few of the United Polaris lounges at US airports.

United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco:

Travelers booking United Airlines’ business class tickets to San Francisco International Airport aren’t the only ones to have access to the Polaris lounge at SFO Airport. Even those departing or arriving on long-haul First and Business Class flights operated by Star Alliance partners such as Eva Air, Lufthansa, ANA, and Singapore Airlines can access the lounge. The lounge is located a couple of steps away from security checkpoint near Gate G92 in International Terminal G. Offering the finest Business Class Lounge experience ever, this is one of the poshest Premium lounges in the world! Done up with marble partitions, soothing color tones of gray, blue, and white, ‘meteor shower’ lights above the escalator, and high-end finishes, the United Polaris lounge at SFO is elegance personified.

Top highlights and facts about the United Polaris lounge at SFO:

• Almost 3 times the size of the former United Club it has replaced and with a total area of 28, 120 square feet, the lounge is a massive one that spans across two storeys.
• The Polaris lounge has a total number of 440 seats and 19 different kinds of seating.
• There are 5 Quiet Suites which have been equipped with daybeds.
• Premium passengers will have access to a total of 492 USB ports.
• Travelers who wish to freshen up can use any of the super-posh 8 shower suites.
• Valet services are offered at the United Polaris lounge at SFO.
• There is a 40-seat a la carte Dining Room.
• The Studio is a unique room which offers a blend of buffet items and Sushi. It is also occasionally used for special events.
• Food and drink options are absolutely fabulous and give out the distinct San Francisco Bay area vibe. The signature United Polaris Burger is a top favorite and always on offer.
• Cocktail choices at the bar include regional-inspired ones such a Pisco Punch and Mai Tai among other delicious options.

United Polaris Lounge at Newark

After the one at SFO, a United Polaris Lounge was opened in June 2018 at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) as well. The lounge can be found right after security check and between Gates C102 and C120 in Terminal C. United Polaris premium flyers holding business class tickets to Newark Liberty International Airport will have access to this spectacular lounge. Exhibiting throughout an unmistakable local flair, the United Polaris lounge at EWR greets visitors with a bright and dynamic lighting adornment when they first enter into it. Designed to replicate the zodiac sign constellations, this innovative fixture has been created by Richard Clarkson Studio, an art laboratory based out of Brooklyn. Business class passengers of United Airlines’ Newark to Mumbai flights are buoyant about the lounge at Liberty International Airport.

Top highlights and facts about the United Polaris lounge at EWR:

• The Polaris lounge is sprawled across a massive area of 27,000 sq. feet.
• There are 455 seats and 15 different kinds of seating
• There are 4 personal phone rooms
• Premium travelers have easy access to 450 USB ports along with 570 power outlets.
• The lounge is equipped with 10 daybeds where tired travelers can take a quick nap between flights.
• For travelers who’d like to freshen up, there are 10 swanky shower suites.
• The United Polaris lounge offers valet services.
• A dining area has been set up which offers service for approximately 48 diners at a time. To say the menu is elite and extensive would be an understatement.
• Considering the choices and size of cocktails served, one can easily say that the bar at United Polaris lounge at EWR is an absolute stand-out.
• You will also find a buffet at the Polaris lounge which sort of like a bistro and incorporates a bagel bar.

United Polaris Lounge at Houston

Located next to Gate E12 in Terminal E at Houston Airport, this is United Airlines’ newest Polaris Business Class lounge to be unveiled. Travelers booking business class flight deals to George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston (IAH) will have access to this stunning lounge. According to Mark Krolick, United Airlines’ Vice President of Marketing, the Polaris lounge has been designed to “feel like a boutique” and is replete with committed spaces for dining, relaxation, and refreshing. The United Polaris lounge at IAH goes all out to showcase the distinct Houston flair and features throughout a unique artwork by skilled Houstonian artists Terrell James and Shane Tolbert.

Top highlights and facts about the United Polaris lounge at IAH:

• The lounge has a total of 191 seats.
• Premium travelers have access to 324 power outlets in addition to 264 USB ports.
• There are 2 private daybeds at the United Polaris lounge at IAH.
• The United Polaris lounge is equipped with 6 luxurious shower suites.
• Like in the other United Polaris lounges, personal valet service is offered at this one as well.
• The dining area at the Polaris lounge at EWR provides table service for approximately 28 guests.
• Visitors can enjoy 11 pieces of stunning contemporary art exhibited at the lounge.
• The menu is exceptional with highlight dishes including a Texas breakfast skillet, Argentinian roasted chimichurri chicken, chicken étouffée, and the signature United Polaris Burger among several other things.
• There is also a comprehensive cocktail menu serving some of the finest beverages ever. Highlights include oolong tea-steeped bourbon and vodka infused with star anise.

Says a travel agent associated with Indian Eagle, a US-based flight booking agency, “Luxurious services on board and on-ground, faster check-in, and an unmitigated flight journey are some of the main reasons why people book Business Class travel. The perks are quite impressive right from takeoff to touchdown. Several of our customers book United Airlines business class flight deals from San Francisco to New Delhi regularly. Now, with this posh United Polaris lounge at SFO, we expect the demand for our SFO to DEL business class flights to go up. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if the demands for our business class flights from Newark to New Delhi or business class flights from Houston to New Delhi go up as well!”

Further stepping up its Polaris game, United Airlines is all set to roll out at least one refurbished or new airline equipped with new business class seats every once in 10 days starting now and going all the way through to the year 2020. Also, having achieved tremendous success with its United Polaris lounges, it is to be seen what fantastic new ideas United Airlines comes up with next to take its in-flight and on-ground services even further.

–Travel Diary 

The post A Walk through United Airlines’ Polaris Lounge at US Airports for Business Travelers appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

A window or an aisle seat is generally the most preferred one on an airplane and most passengers try their best to avoid the middle seat. Many don’t have the option but to adjust with their middle seat allocation when they’re booking last minute flights. Being ‘stuck’ on a middle seat is especially unpleasant if the flight is a long-haul one. Having to share armrests and huddle over seat mates all the while traveling in a confined space can be a tiring experience. This is why most passengers prefer seats other than middle seats.

Delta Air Line’s exclusive pop-up ‘Middle Seat Lounge’ at Boston’s Logan International Airport has given passengers of the unpopular seat choice a reason to rejoice.

“It’s true. Several of our regular customers often book flights weeks ahead of their trip not just to find cheap airfare but also to get their preferred seats. Needless to say, middle seats aren’t as popular a choice as aisle or window seats,” says a travel agent associated with Indian Eagle, a leading international travel agency.

This one-of-a-kind pop-up lounge by Delta Air Lines gave middle seat passengers fewer things to rue about, for once.

Delta Air Line Pop-up Middle Seat Lounge:

Once inside the lounge, Delta Airlines’ middle seat passengers will have the chance to enjoy the following:

• Coca-Cola beverages
• Games with their fellow middle seat passengers
• Meet former NBA champion and present Celtics TV analyst Brian Scalabrine
• A three-pack of Coca-Cola beverages to take along on the airplane

Middle seat passengers flying out of Boston will also have the chance to win a trip with Delta. All they need to do is post a selfie with their seatmates.

The partnership between Delta and Coca-Cola can be traced all the way back to 1927. Delta serves Coca-Cola products on all its flights and in Delta Sky Clubs even today. This is not the first joint effort by Delta and Coca-Cola to treat their clients to something special. Last year, the two companies transformed a Boeing 767’s tray tables into art by working in collaboration with 12 global artists. The final masterpiece was put on display at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Delta Airlines’ New Flights from Boston:

With its ever-growing presence in the city, Delta has decided to add to its list of nonstop flights from Boston. Set to commence from October 2018, Delta will introduce a new flight service to Philadelphia and Las Vegas from Logan International Airport.

Another important development is that Delta is set to resume direct flights from USA to India in 2019. Delta had stopped operating nonstop flights to Mumbai in 2009. Those looking to book nonstop cheap flight tickets from USA to India with Delta will be able to do so once this service has begun. By operating nonstop flights between India and USA, Delta will be only the second American airline to do so. Currently, United Airlines operates nonstop flights from New York to Delhi and Mumbai.

The post Delta Airlines is up with Exclusive Offers for Middle Seat Passengers appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

More than a week ago, ‘site’ clearance was given by the Civil Aviation Ministry for the construction of a new international airport at Purandar in Pune. The news came as a much-welcomed development after the project was first approved two years ago by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The new Greenfield international airport will be called Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje International Airport after the Maratha King born at Purandar Fort and is expected to be functional by the year 2023.

Pune International Airport (PNQ) at Lohegaon is at present running beyond its full capacity. Passenger traffic at the existing Pune Airport has surged from 6.76 million to 8.1 million during 2017-18. The airport’s passenger handling capacity per hour is also limited to 450.

The single terminal Pune International Airport has limited expansion options since it is an Air Force Base. There are only two to four international flights operating out of Pune Airport’s sole terminal currently including flights to Pune from USA. About 65-70 daily domestic flights connect Pune to other cities in India. Such massive and quick increase in passenger traffic led to the need for a separate international airport for Pune, one of the fastest growing cities in India.

While there are direct flights to Mumbai from US cities of Newark, San Francisco, and New York, there is no such nonstop flight service to Pune International Airport. Currently, flights to Pune from USA have one or more stops along the way. There are hopes the new international airport at Pune will make it possible to book direct flights from USA and Asia-Pacific countries to the city in future.

Purandar Airport Project Details:

Once operational, Purandar Airport will take over the excess passenger traffic which the current Pune International Airport (PNQ) is struggling to handle. A travel agent working for Indian Eagle travel agency opined that the new Pune International Airport will make air traffic flow to the city much smoother than it is now. He acknowledged that there is a growing demand for direct international flights to Pune, which will be shorter than the existing connecting flights to Pune via Mumbai or Delhi. The agent believes that once the airport is operational, there are high chances of the agency’s partner airlines launching direct flights to Pune for the cheapest fare deals on their website IndianEagle.com. The agency books some of the cheapest flights to Pune from USA on a regular basis.

To be helmed by Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) the ambitious project is set to cost around 14,000 crores and cover an area of 2,400 hectares.

Dorsch, a leading German consulting company, has prepared the detailed project report of the upcoming Purandar Airport. The company received the contract to develop the new Pune international airport in March 2017 and has previously developed airports in famous cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Kuwait.

Listed below are a few key details of the Purandar Airport project:

• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has granted site approval for the project to be spread across 2,400 hectares. The government owns about 1,300 hectares of the total site area.
• The new Pune Airport site is placed about 45 km away from the city center and will operate both domestic and international flights.
• Purandar Airport will have two parallel runways or airstrips each spanning a length of 4 km. It will be connected through six different routes which include National Highway 4 and National Highway 17.
• The estimated time for the completion of this project is about four years.
• Purandar Airport will be developed on a public-private partnership model.
• Work on the Purandar Airport project will begin as soon as MADC receives the necessary regulatory clearance.
• There are six new airport projects for which the center has promised to invest with a capital expenditure outlay of 50,000 crores. This includes the Purandar Airport project.
• A suggestion is doing the rounds to provide a Metro line from Bhosari to the new Pune International Airport.
  

  Disclaimer: Indian Eagle claims no credit for the images featured on its blog site. All the visual content is copyrighted to its respective owners only. We mention the source name of the image whenever possible and found. However, if we miss acknowledging the owner’s source, please contact us. In case, owners don’t want us to use their images, we will remove them promptly. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist, and photographer.

–Travel Diary 

The post New Pune International Airport: All about the INR 14000-crore project appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

If you’ve ever wondered if there were any tips for buying the best travel insurance for USA from India, you wouldn’t be the first one to do so. Travel insurance is a boon if you are constantly traveling to the USA or anywhere else for that matter. One of the best travel insurance tips is to try purchasing travel insurance right before your departure to places that cover a medical insurance, free medical stays if necessary and an emergency flight service to get you back home whenever needed. Don’t think about how long or short your trip or the distance is. Think about how safe you can be if you invest a little in travel insurance. So having travel insurance for USA from India or any international trip is always advisable.

An important thing to know is that medical expenses are costlier in other countries than in India. To exemplify, if you have a major finger cut and need to get it stitched, it might hardly cost you 3000/- rupees in India but if you bill it in USA, it will cost you nearly 40-50 times more. So make sure to have your medical insurance also with you along with travel insurance for USA from India in order to save yourself from a burning pocket. Make it a part of your travel insurance when you book economy or business class flights for your next trip.

Tips on When and Why to Buy Travel Insurance for USA from India:

• Burglary! The risk of burglary is something everyone is afraid of whenever we leave our homes alone. So make sure to have a travel insurance handy in case of theft as that might cover your expenses and you can also use it in case of luggage thefts during your trips.
• Imagine you have prepaid a huge amount of money and you need to cancel your trip! Cancellation insurance pops up right when you need it if you have it.
• Supplemental insurance covers up for you on your renter’s policy while you are away vacationing. This is again a great advantage you have when you purchase travel insurance for USA from India.
• Road trips are very much fun but you can make them secured too if you have a liability insurance. If you are renting a car then the rental agencies provide you with such insurances that provide cover in case of damage to the vehicles or people.
• Apart from all these, why wouldn’t you want to own travel insurance for USA from India when you can get the chance of availing so much from it?

Factors Contributing to Formation of Travel Insurance for USA from India:

• Insured Amount: If you have insured a high amount then the policy or the premium that you opt for will be costly. Check the best travel insurance India has to offer and choose a plan which best suits your travel needs.
• Kind of plan: There are a number of varieties when it comes to travel insurance for USA from India. We must choose a plan depending on factors such as whether our trip is a single trip or a multi-trip or if we are seniors or students. You get to choose your premiums as per your eligibility.
• Coverage: In scenarios where you are out for adventurous trips like trekking or sky-diving, leaving home for a longer time, or if you have anything else to add to your trips, make sure to get coverage for them too as they get covered in the premium packs you choose. In case you are carrying a very expensive item then get insurance cover for that as well even though it might cost you a bit high.
• Duration: Premium charges go higher if you are out on a trip for a longer time. So expect these charges to be more on travel insurance for USA from India for longer trips.
• Destination: Travel insurance for USA, Canada, and similar countries is a bit costlier because medical expenses are higher in such places. So you need to consult and compare many companies for travel insurance for USA or other such countries.
• Age and Health: The older you are, more the chances of you having health issues. You might already have a prescribed list of drugs but that can also increase your premium package price. However, there is no such insurance cover for travelers who are alcoholic or drug-addicts.

Best Travel Insurance for USA from India:

Now that you have a clear idea about what to and what not to purchase, look for some top companies that offer best travel insurance for USA and other countries from India. Choose as per your own comfort and affordability. If you are concerned more about the medical expenses then I suggest you choose TATA AIG travel insurance, ICICI Lombard travel insurance, Royal Sundaram, and Oriental United. If you are looking for add-ons like liability and cancellation then Bajaj Allianz travel insurance, Cholamandalam, New India, Apollo Munich, and Star Health are most preferred ones.

Some others you can consider include Reliance travel insurance, LIC travel insurance, and Religare travel insurance. You can always compare prices to find the best ones possible and buy the best travel insurance for USA from India.

Book cheap flight tickets with Indian Eagle and choose the best travel insurance for USA from India. This is all you need to do for a great trip. You can book cheap last minute flights as well. Express your views about this in the comments section below and do not forget to like and share this article if you find it useful.

–Travel Diary

The post Tips for buying the best Travel Insurance for USA from India appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

Did you know about the fascinating nicknames of Hyderabad? Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana, in the South of India is a beautiful city where lifestyle is not just updating but also keeping up with the ancient old cultural traditions equally. This is the city that has been recently declared as the best city to live with owing to its IT culture, ethnicity and upgrading lifestyle. But this is not new. Hyderabad has been winning this title for the past 4 years continuously.

This city has developed so much and at such a fast pace that sometimes it is difficult to recollect the days when Hyderabad was nothing but a huge area with nothing much to offer. Education, Political backgrounds, Tourism, Food management, Jobs, Sports, everything is flourishing in Hyderabad. That is why Hyderabad has always been a dear city for many people. Even tourists come from all over the world and visit the vacationing spots here in this city.

For all the reasons mentioned above, this remarkable city has managed to attain many nicknames in the past years. While there are several amazing nicknames of Indian cities, not many of them are as interesting as the ones given to Hyderabad. Many people aren’t aware of the interesting nicknames of Hyderabad and the reasons behind them. Read on to know what they are.

THE CITY OF NIZAMS

This is among the most popular nicknames of Hyderabad. Hyderabad was actually formed by the Nizam ruler Sultan Quli Qutub Shah nearly 40 decades ago. The city was formed as a base for new developments planned by the ruler and his advisors. Since then, this city has been under the influence of the Nizams. Whatever developments were made, the monuments and mosques constructed and the rules implemented were all under the influence of the Nizams. This city was given birth to, raised, and made to stand with pride solely by the Nizams.

Even after the end of their reign, the city didn’t lose its essence and that is why we still find the royalty and pride of the Nizams in Hyderabad. Be it Charminar, Golconda Fort, the Mosques or even streets with common homes, every place surely has the Nizami effect. That is why this city is given the title of ‘City of Nizams’. This is among the most interesting nicknames of Indian cities.

THE CITY OF PEARLS

Pearls are something you will find in abundance in Hyderabad since the city is known for some of the best quality pearls and diamonds. People who come here to shop surely look for pearls and take them in large amounts because it is said that the quality of pearls available in Hyderabad is not found anywhere else in India or even the world! No wonder one of the nicknames of Hyderabad is The City of Pearls!

If you wish to purchase the finest quality of pearls in Hyderabad, we suggest you move straight to Lad Bazaar near Charminar. Begum Bazaar or Sultan Bazaar are good options as well. These places have some of the best traders of pearls for centuries and that is why you get to see a lot of crowds. When it comes to tourists, you will find these markets flooded with them most of the times. People book cheap flights to Hyderabad and come here to buy these valuable items. The best part about Hyderabad’s pearl markets is that you can even find raw, unrefined pearls here. So purchase them as per your own desire and requirement. Along with the many other nicknames of Hyderabad, the city well-deserves this one as well.

WORLD CAPITAL OF BIRYANI

Biryani! Whoever hasn’t tasted this dish has to taste it at least once in their lifetime! Biryani is the signature dish of Hyderabad made with rice, spice-flakes, and meat. Meat usually involves mutton or chicken but you will also find Biryani made with prawns and fish as well since there is always a scope for innovations and inventions.

The best one to taste without fail is the Gosht ki Biryani that is always available at almost every biryani center. This is the mutton Biryani that tastes heavenly and is also known to be one of the most famous dishes in Hyderabad. Since Hyderabad is the only city that makes biryani in the original authentic way, this city has earned the title of ‘World capital of Biryani’. Among the most interesting nicknames of Indian cities, this title is also one of the best and well-deserved nicknames of Hyderabad.

So if you ever get the chance of booking your tickets to India, make sure to mark Rajiv Gandhi International Airport as your destination so that you don’t miss out on this fantastic South Indian city that offers so much with the best in everything. Indian Eagle is always here to help you out with the best offers and deals so that you can make a number of trips within various budgets. Visit Hyderabad and explore its culture, food, and other attractions. See for yourself the amazing reasons behind the many fascinating nicknames of Hyderabad and why the city deserves each of them!

–Travel Diary

The post Fascinating nicknames of Hyderabad and the reasons behind them! appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

Los Angeles is a city full of fanatic place that has so many highways that look beautiful when seen from top of the city. There are some seedy suburbs, coastlines, high-gloss neighborhoods and extremely happening lifestyle. You will find sandy shores and beaches on one side while the other side is for those high snowcapped mountains that stand as tall as 10,000ft. Los Angeles is everything to the extremes and to be here for vacationing is like a dream come true for many people all around the world. Places to stay in Los Angeles by the beach are surely innumerable but then since this article has to end at an extent, we have decided to make sure to cut down the places and choose the best ones for you. So scroll down this page with me, Aara, your travel guide and tips expert to know about the places.

“Where do I stay in Los Angeles?” 

DOWNTOWN

You have to be a little choosy when it comes to staying at places because it is not easy to choose a place in such a vast city. Taking that fact into consideration, I would say Downtown is a best place to stay in Los Angeles. The place is gracefully well built over the historical remains. Find some magnificent entertaining complex, the LA Live, expensive shopping centers, high-end restaurants, theaters and what not in this place! Oh! And the clubs too! Right from plush hotels to basic beds, you can see the ranges rising from rags to riches as per the demand. Even the public transport is pretty convenient.

HOLLYWOOD

Hollywood is like a dream come true and is a best place to stay in Los Angeles. Ever since the movies and heroes have become popular, Hollywood has become a charm to everyone and attracts innumerable people round the year. But that is what you see it as, right now. Previously, this place was nothing but a place that was densely populated, had residential neighborhoods and was not a place for all those fancy movie actors at all. People here had low incomes. They lived here only because they could afford this cheap hilly area. Look what has become of it now!

WEST LA

Beyond Hollywood, there is something called West LA. Now the best part of this place is that it contains the most expensive and heavenly neighborhoods in the entire city. Perfect landscape to make your day, amazing places to hangout and a comfortable ambiance is what this place has to offer you. No wonder it is another best place to stay in Los Angeles. There is Santa Monica Mountains in the North, Santa Monica Freeway to the South, Hollywood to the East and some of the most soothing and relaxing beaches in the west. Yes! It is the best place to stay in Los Angeles. I can see your mind is made up. Be it boutiques to calm you down or Beverly Hills or the Getty Center that is located on the heights above the basins of Los Angeles. Los Angeles has West LA as a big time support. You would even get to see the finest restaurants, stores and galleries which offer you the most magnificent and marvelous pieces of art and items that you could only dream of. Even the community present in this best place to stay in Los Angeles is liberal and friendly. The place holds its ocean-side charm very proudly with elegance and poise.

Come see LA’s craziest place, Venice where there is a fusion of historical remnants combined with some of the coolest things to be seen. Graffiti, crackers, wall-arts, street-arts, tough games, tomboy feels and what not! Ah, life is all crazy and filled with some high positive energy and madness. Then comes Malibu! Yes the one from the song by Miley Cyrus! Malibu is a very beautiful place fit for surfing and for beach-soaking. It has some amazing surfing stores that are almost dilapited, some amazing fast food stores, amazing bay line and all of it is situated near the Pacific coastline. So these were some of the most amazing places that I would suggest you to visit and stay in for a while. Choose your best place to stay in Los Angeles wisely. Indian Eagle is always here to book your cheap flights for you. Adios!

–Travel Diary

The post Here are the top 3 Best Places to live in Los Angeles appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), previously known as Dum Dum Airport, welcomes you all to Kolkata, the land of people with the sweetest language. Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) ranks 5^th in the list of busiest airports in India for handling 15,819,539 passengers. It has also been awarded the ‘Best Improved Airport’ in the entire region of the Pacific-Asia by the ACI (Airport Council International). With such great reputations and much higher services, NSCBIA awaits your arrivals. So try looking for some best and economic flight tickets to India and plan a vacation in Kolkata so that we get a chance to serve you with the best of everything we have in store for you. Look for best possible itineraries with the help of any online travel agencies like Indian Eagle and visit Kolkata for this is not just a city. Kolkata is an emotion!

So make Kolkata your destination and get the chance of experiencing the Bengali version of hosting right from the moment you land at Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU). To talk further about the CCU airport, it has one huge terminal that was 8 years ago. This new terminal handles both International and Domestic flight services. It has 5 floors and you can easily get lost even if it just a single terminal. You better be careful! To give you a clearer picture of all the facilities and services, here is the gist of all the passenger services available at NSCB International Airport (CCU). Take a look!

PASSENGER FACILITES:

1. Shop, Eat, and Relax:

Now luxury and comfort is the most important thing you need when you are traveling and if you are a transit passenger waiting to catch your next flight, then you need it the most. Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) offers you a wide range of entertainment, food and shopping opportunities. Find some of the most amazing food chains, high-end restaurants, fast food corners where you can fill in crying tummy and then plan on other things. The signature dishes of Bengal are available right here in the airport and if you have no time to get out of the airport then no worries! Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) has it all covered for you.

Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) offers some of the best modes of entertainment. You will find huge televisions, rest rooms with huge screens and other places that will surely keep you entertained.

Talk about shopping and you will find some of the finest stores to hop and shop here inside Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU). The Bengali garments and their handlooms are also exhibited right inside the airport. Flemingo’s duty-free stores, Bengali fabrics, Lucknow chikan works and Tantujas are found here which is a great boon for all the ladies out there.  Truly, you have the entire Kolkata set up right here. You just need to explore and for that, you need to eat first. Go search for food zones!

2. Relaxation times:

There are 12 retiring rooms with some amazing services and comforts for all the passengers so that they don’t get troubled at all. The best part is that they are not even costly. You will also find a Travel Club Lounge that is made for both the domestic and international flight passengers. You can either walk in directly if you have the membership in that club. If not, you can always purchase a card. Ample connectivity of WiFi, proper power supply, sufficient sockets and charging points, luxurious and clean washrooms, wheel chair services, luggage carts and supply of pillows and blankets! The best thing about Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is that recently they have also set up a sanitary-pads vending machine that allows women to collect sanitary napkins from there in case of emergencies. This way they have taken up a bold and a very great step towards the doors of development. The entire country is proud of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) for this act.

All of these are available at the airport which would be yours in just a fraction of seconds once you express that you are in need. There are even prayer rooms for all those religious beliefs. Children can now relax and stop throwing tantrums because they have their own child-play rooms with well-trained care-takers and security to keep them safe and engaged so that they get deviated from the trip and don’t panic at all.

3. Other important services:

Like other important airports in the country, you will be finding ample number of banks, ATMs, foreign currency exchange centers, postal service offices, telephone booths and Xerox centers right inside the CCU International Airport. You don’t have to panic and rush towards the exit whenever you are in need of something. They have it all covered. You can also find agents roaming here and there inside the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) trying to explain you the benefits of travel insurance. Check with them and find out if you need them at any case!

Apart from that, you have facilities related to tourism guidance, lost and found desk services, help cabins, enquiry offices and everything that you might be in need of when you are traveling. So just forget about all the tensions and move ahead with your planned vacations. Bon Voyage!

–Travel Diary

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