Air India is more than just an airline — it is a part of India’s aviation history, its cultural identity, and a symbol of pride for millions of travelers across generations. From its beginnings as Tata Airlines in 1932, founded by the legendary JRD Tata, to becoming India’s official national carrier post-independence, Air India has always occupied a special place in the hearts of Indian travelers. Over the decades, it connected India to remote corners of the world long before international travel became common. For years, the Maharaja mascot represented hospitality, luxury, and the warmth of Indian service.
After facing difficulties during government ownership, Air India returned to the Tata Group in 2022. This moment marked the beginning of a massive revival plan—one of the biggest transformations in global aviation history. Tata’s vision is to turn Air India into a world-class airline by upgrading its fleet, renovating its cabins, modernizing its technology, improving service quality, and bringing global-standard hospitality back into the sky. Today, Air India is not just changing; it is rebuilding itself from the ground up.
Air India’s Identity and Experience in Today’s Era
When a passenger books an Air India flight today, they experience a mix of heritage and modernity. The airline operates both domestic and international flights through major hubs such as Delhi (Terminal 3) and Mumbai (T2). Air India is also a member of Star Alliance, which means travelers get access to a huge global network of lounges, partner flights, and seamless connections.
One of the strongest parts of Air India’s identity is its Indian hospitality. The warmth of the crew, the familiarity of Indian meals, and the comfort of hearing your own language at 40,000 feet give passengers a sense of emotional connection. Even foreign travelers enjoy Air India because it gives them a taste of Indian culture before they land in India.
Air India’s inflight experience depends on the aircraft and route, but there has been a noticeable improvement under Tata. The seats are cleaner, the food quality has gone up, the crew training has improved, and there is a sense of renewed professionalism. Long-haul flights now serve freshly prepared Indian meals with better presentation, and premium cabins offer smoother services compared to earlier years.
What You Can Expect When You Fly with Air India
Air India provides a complete travel experience—starting from the booking process to the moment you collect your baggage. Booking can be done easily through its official website, mobile app, airport counters, or trusted travel agencies. Students, senior citizens, military personnel, and families traveling together can benefit from special discounts that many other airlines do not offer.
Once on board, the cabin environment usually depends on the aircraft type. Wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 offer better comfort, higher ceilings, quieter cabins, and a smoother ride. Domestic flights using Airbus A320/A321 aircraft are more compact, but the legroom is still slightly better than most low-cost airlines in India. Air India also offers complimentary meals on both domestic and international routes, which is becoming rare among many airlines worldwide. The food reflects Indian flavors—whether it’s vegetarian options, regional specialties, or simple comfort meals like dal, rice, and curry. Many long-haul travelers even choose Air India because they feel the meals are closer to home.
The inflight entertainment experience is improving but still inconsistent. Some aircraft, especially the older Boeing 777s and Airbus A320s, may have limited entertainment or older screens. Tata has already started refurbishing cabins with new lighting, new seats, bigger screens, and upgraded entertainment systems, but this transformation will take time to reach every plane.
Air India’s biggest advantage for international passengers is its generous baggage allowance. Most routes allow two pieces of check-in baggage, something international students and families love. This makes Air India practical and economical for long stays or relocations.
Strengths That Make Air India a Preferred Choice
Air India stands out for its global network, which connects major Indian cities with destinations across America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia. Its non-stop flights to New York, San Francisco, Chicago, London, Australia, and Dubai make travel extremely convenient. Passengers do not need to take long layovers or change multiple flights, which also reduces travel stress.
Another strength is the crew hospitality. While service quality may vary depending on the flight, there has been a clear shift in attitude after Tata took over. Crew members are becoming more attentive, polite, and professional. Many passengers report experiencing better discipline, cleaner washrooms, and more organized service.
Air India’s food quality is also widely appreciated. International passengers often praise the hot Indian dishes, the variety of vegetarian meals, and the availability of Jain, vegan, and child-special meals. For long-haul travelers, comfort food makes a big difference.
Air India’s business class offers a pleasant experience on routes operated by Dreamliners and 777s. Flat-bed seats, spacious cabins, and Indian-style hospitality create a peaceful environment for executives and frequent travelers alike.
Areas Air India Still Needs to Improve
Despite the transformation underway, Air India still faces challenges. Some older aircraft are overdue for refurbishment, and their outdated interiors can affect the overall experience. The entertainment systems, seat conditions, or cabin lighting may not match current international standards. Tata is already replacing these with new Airbus A350, Boeing 787, and refurbished 777 aircraft, but this transition will take time.
Punctuality has improved, yet delays continue to occur on busy airport routes due to congestion, weather, or operational constraints. Air India is working on optimizing schedules and maintenance to further reduce delays.
Customer service on ground stations and call centers also requires consistency. Some airports offer smooth service, while others still face long waiting times, especially during peak seasons. With digital upgrades, the airline is improving this experience, but there is room for growth.
Air India’s Future: A Modern Global Airline
The Tata Group has invested heavily in Air India’s rebirth. Over 470 new aircraft have been ordered, including Airbus A350s, A321neos, Boeing 787s, and Boeing 777s. New uniforms for crew, new branding, and a refreshed livery have been introduced. The airline is modernizing everything—booking systems, aircraft interiors, engineering, crew training, lounges, customer service, and digital features.
This transformation is one of the most ambitious in global aviation. Industry experts believe that Air India is on track to become a strong global competitor, capable of standing alongside major international airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and British Airways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Air India a good airline to fly with today?
Yes. After the Tata takeover, the airline has significantly improved in cleanliness, service quality, food, and flight operations. The experience is far better compared to earlier years.
2. Does Air India serve free meals?
Yes, Air India serves complimentary meals on both domestic and international flights. The food is typically Indian and includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
3. How much baggage allowance does Air India offer?
Air India provides one of the highest baggage limits among Indian airlines. Domestic allowance ranges from 15–25 kg, while international routes offer 23–46 kg depending on destination.
4. Are Air India flights usually on time?
Punctuality has improved significantly, but delays can still happen due to airport congestion or operational issues.
5. What types of aircraft does Air India use?
Air India operates Boeing 787s, Boeing 777s, Airbus A320/A321, and has introduced new Airbus A350 aircraft as part of a fleet modernization plan.
6. Does Air India offer entertainment on board?
Most long-haul aircraft have seat-back entertainment, though some older aircraft still have outdated systems. Upgrades are ongoing.
7. Is Air India safe?
Yes, Air India follows international safety standards and is a member of Star Alliance.
8. Can I book group tickets on Air India?
Yes, group bookings for 10+ passengers are available, and portals like FareHawker help passengers get discounted Air India group fares.
9. Does Air India fly directly to the USA?
Yes, Air India operates multiple non-stop flights to New York, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.
10. What is Air India’s future under Tata?
Air India is undergoing massive modernization—from new aircraft to upgraded cabins, better service, improved punctuality, and modern branding. The future looks strong and promising.