Overview
Air India, India’s national carrier, offers a flexible flight change policy to accommodate passengers needing to modify their travel plans. Changes can be made online, via the mobile app, through the Customer Service Center, or at airport ticket counters, subject to fare rules and availability.
Key Policy Highlights
- Risk-Free Period: Changes or cancellations are free within 24 hours of booking for tickets purchased directly through Air India’s website, mobile app, or Customer Service Center, provided the booking is made at least seven days before departure. This applies to all fare types, including domestic and international flights, but not to group fares, reward tickets, or vouchers.
- Eligible Tickets: Most fare types, including Value, Classic, and Flex fares, allow changes. Value and Classic fares may incur fees, while Flex fares permit changes without penalties. Promotional or restricted fares may have stricter conditions or be non-changeable.
- Fare Difference: If the new flight is more expensive, passengers must pay the fare difference. No refund is provided if the new flight is cheaper, unless specified by the fare type.
- Change Fees: Fees vary by fare type, travel class, route, and timing. Value and Classic fares may incur a fee for domestic flights if changed after the 24-hour window, while international flights may incur higher fees. Flex fares allow fee-free changes at any time, though fare differences apply. Changes within two hours of domestic departure or four hours of international departure are not permitted.
- Same-Day Changes: Same-day changes are allowed up to two hours before domestic departure or four hours before international departure, subject to availability in the same booking class. Fees apply for non-flexible fares, and fare differences may be charged.
- Name Changes: Full name changes or ticket transfers are not permitted. Minor corrections (up to three characters) for spelling errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage or divorce) are allowed with documentation, typically free within 24 hours of booking. Changes must be requested at least three hours before departure.
- Third-Party Bookings: Tickets booked through travel agencies or third-party platforms must be changed through the original booking source, and Air India’s policy may not fully apply.
- No-Show Policy: Missing a flight without prior cancellation or change results in a no-show, rendering the ticket non-changeable and non-refundable. This applies two hours before domestic flights and four hours before international flights.
- Rerouting: Rerouting is allowed only through Air India’s call center, booking offices, or authorized travel agents, with applicable fare differences but waived rerouting charges in some cases.
How to Change Your Flight
Online:
- Visit the Air India website or mobile app and navigate to the “Manage Booking” section under “Book & Manage.”
- Enter your booking reference and last name to retrieve your reservation.
- Select the flight to modify, choose a new date, time, or destination, and review any fees or fare differences.
- Complete the payment process, if applicable, and receive confirmation via email.
Offline:
- Contact Air India’s Customer Service Center via phone or chat for assistance.
- Visit an Air India ticket office or airport counter for in-person changes.
Special Circumstances
- Airline-Initiated Changes: If Air India cancels or delays a flight by three hours or more, passengers can rebook on another flight without fees or request a refund. A self-reaccommodation link may be sent via email for disruptions, allowing rebooking on the next available flight within 14 days, provided the ticket starts with the 098 series and seats are available.
- Medical or Bereavement: Passengers diagnosed with COVID-19 or facing serious illness or bereavement may receive one free date change or cancellation with a refundable credit note, subject to documentation.
- EU/UK Passenger Rights: For flights departing from or arriving at EU/UK airports, passengers may be eligible for compensation under EC 261/2004 for delays or cancellations within Air India’s control, unless caused by extraordinary circumstances like weather.
Additional Notes
- Non-Transferable Services: Extras like seat selection or baggage allowances may not transfer to the new flight and may need to be repurchased.
- International Flights: Changes to international flights may involve additional taxes or restrictions based on destination-specific regulations.
- Flying Blue Award Tickets: Changes to award tickets may incur fees, except for premium members, and are subject to availability.
- Customer Support: For assistance, contact Air India’s Customer Service Center or use the AI.g virtual agent for quick responses.
