Air India Introduces Budget-Friendly ‘Basic’ Fare Without Complimentary Meals

Passengers booking Air India flights on some domestic routes will now be able to pay less for their ticket — but there is a catch. The airline has launched a new "Basic" fare that does away with complimentary meals, giving travellers the option of a cheaper seat if they are willing to pay separately for food on board.

For flyers comparing fares across booking platforms, the change could shave around INR 500 to INR 600 off the cost of a journey. Air India, now owned by the Tata Group, is introducing the stripped-back ticket as it looks to narrow the gap with budget airlines such as IndiGo, which have built their business around charging separately for non-essential services.

What Does The New Basic Fare Include?

While the lower-priced ticket removes complimentary meals, passengers will continue to receive several services that are typically associated with a full-service airline.

Key features of the new fare include:

Lower ticket prices: Fares are expected to be around INR 500 to INR 600 cheaper than standard economy tickets on eligible routes.

Baggage allowance unchanged: Travellers can still check in 15 kg of luggage and carry 7 kg of cabin baggage at no extra cost.

Tea and coffee remain complimentary: Air India will continue to serve tea and coffee on board under the Basic fare.

Meals available at an additional cost: Passengers who wish to eat during the flight can purchase meals separately, provided they place their order at least 24 hours before departure.

Limited booking channels: The Basic fare is available only through Air India's direct booking platforms, including the airline's website, mobile app, and airport ticketing counters.

How The Basic Fare Works

• Meal add-ons: Travellers opting for the Basic fare can still purchase a meal separately by pre-ordering it up to 24 hours before departure. Available options include vegetarian, non-vegetarian, Jain, and diabetic meals.

• Flight disruptions: In the event of a schedule change or re-accommodation on another flight, any pre-booked meal will automatically be transferred. If the selected meal cannot be provided, passengers will receive a full refund.

• Optional fare choice: The new fare does not replace Air India's existing fare structure. Passengers can continue to choose from Value, Classic and Flex fare categories, which include complimentary hot meals and offer greater flexibility for ticket changes.

Trial Phase And Availability

The Basic fare is currently being tested on a limited number of short-haul domestic routes, including Delhi–Chandigarh, Delhi–Amritsar and Bengaluru–Hyderabad. Air India said it will assess customer uptake and feedback during the trial period before deciding whether to extend the fare to more domestic routes across its network.

Why Air India Is Introducing The Basic Fare

Intense competition: Low-cost carriers continue to dominate India's domestic aviation market, making fare comparisons a key factor for many travellers when booking flights.

Financial pressures: The unbundled fare model could help Air India manage costs as it works through ongoing financial challenges. The airline reported net losses of more than INR 26,700 crore in the financial year ending March 2026.

(With inputs from various sources)

FAQs

What is Air India’s Basic fare?
Air India’s Basic fare is a lower-cost ticket option on select domestic routes that removes complimentary in-flight meals while keeping core services like baggage allowance.

How much can I save with the Basic fare?
Passengers can typically save around INR 500 to INR 600 compared with standard economy fares, depending on the route and booking time.

Are meals included in the Basic fare?
No. Complimentary meals are not included. However, passengers can pre-purchase meals up to 24 hours before departure.

What baggage allowance is included?
The Basic fare retains Air India’s standard allowance of 15 kg checked baggage and 7 kg cabin baggage.

Where can I book the Basic fare?
The fare is available only through Air India’s direct channels, including its official website, mobile app, and airport ticket counters.