Air India Business Class, India’s flag carrier, operates one of the world’s largest fleets featuring modern Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Air India business class offers a premium flight experience with lie-flat seats, gourmet cuisine, and impeccable service.
Business class on Air India provides upgraded comfort and amenities compared to economy class. This allows business travelers, executives, and leisure flyers to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed.
Overview of Air India Business Class
Air India business class is available on both domestic and international flights. On international long-haul routes, Air India operates the latest lie-flat business class seats.
On domestic routes within India, business class may feature recliner seats or lie-flat beds depending on the aircraft. The airline also provides business class on some short-haul international routes to neighboring countries.
Some key features of Air India’s business class include:
- Fully lie-flat beds with direct aisle access on Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft. Seat pitch up to 74 inches.
- Recliner-style seats on some Boeing 737 aircraft configured for domestic flights.
- Amenity kits with skincare products and comfortable slippers.
- Onboard chef cooking gourmet Indian and international cuisine.
- Premium wines, champagnes, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks included.
- Increased baggage allowance and priority services.
Air India business class provides an excellent option for flying long distances in comfort and privacy. The wide reclining seats allow sleeping to lie fully flat.
Business Class Cabin and Seats
The exact Air India business class seat and cabin layout varies by aircraft type and route. However, premium flyers can expect a spacious, comfortable experience.
On long-haul flights operated by Air India’s Boeing 777-300ER and 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, business class is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. This means every seat has direct aisle access.
Business class seats on these planes are lie-flat beds in a front-facing orientation that reclines 180 degrees into a flat sleeping surface. The seat pitch, which refers to the distance between seats, is 74 inches. This allows passengers to stretch out fully.
On overnight flights between India and Europe or North America, the lie-flat seats make it easier to sleep. Seats also feature adjustable headrests, leg rests, and lumbar support for physical comfort.
For shorter international flights, Air India uses Boeing 787 Dreamliners or Boeing 777s in a 2-2-2 seat configuration in business class. Recliner-style seats have a 60-inch pitch and ample width with extendable footrests.
Domestic flights within India may have recliner seats or lie-flats depending on the aircraft. The narrow-body Boeing 737s offer recliners while Boeing 777s feature lie-flats on busy routes like Mumbai and Delhi.
In-Flight Services in Business Class
Air India provides top-notch services and amenities to make the business-class flight experience outstanding.
- Premium Dining: Business class passengers can enjoy gourmet Indian and international cuisine prepared by on-board chefs. Meals are served on fine china with full cutlery and linen napkins. The airline offers special meal options including vegetarian, kosher, and halal meals.
- Beverages: Business class includes champagne, wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks like juices, sodas, tea, and coffee.
- Amenities: Air India provides an amenity kit with dental kits, socks, eyeshades, slippers, and skincare products. Turndown service and luxury bedding are also provided on overnight flights.
- In-Flight Entertainment: Business class seats have personal televisions with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. WiFi is available on most long-haul planes.
- Ground Services: Business class passengers get priority services like check-in, boarding, baggage handling, and airport lounge access. Chauffeur-drive service is also offered.
With exceptional dining, amenities, entertainment, and service, Air India’s business class makes for a memorable flight.
How to Book Air India Business Class
There are a few options to book Air India business class seats at competitive fares.
In AirIndia.in
Air India’s website offers business-class tickets that can be purchased directly. Fares are segmented into business class and economy class. Promotional sales may offer reduced business class fares.
Through Online Travel Agencies
Popular OTAs like Expedia, Orbitz, and MakeMyTrip also sell Air India business class seats online. Comparison shopping across OTAs can help find deals.
With a Travel Agent
Experienced travel agents often have access to unique business-class fares, especially for complex international itineraries. They can also advise on the best aircraft and seats.
Using Miles
Members of Air India’s Flying Returns frequent flyer program can redeem miles for business class awards. Partner mileage programs like United MileagePlus also allow booking awards on Air India.
Credit Card Points
Many premium travel credit cards allow cardholders to book Air India business class tickets by redeeming points. This includes cards like American Express Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards.
Booking in advance, aiming for sales, and considering multiple booking avenues can help find the best Air India business class fares.
The Air India Business Class Credit Card
The Air India Business Class Credit Card offers cardholders special privileges and rewards when flying on Air India.
This co-branded credit card is issued by SBI Card and provides accelerated earnings and redemptions when booking Air India flights.
Key benefits of the Air India Business Class Credit Card include:
- 15,000 bonus miles as a welcome offer
- 5X miles per ₹100 spent on Air India website and flights
- Priority waitlist clearance for award flights
- Complimentary business lounge access
- Travel insurance cover
- Lost baggage protection
- No foreign transaction fees
Cardholders can redeem accrued miles for business class award flights on Air India. The priority waitlist clearance also makes it easier to book busy routes in business class around peak travel periods using miles.
The lounge access can be handy for business class passengers with connecting flights in India. Other travel benefits like insurance and lost baggage protection provide protection when traveling.
For frequent Air India business class flyers, the co-branded credit card can offer great long-term value through rewards earnings and redemptions. The welcome bonus and 5X miles earn rate make it easy to accumulate miles quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air India Business Class
Here are answers to some common questions travelers have about flying in Air India’s business-class cabin.
How much extra does Air India’s business class cost over the economy?
Business class fares are typically 4-6 times higher than economy airfares on Air India. The premium will vary by destination, season, and how far in advance tickets are purchased. Shorter flights have lower premiums.
What routes offer lie-flat seats in business class?
Lie-flat business class seats are available on all Air India Boeing 777 and 787 long-haul routes. This includes flights to Europe, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, the Far East, Japan, Korea, and the Middle East.
What lounge access does Air India offer?
Business class passengers get complimentary access to Air India’s Maharaja Lounge with locations across India. At international airports like LHR and JFK, Air India uses partner lounges like Plaza Premium and SkyTeam Lounges.
Can I pre-select meals in business class?
Yes, business class passengers can pre-order specialty meals at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure of their flight through Air India’s website or call center.
Are there charging ports in business class seats?
Yes, every business class seat has AC power ports and USB ports to charge devices during the flight. Lie-flat seats also have storage spaces to keep devices secure.
Is WiFi available in business class?
Complimentary WiFi is available in business class on all Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliners and some Boeing 777 aircraft. Connectivity speed and reliability are generally good.
Conclusion
Air India business class offers an exceptional way to fly long haul and domestically within India. The spacious, lie-flat seats on modern aircraft provide privacy and comfort. Top-notch dining, amenities, ground services, and cabin crew service make it a standout product.
While more expensive than the economy, Air India’s business class remains competitively priced. The onboard experience matches international standards set by top-ranked Asian and Middle Eastern airlines. For travel within India or to destinations worldwide, Air India business class is worth considering.
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