Passengers may soon pay less by skipping meals on Air India flights

Air India is considering a new fare option that would allow domestic passengers to travel without paying for onboard meals, potentially lowering ticket prices for travellers who prefer a more basic flying experience.

According to reporting by India Today, the proposal is currently under review and has not yet received final approval. If implemented, the new category would apply only to domestic services and would give passengers the choice to decline complimentary meals during the booking process.

The move reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry towards greater fare customisation, allowing travellers to select and pay only for the services they wish to use.

Airline evaluates new fare category

Under the proposed model, passengers would be able to choose a "No Meals" fare while purchasing tickets.

The initiative is aimed at offering travellers greater flexibility and control over travel costs, particularly on shorter routes where many passengers may not require an onboard meal.

According to India Today, Air India is currently assessing the concept from a customer perspective before making a final decision on its implementation.

At present, the airline provides meals to passengers travelling on both domestic and international routes.

Focus on short-haul domestic travel

The proposed fare category is expected to be most relevant for short-duration flights where meal consumption may be less of a priority for travellers.

Routes such as Ahmedabad-Mumbai were cited in reports as examples where some passengers may prefer a lower fare instead of receiving an onboard meal.

If approved, travellers choosing the new category would effectively exchange meal service for a potentially lower ticket price.

The proposal reflects changing passenger preferences as airlines increasingly tailor products to different travel needs and budgets.

Trial rollout could precede wider implementation

According to India Today, Air India may initially introduce the fare category on a limited number of domestic routes before considering a broader rollout.

A phased introduction would allow the airline to evaluate:

• Passenger demand for meal-free fares

• Customer response to the pricing model

• Impact on booking behaviour

• Operational implications for onboard catering

• Potential expansion to additional routes

The trial approach would provide the carrier with data on whether passengers are willing to forego meal service in exchange for lower ticket costs.

Industry trend towards personalised travel options

Over the past decade, airlines globally have expanded the range of fare products available to passengers.

Many carriers now offer multiple ticket categories that vary according to baggage allowances, seat selection privileges, flexibility and onboard services.

The proposed no-meal option would represent another step towards product segmentation, allowing travellers to customise their flying experience according to personal preferences.

For airlines, such models can help align service offerings more closely with passenger demand while creating greater differentiation between fare categories.

Balancing cost and customer choice

While the proposal remains under consideration, it highlights Air India's efforts to explore new ways of meeting evolving traveller expectations.

Some passengers may view meal-inclusive fares as valuable, particularly on longer domestic journeys, while others may prioritise lower ticket prices over additional onboard services.

The airline's assessment process is expected to focus on whether sufficient demand exists for a meal-free fare category and how such a product would fit within its broader domestic network strategy.