Air India introduces no-meal Basic fare for travellers seeking lower fares

Air India has launched a new Basic fare category for Economy Class passengers on select domestic routes, marking its latest attempt to broaden fare choices for travellers seeking lower-priced tickets.

The new offering, currently being piloted on a limited number of routes, removes complimentary meals from the ticket while retaining baggage allowances and onboard beverage service. According to information released by the airline and reported by Asian Aviation, the Basic fare is intended for price-conscious passengers who prefer a more unbundled travel experience.

The launch adds a fourth fare family to Air India's existing structure of Value, Classic and Flex fares, which were introduced in 2024.

New fare focuses on lower-cost travel

Air India said the Basic fare has been designed to provide customers with an additional booking option rather than replace any of its existing fare categories.

Passengers opting for the new fare will receive:

• 15kg checked baggage allowance

• 7kg cabin baggage allowance

• Complimentary tea or coffee service onboard

• No complimentary meal service

The airline described the initiative as part of efforts to "simplify and enhance" its customer offering.

Unlike the airline's other fare families, which include complimentary meals and a broader range of bundled benefits, the Basic fare strips back some inclusions in exchange for a lower entry price.

Existing fare options remain available

Air India emphasised that the Basic fare is entirely optional and sits alongside its existing ticket categories.

Travellers can continue booking Value, Classic and Flex fares, all of which include complimentary meals and additional benefits that increase with the fare level selected.

The airline said the new category is aimed particularly at passengers who prioritise lower fares over bundled services.

"The introduction of Basic fare simply adds another layer of choice, particularly for price-conscious travellers who prefer a more unbundled offering," Air India said in a statement cited by Asian Aviation.

Passengers can purchase meals separately

Although complimentary meals are excluded, customers travelling on Basic fares will still be able to order food before departure.

According to the airline, passengers can pre-purchase meals up to 24 hours before their flight.

Available meal options include:

• Vegetarian meals

• Non-vegetarian meals

• Jain meals

• Diabetic meals

Air India said that if a passenger is moved to another flight because of a schedule change or reaccommodation, any pre-purchased meal will automatically transfer to the new service. If the selected meal cannot be provided, the airline will issue a full refund.

Pilot programme to determine wider rollout

The Basic fare is currently being offered only on selected domestic routes as part of a trial programme.

Air India said it will evaluate customer feedback and booking trends before deciding whether to expand the fare category more broadly across its network.

For now, the Basic fare can only be booked through the airline's direct sales channels, including its website, mobile application, contact centre and airport ticketing offices.

The pilot reflects a broader trend across the aviation industry, where airlines increasingly segment products to appeal to different customer groups. Air India's assessment of traveller response over the coming months is likely to shape whether the Basic fare becomes a permanent part of its domestic pricing strategy.