Air travel plans can change for a variety of reasons—emergencies, work commitments, or personal obligations. At Air India, we understand the importance of flexibility in travel arrangements. That’s why we provide a clearly defined Air India Flight Change Fee Policy, ensuring our passengers are aware of any applicable fees, rules, and timelines. Below is an in-depth look into our Air India change flight policy.
Understanding Air India's Flight Change Structure
Air India offers multiple fare classes, and the Air India Flight Change Fee Policy varies depending on the fare type, route, and timing of the change. Here’s what every traveler must know:
Domestic Flights: Changes made more than 12 hours before departure usually incur lower fees.
International Flights: Changes often depend on the region of travel, with long-haul flights typically having stricter fee structures.
Fare Type Matters: Economy Saver tickets have the highest change penalties, while Business and First Class passengers often enjoy more flexible options.
Standard Change Fees Based on Fare Type
1. Economy Class (Saver & Flex)
Saver Tickets:
Change fee: ₹3,000 to ₹3,500 (depending on route)
No-show penalty: ₹3,750
Permitted changes: Date and time changes only; route changes not allowed
Refunds: Non-refundable
Flex Tickets:
Change fee: ₹2,000 to ₹2,500
No-show penalty: ₹2,500
Permitted changes: Date, time, and limited routing
Refunds: Partial refund possible after fees
2. Business and First Class
Change fee: ₹0 to ₹2,000 (often waived)
No-show penalty: ₹2,000 to ₹3,000
Changes allowed up to 4 hours before flight
High flexibility and refundable in most cases
The Air India Flight Change Fee Policy ensures that premium ticket holders enjoy broader benefits with minimal penalties, making it a preferred option for frequent and business travelers.
How to Make Changes to Your Booking
Making a change to your Air India flight is easy and can be done through various channels:
Online via Official Website or App:
Navigate to “Manage Booking,” enter your booking reference and last name, and follow the prompts.Customer Care Hotline:
Reach out to our 24x7 call center for assistance.Airport Ticket Counter:
Present your ticket and a valid ID for any changes at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights and 4 hours for international.
Note: The revised fare (if any) must be paid in addition to the change fee, if applicable.
Same-Day Flight Change Rules
Air India offers limited same-day flight change services under specific conditions:
Available only on selected domestic routes.
Must be requested at least 6 hours before the original flight.
Subject to seat availability.
Fee: ₹2,500 to ₹3,000 plus any fare difference.
Passengers are advised to confirm same-day change eligibility at the time of booking or through the mobile app.
Exceptions to Change Fees
While the Air India Flight Change Fee Policy is generally strict, there are some exceptional cases where fees may be waived:
Medical Emergencies: With submission of supporting documents
Death in Immediate Family: Certificate required for fee waiver
Schedule Changes by Airline: If Air India reschedules or cancels your flight, no change fees apply
COVID-19 or Force Majeure Events: Subject to government and airline directives
We strive to be considerate during unavoidable circumstances and recommend passengers reach out to our support team with proper documentation.
How Fare Differences Work
Even if your change fee is waived, a fare difference may still apply. This refers to the gap between your original ticket price and the cost of the new flight.
Example:
Original ticket fare: ₹5,000
New ticket fare: ₹7,000
Change fee: ₹2,500
Total cost to rebook: ₹4,500 (₹2,000 fare difference + ₹2,500 fee)
Understanding this element of the Air India Flight Change Fee Policy can help avoid surprises and allow you to budget accordingly.
Tips to Minimize Flight Change Fees
Here’s how to reduce your expenses if you anticipate changing your itinerary:
Choose Flex or Business Fares – These offer greater flexibility and lower penalties.
Make Changes Early – The closer to departure, the higher the fee.
Use Travel Insurance – Some insurance policies cover change fees for emergencies.
Track Price Drops – Rebooking may even save money if the fare has dropped.
Leverage Frequent Flyer Status – Elite members of Air India’s Flying Returns program enjoy fee waivers or reduced charges.
Conclusion
Navigating flight changes can be daunting, but with a well-defined system, Air India ensures travelers know exactly what to expect. Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, on a Saver ticket or Business class, understanding the Air India Flight Change Fee Policy can help you make informed decisions and reduce travel stress.
