About
Air India, India's flag carrier airline, is owned by Air India Limited, a Tata Group enterprise. Headquartered in Gurugram, Air India's primary hub is situated at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, with secondary hubs at Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. The airline also maintains several focus cities across India. Following two successful mergers within the Air India Group between Air India and Vistara and AIX Connect (formerly known as Air Asia India) and Air India Express—the Tata-owned airline now boasts a fleet of 300 planes. This expanded fleet serves 312 domestic and international routes, offering 8,300 weekly flights. As of today, Air India ranks as the second-largest airline in India by passenger volume

History
Air India started initial routes with post-war aircraft and has thereafter upgraded to Boeing and Airbus which serve as modern luxury planes. Founded by J.R.D Tata, a business tycoon of Tata Sons the airlines was initially known as Tata Air Services and later renamed as Tata Airlines. In 1962, Air India was the world's first all-jet airline. Air India launched a low-cost subsidiary to provide customers with low fare flights which connected various cities of India and the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Alliance
Star Alliance was founded in May 1997 and is one of the world's largest airline alliances. Headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, it currently has 27 member airlines with over 670 million passengers annually. On July 11, 2014, Air India became the 27th member of the Star Alliance. Flying Returns (Air India's frequent flyer program) allows guests to earn and redeem miles across Star Alliance's carriers airlines. Passengers can access lounges depending on the type of flight ticket and frequent flyer status or class of travel.

Awards
Air India has been awarded as
India's Leading Airline 2012
Asia's Leading Airline - Economy Class 2011
India's Leading Airline 2011
Asia's Leading Airline - Economy Class 2010
India's Leading Airline 2010
India's Leading Airline 2008

Class of Travel
Air India provides three classes of travel:
First class guests can relax in the recliner sleeperette while onboard with delicious meals which can be requested on board or pre-booked.
Executive class guest seats have ample space providing comfort for work and leisure travellers.
Economy class passengers are provided with spacious leg space which makes gives them comfort during short and long-haul flights.

Baggage Allowance
Free baggage allowance for domestic and international flights is restricted to 32kgs for a single piece. Check-in baggage allowance varies ranges from 10kgs to 40 kg depending on the departure and arrival destinations. Baggage allowance details for all routes can be accessed on Air India's website.

Frequent Flyer Programme
Flying Returns is India's first Frequent Flyer Programme which allows customers not only earn FR points on flight bookings in India but AI ticket purchased in any country using any currency. Members have access to lounges and separate check-in counters at select domestic airlines. Members can also earn FR points on select non-airline partners.

In-flight Services
Air India's motto of 'Food for a Maharaja now at your table' provides passengers can pre-book special meals which are pre-designed for international flights. Domestic flights provide passengers with a wide range of snacks and beverages to order on board. Special requests can be made for religious meals and meals based on medical conditions and dietary constraints. Depending on the flight time, all meals such as breakfast/lunch/dinner and breakfast/hi-tea/lunch/dinner/supper will be available on board for all passengers.

Check-in
Domestic Flights - Passengers can check-in online 48 hrs to 1.5 hrs prior to the scheduled departure time.
International Flights - Passengers can check-in online 48 hrs to 1.5 hrs prior to the scheduled departure time.

Onboard Support
Air India provides assistance for passengers with special needs. Wheelchairs, airport assistance during check in are provided by on ground staff. Passengers can choose a service that best suits their need. Expectant mothers and parents of unaccompanied children can read the regulations and policies before flying on Air India's website.

Refund & Cancellation
Passengers can cancel their booking either through Air India sales’ offices or website. All cancellations are subject to a cancellation fee.