IndiaStar AllianceMaharaja Club (formerly Flying Returns)International Airlines Serving the US
Air India Overview & Policy Summary
Air India operates the only nonstop flights between the United States and India, serving Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru from New York, Newark, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington. Since its return to Tata Group ownership it has been running a substantial fleet and product overhaul, so the cabin you get varies considerably by aircraft — check whether your flight operates a retrofitted aircraft.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Carry-on: One cabin bag up to 8 kg (17 lbs) plus a personal item in Economy.
- First checked bag: US–India routes allow two checked pieces of 23 kg in Economy — the generous allowance reflects the heavy visiting-friends-and-relatives traffic on these routes..
- Changes: Varies by fare family; Flex changes free plus fare difference..
- Check-in: 48 hours before departure..
Air India help topics
Detailed answers on the ten things travellers ask most after booking.
Air India at a glance
Baggage
One cabin bag up to 8 kg (17 lbs) plus a personal item in Economy. Indian airports apply a security stamp to cabin bag tags at some checkpoints, so keep the tag attached until you board.
Full baggage rulesMaharaja Club (formerly Flying Returns)
Points expire after a defined period from earning.
Loyalty programme guideAir India fare types
| Fare | Includes | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Comfort | Two checked pieces on US routes and standard seat selection. | Change fee applies. |
| Economy Flex | Free changes and refundability. | Priced above Comfort. |
| Business Class | Lie-flat seat on retrofitted and new aircraft, two checked pieces, lounge access. | Non-retrofitted aircraft carry an older and materially worse Business cabin — verify the aircraft before paying a premium. |
Hubs
- Delhi (DEL)
- Mumbai (BOM)
- Bengaluru (BLR)
Boeing 777 and 787 and Airbus A350 widebodies, undergoing a large fleet renewal and cabin retrofit programme following privatisation by the Tata Group.
Popular routes
- New York (JFK) → Delhi (DEL)
- Newark (EWR) → Mumbai (BOM)
- San Francisco (SFO) → Bengaluru (BLR)
- Chicago (ORD) → Delhi (DEL)
Air India frequently asked questions
How much luggage can I take on Air India to India?
US–India routes allow two checked pieces of 23 kg each in Economy and two of 32 kg in Business — a generous allowance reflecting the heavy family-travel traffic on these routes. Excess is expensive at the airport, so pre-purchase online.
Has Air India's Business class improved?
On retrofitted and newly delivered aircraft, substantially — lie-flat seats and updated cabins. Older non-retrofitted aircraft still fly a materially worse product. Check the specific aircraft type before paying a Business premium, because the gap is large.
Compare with other international airlines serving the us
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