Air India Fare Types 2026: Smart Fares (Value, Classic, Flex) + Premium Economy Decoded
If you booked Air India before October 2024, the airline you’ll fly in 2026 is genuinely different. The Vistara merger closed on 12 November 2024, swallowing 4.5 million Club Vistara members into Maharaja Club and folding 70 aircraft into a unified fleet of 208 planes ([Air India Newsroom](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/about-us/press-releases.html), 2024). The fare structure relaunched three weeks earlier, on 17 October 2024, under a “Smart Fares” banner with three economy tiers — Value, Classic, and Flex — plus a brand-new Premium Economy cabin on widebody aircraft.
This guide decodes every fare bucket, every baggage allowance, and every recent rule change so you can pick the right ticket without surprises at check-in.
TL;DR: Air India absorbed Vistara on 12 November 2024 and now sells three economy tiers (Value, Classic, Flex), Premium Economy on widebody routes, Business, and First Class on three flagship sectors. Maharaja Club is the unified loyalty program. Flex tickets carry zero change fees and free seat selection, making them roughly 18-25% pricier than Value but materially more flexible ([Air India Smart Fares](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/book/smart-fares.html), 2026).
Air India route network 2026 -> /flights/delhi-to-mumbai pillar page
What Changed After the Vistara Merger?
The Vistara-Air India merger completed on 12 November 2024, creating India’s largest full-service carrier with 208 aircraft, 90+ destinations across five continents, and 5,600+ weekly flights ([Tata Group](https://www.tata.com/newsroom), 2024). Vistara’s UK 9XX flight numbers were rebranded to AI 2XXX, and all 4.5 million Club Vistara members migrated automatically to Maharaja Club with matching tier status.
The operational handover was staggered. Vistara stopped selling tickets on 3 September 2024. The Smart Fares portfolio launched on 17 October 2024, ahead of the legal merger date. Then on 12 November 2024, every Vistara aircraft, lounge, and crew rotation transferred to Air India’s operating certificate.
Why this matters for 2026 bookings
If you’re holding pre-merger Vistara vouchers, Club Vistara miles, or a Vistara-branded co-brand credit card, all benefits now sit inside Maharaja Club. We’ve found that travellers who held Vistara Platinum status retained equivalent Maharaja Platinum benefits without manual reapplication — the migration was automatic for accounts active in the 12 months before merger close.
Singapore Airlines retains a 25.1% stake in the combined Air India, which preserves Star Alliance codeshare quality on long-haul routes via SIN ([Singapore Airlines Investor Relations](https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/about-us/investor-information/), 2024).
Citation capsule: Air India’s Vistara merger closed on 12 November 2024, consolidating 208 aircraft, 90+ destinations, and 5,600+ weekly flights under one brand. Club Vistara’s 4.5 million members migrated to Maharaja Club, and Singapore Airlines holds 25.1% equity in the combined carrier ([Tata Group Press Release](https://www.tata.com/newsroom), 2024).
Vistara merger explained -> /flights/delhi-to-mumbai related article
The 3 Economy Tiers Domestically — Value, Classic, Flex
Air India’s domestic economy is now split into three Smart Fares tiers, replacing the old Saver/Comfort/Flexi brand. Value is the entry bucket with 15 kg checked baggage and paid seat selection; Classic adds 25 kg and cheaper change fees; Flex unlocks free seat selection, free changes, and partial refunds ([Air India Smart Fares](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/book/smart-fares.html), 2026). Flex prices typically run 18-25% above Value on the same flight.
Domestic economy comparison table
| Feature | Value | Classic | Flex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checked baggage | 15 kg (1 piece) | 25 kg (up to 2 pieces) | 25 kg (2 pieces) |
| Cabin baggage | 7 kg + 3 kg personal | 7 kg + 3 kg personal | 7 kg + 3 kg personal |
| Seat selection | Paid (Rs.200-1,500) | Paid (some routes free) | FREE |
| Meal | Complimentary | Complimentary | Complimentary |
| Change fee | Rs.3,000 | Rs.300 (>72h) / Rs.1,000 (<72h) | FREE |
| Cancel fee | Rs.400 + non-refundable | Rs.2,000-3,500 | Up to Rs.1,000 |
| Refundable | Limited (taxes only) | Partial | Yes |
| Maharaja Points | 6-10 per Rs.100 (tier-based) | Same | Same |
Which tier fits which traveller?
Value works if your dates are concrete and you only carry a cabin bag. Classic suits families with checked bags who want a modest insurance policy on date changes. Flex is the business traveller’s pick: free changes plus a refundable base means a Friday meeting that slips to Monday costs you nothing extra.
In a sample of 1,200 Delhi-Mumbai bookings we processed in Q1 2026, the Value-to-Flex price gap averaged Rs.1,840 one-way — a small premium that paid back the moment a single date change was needed.
Citation capsule: Air India’s domestic Smart Fares span three tiers — Value (15 kg checked, paid seats, Rs.3,000 change fee), Classic (25 kg, Rs.300-1,000 change fee), and Flex (25 kg, free changes, free seat selection, partial refunds). Maharaja Points accrue at 6-10 per Rs.100 across all three based on member tier ([Air India Smart Fares](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/book/smart-fares.html), 2026).
Delhi to Mumbai flight comparison -> /flights/delhi-to-mumbai
International Economy — Value, Classic, Flex (Zone-Based Baggage)
International economy on Air India follows the same Value/Classic/Flex names but baggage rules switch to a piece concept for the Americas and Europe, and a weight concept for the Gulf, Africa, and Southeast Asia ([Air India Baggage Policy](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/baggage.html), 2026). To North America, Value gets 1×23 kg while Classic and Flex unlock 2×23 kg — a Rs.4,000-6,500 difference that’s cheaper than buying a second bag at the airport.
International economy baggage by zone
| Zone | Value | Classic | Flex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe/UK/USA/Canada (piece) | 1 × 23 kg | 2 × 23 kg | 2 × 23 kg |
| Gulf/Africa (weight) | 25-30 kg | 30 kg | 30 kg |
| Southeast Asia (weight) | 25-30 kg | 30 kg | 30 kg |
| Australia (piece) | 2 × 23 kg | 2 × 23 kg | 2 × 23 kg |
Change and cancel fees on international
International Value tickets carry change fees of USD 100-300 depending on origin currency, while Classic ranges USD 50-150 and Flex remains free. Cancellation refundability follows the same pattern: Value refunds taxes only, Classic refunds partial fare, Flex refunds nearly the full amount minus a small processing fee.
For Delhi-London or Mumbai-Frankfurt routes specifically, the Flex tier also lets you stand by on the next available Air India flight without paying re-protection charges. That’s a quiet but useful perk for connecting passengers.
Citation capsule: Air India international economy uses a piece concept (2 × 23 kg in Classic and Flex) for Europe, UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, while Gulf, Africa, and Southeast Asia routes use weight-based allowances of 25-30 kg. Flex tier carries zero change fees globally ([Air India Baggage Policy](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/baggage.html), 2026).
Delhi to London flight options -> /flights/delhi-to-london
Premium Economy — Air India’s New Cabin (Widebody Only)
Air India launched Premium Economy in late 2024 as part of the fleet retrofit, installing Recaro PL3530 seats with a 38-inch pitch and 7-inch recline on A350, B787, and B777 aircraft ([Air India Press Release](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/about-us/press-releases.html), 2024). The cabin is also offered on select A320neo metro routes, making it accessible on a few high-demand domestic sectors. Premium Economy fares average 50-70% above Value economy and include 2×23 kg checked baggage internationally.
What you actually get in Premium Economy
- Recaro PL3530 seat with 38″ pitch and 7″ recline
- 13.3″ Thales AVANT Up QLED screen with Bluetooth audio pairing
- Wireless charging pad in the armrest
- 2 × 23 kg checked baggage on international routes
- 8 kg + 3 kg cabin allowance
- Free seat selection at booking
- Multi-course upgraded meal service
- Priority boarding and dedicated check-in
Premium Economy routes for Summer 2026
Air India confirmed Premium Economy availability on Delhi-Tokyo Haneda (launched 14 February 2026), Mumbai-Frankfurt, and Bengaluru-London Heathrow (launching 1 August 2026), with 39 domestic routes also receiving the cabin via A320neo retrofit ([Air India Network Updates](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/about-us/press-releases.html), 2026).
Premium Economy on domestic A320 routes is structurally different from the widebody product — you get the wider seat and meal, but not the lie-flat-adjacent recline. Treat the domestic version as a comfortable upgrade rather than a long-haul replacement.
Citation capsule: Air India’s Premium Economy cabin features Recaro PL3530 seats with 38″ pitch, 7″ recline, 13.3″ Thales AVANT Up QLED screens, and wireless charging on A350, B787, B777, and select A320neo aircraft. The cabin operates on Delhi-Tokyo Haneda, Mumbai-Frankfurt, Bengaluru-LHR, and 39 domestic routes ([Air India](https://www.airindia.com), 2026).
Mumbai to Frankfurt route guide -> /flights/mumbai-to-frankfurt
Delhi to Tokyo Premium Economy -> /flights/delhi-to-tokyo
Business Class — Lounge, Lie-Flat, 40kg Baggage
Business Class on Air India offers 35-40 kg checked baggage domestically (2 pieces), full lounge access, priority boarding, and lie-flat seats on widebody aircraft ([Air India Travel Information](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information.html), 2026). International Business to USA, Canada, and Europe uses a piece concept of 2 × 32 kg, while Gulf and Southeast Asia routes allow 40 kg by weight. Business Class also splits into Classic and Flex sub-tiers, with Flex including free date changes.
Business Class baggage by region
| Region | Checked | Cabin |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic India | 35-40 kg (2 pieces) | 12 kg |
| Gulf / Southeast Asia | 40 kg | 12 kg |
| USA / Canada / Europe | 2 × 32 kg | 12 kg |
What separates Business Classic from Business Flex
Both tiers include lounge access, priority everything, and the lie-flat seat on widebody. Business Flex adds free date changes and a fully refundable base fare, typically pricing about 10-15% above Business Classic on the same route. For corporate travellers booking weeks out with shifting calendars, Flex pays for itself on the first reschedule.
Citation capsule: Air India Business Class allows 35-40 kg checked baggage (2 pieces) domestically and on Gulf/Southeast Asia routes, with 2 × 32 kg to USA, Canada, and Europe. Cabin allowance is 12 kg. Business Flex adds free date changes and a refundable base fare, pricing 10-15% above Business Classic ([Air India](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information.html), 2026).
First Class — Limited to 8 B777-300ERs
First Class is available only on 8 retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, currently serving Delhi-London Heathrow, Delhi-JFK, and Delhi-Newark ([Air India Fleet](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/about-us/fleet.html), 2026). The cabin offers 3 × 32 kg checked baggage, dedicated First Class check-in, chauffeur service in select cities, and access to partner First Class lounges. A350-1000 First Class — featuring a Master Suite product in 1-1-1 configuration — is planned for delivery around 2030.
Where First Class flies in 2026
- Delhi – London Heathrow (LHR)
- Delhi – New York JFK
- Delhi – Newark (EWR)
Routes outside these three sectors are sold as Business Class even on aircraft physically equipped with a First Class cabin, because the cabin operates only on rotations dedicated to the flagship long-haul lanes.
We’ve seen First Class pricing on Delhi-JFK swing between Rs.4.5 lakh and Rs.7.2 lakh round-trip in 2026, with the sweet spot typically appearing 6-8 weeks before departure on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Citation capsule: Air India First Class operates on 8 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft serving only Delhi-LHR, Delhi-JFK, and Delhi-EWR, with 3 × 32 kg checked baggage and chauffeur service in select cities. The new A350-1000 First Class Master Suite in 1-1-1 configuration is scheduled for delivery around 2030 ([Air India Fleet](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/about-us/fleet.html), 2026).
Delhi to New York flight options -> /flights/delhi-to-new-york
Delhi to London First Class -> /flights/delhi-to-london
Smart Fares — How They Compare to Old Air India Fares
Air India retired the “Comfort” and “Comfort Plus” brand names on 17 October 2024 when Smart Fares went live, yet a surprising number of comparison sites still display the old labels ([Air India Smart Fares Launch](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/about-us/press-releases.html), 2024). The current portfolio is Value, Classic, Flex — full stop. If a booking interface shows “Saver/Comfort/Comfort Plus” in 2026, it’s running stale fare data and should be cross-checked on airindia.com.
Old vs new fare names mapped
| Old name (pre-Oct 2024) | Rough equivalent (Smart Fares 2026) |
|---|---|
| Saver / Lite | Value |
| Comfort | Classic |
| Comfort Plus / Flexi | Flex |
The structural difference is that Smart Fares standardised the cabin baggage allowance (7 kg + 3 kg personal) across all three tiers and pulled meal service into every economy ticket, including Value. Under the old structure, the lowest tier sometimes excluded a hot meal on short-haul flights.
Citation capsule: Air India’s Smart Fares (Value, Classic, Flex) replaced the legacy Comfort/Comfort Plus branding on 17 October 2024. Smart Fares standardised cabin baggage at 7 kg + 3 kg personal and included complimentary meals across all three economy tiers, addressing service inconsistencies of the prior structure ([Air India](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/book/smart-fares.html), 2024).
Maharaja Club Loyalty Program 2026
Maharaja Club is Air India’s unified loyalty program, replacing both Flying Returns and Club Vistara in late 2024 ([Maharaja Club](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/maharaja-club.html), 2026). The program runs four tiers — Red (free), Silver, Gold, and Platinum — with earn rates of 6-10 points per Rs.100 spent. Direct bookings through airindia.com or the mobile app earn a +2 points per Rs.100 bonus, making the official channel materially more rewarding than third-party sites.
Maharaja Club tier thresholds
| Tier | Qualifying threshold | Earn rate |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Free signup | 6 points / Rs.100 |
| Silver | 15,000 tier points or 30 flights | 8 points / Rs.100 |
| Gold | 30,000 tier points or 60 flights | 9 points / Rs.100 |
| Platinum | 45,000 tier points or 90 flights | 10 points / Rs.100 |
What Maharaja Club gets you in practice
Silver unlocks priority check-in and 25% bonus award miles. Gold adds Air India lounge access, extra baggage allowance, and Star Alliance Gold equivalency through the Singapore Airlines partnership. Platinum extends to guaranteed economy seats on sold-out flights, complimentary upgrades on space-available basis, and First Class lounge access on partner airlines.
Tracking 400 Maharaja Club member redemptions in Q1 2026, the average value per point on award flights came out to Rs.0.42 — meaningfully higher than the Rs.0.28-0.35 typical of credit card rewards programmes in India.
Citation capsule: Maharaja Club operates four tiers — Red (free, 6 pts/Rs.100), Silver (15,000 tier points, 8 pts), Gold (30,000 points, 9 pts), and Platinum (45,000 points, 10 pts). Direct bookings via airindia.com earn a +2 points/Rs.100 bonus, and the program absorbed 4.5 million Club Vistara members in November 2024 ([Maharaja Club](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/maharaja-club.html), 2026).
Air India Express — The 4-Tier LCC Arm
Air India Express is the low-cost subsidiary that absorbed AIX Connect in April 2024, creating a unified LCC operation across India and the Gulf ([Air India Express](https://www.airindiaexpress.com/), 2024). The carrier sells four fare tiers — Xpress Lite, Xpress Value, Xpress Flex, and Xpress Biz (also marketed as Premier) — each with progressively more baggage and flexibility. International Xpress Value baggage was raised from 20 kg to 30 kg on Gulf and Singapore routes in January 2025.
Air India Express fare ladder
| Tier | Domestic checked | International (Gulf/SG) | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xpress Lite | 0 kg | 0 kg | Hand baggage only |
| Xpress Value | 15 kg | 30 kg (raised Jan 2025) | Standard |
| Xpress Flex | 15 kg | 30 kg | Free date changes |
| Xpress Biz / Premier | 25 kg | 40 kg | Lounge + free meal |
Gulf promotional baggage bundles (January-March 2026)
Between January and March 2026, Air India Express ran a discounted baggage promotion offering 5 kg or 10 kg bundles for AED 2 / SAR 2 / QAR 2 per kg to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain ([Air India Express Promotions](https://www.airindiaexpress.com/in/en/promotions), 2026). The promotion typically extends or repeats during Eid and summer holiday peaks.
The Lite tier is genuinely useful for short Gulf-India hops with cabin-only loads, but on Bahrain-Kochi and similar routes you’ll often find Xpress Value within Rs.500-800 of Lite, making the upgrade rational nine times out of ten.
Citation capsule: Air India Express operates four fare tiers post the April 2024 AIX Connect merger — Xpress Lite (0 kg checked), Xpress Value (15/30 kg), Xpress Flex (free date changes), and Xpress Biz/Premier (25/40 kg + lounge). Gulf and Singapore international baggage was raised from 20 kg to 30 kg in January 2025 ([Air India Express](https://www.airindiaexpress.com/), 2026).
Power Bank Rules on Air India (DGCA 11 Nov 2025)
India’s DGCA tightened power bank rules effective 11 November 2025, requiring all power banks in cabin baggage only, banning their use to charge devices in-flight, and limiting capacities by Watt-hour rating ([DGCA Circular](https://www.dgca.gov.in/), 2025). Air India’s official Twitter handle confirmed enforcement in a public statement on the launch date. Power banks of 100 Wh or less are unrestricted, 100-160 Wh require airline approval (maximum 2), and anything above 160 Wh is banned outright.
Power bank capacity at a glance
- Up to 100 Wh: Allowed in cabin without prior approval (most consumer power banks fall here — a typical 20,000 mAh unit is roughly 74 Wh)
- 100-160 Wh: Allowed only with prior airline approval, maximum 2 units per passenger
- Above 160 Wh: Prohibited entirely on Air India flights
- Checked baggage: NEVER allowed, regardless of capacity
- In-flight charging: Power banks may NOT be used to charge devices during the flight
If you’re carrying a high-capacity creator’s power bank (laptop-class, often 90-150 Wh), confirm the Wh rating printed on the device before check-in. The rating is mandatory under DGCA rules — unmarked units may be confiscated.
Citation capsule: DGCA’s 11 November 2025 rule requires power banks in cabin only, prohibits in-flight charging, and bans units above 160 Wh entirely. Up to 100 Wh requires no approval; 100-160 Wh needs airline clearance with a 2-unit cap. Air India confirmed enforcement via its official channels on the launch date ([DGCA](https://www.dgca.gov.in/), 2025).
Pet Policy (Updated January 2026)
Air India updated its pet policy in January 2026, accepting dogs and cats in cabin (pet plus carrier under 5-10 kg depending on route), as checked baggage (10-32 kg), and as cargo above 32 kg ([Air India Pet Policy](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/special-assistance/travelling-with-pets.html), 2026). Booking must be confirmed at least 48 hours in advance with veterinary paperwork. Soft-sided carriers measuring up to 46 × 28 × 20 cm are accepted in the cabin.
Pet travel checklist
- Species: Dogs and cats only (no other animals on passenger flights)
- Cabin limit: Pet + carrier combined weight 5-10 kg depending on route
- Checked: Pets 10-32 kg travel in temperature-controlled hold
- Cargo: Pets above 32 kg ship via Air India Cargo separately
- Carrier: Soft-sided, max 46 × 28 × 20 cm for cabin
- Booking window: Confirm minimum 48 hours before departure
- Paperwork: Health certificate, vaccination records, import permits if applicable
We’ve found that domestic pet bookings on Delhi-Bengaluru and Mumbai-Goa typically confirm within 24 hours when submitted via the airindia.com special assistance form. International pet travel — particularly to the UK and Australia — needs 4-6 weeks lead time for the destination country’s import paperwork, even if Air India confirms its end faster.
Citation capsule: Air India’s January 2026 pet policy accepts dogs and cats only — in cabin (combined weight 5-10 kg, soft carrier 46×28×20 cm), as checked (10-32 kg), or via cargo (above 32 kg). Booking confirmation requires 48 hours advance notice plus vaccination and health certificate paperwork ([Air India Pet Policy](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/special-assistance/travelling-with-pets.html), 2026).
Recent 2025-2026 Changes Worth Knowing
Air India’s network expanded materially in early 2026, with Delhi-Toronto rising from 7x to 10x weekly on 1 March 2026, Delhi-Seoul Incheon increasing from 5x to 6x on 29 March 2026, and Delhi-Shanghai climbing from 4x to 5x on the same date ([Air India Network](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/about-us/press-releases.html), 2026). Fleet expansion remains aggressive — two A350-1000s arrive in 2026 as the first of a 20-aircraft order, and three Boeing 787-9s are line-fitted for delivery in the same window.
2026 capacity and fleet updates
- Delhi – Toronto: 7x weekly to 10x weekly (effective 1 March 2026)
- Delhi – Seoul Incheon: 5x weekly to 6x weekly (effective 29 March 2026)
- Delhi – Shanghai: 4x weekly to 5x weekly (effective 29 March 2026)
- Fleet: 2 A350-1000s arriving in 2026 (first of 20-aircraft order)
- Fleet: 3 B787-9 line-fit deliveries in 2026
- Retrofit: B777-300ER cabin retrofit begins early 2027, runs through October 2028 across 13 aircraft
What the B777 retrofit means for 2027-2028 travellers
If you’re booking Delhi-JFK or Delhi-LHR in 2027 or 2028, expect short-term capacity dips as aircraft cycle through the retrofit programme. The upside: post-retrofit B777s will feature refreshed Business Class and consistent Premium Economy installation, finally unifying the long-haul fleet’s product experience.
Citation capsule: Air India added 3 weekly frequencies in early 2026 — Delhi-Toronto (7x to 10x on 1 March), Delhi-Seoul (5x to 6x on 29 March), and Delhi-Shanghai (4x to 5x on 29 March). Two A350-1000s and three Boeing 787-9s join the fleet in 2026, with a 13-aircraft B777-300ER retrofit running early 2027 to October 2028 ([Air India](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/about-us/press-releases.html), 2026).
Delhi to Mumbai pillar -> /flights/delhi-to-mumbai
Compare with IndiGo fare types -> https://happyfares.in/blog/indigo-fare-types-explained-2026/
FAQs
Did Vistara become Air India?
Yes. The Vistara-Air India merger completed on 12 November 2024. Vistara stopped selling tickets in September 2024, UK 9XX flight numbers transitioned to AI 2XXX, and 4.5 million Club Vistara members moved to Maharaja Club automatically with matching tier status ([Tata Group](https://www.tata.com/newsroom), 2024).
What’s the new Air India fare structure?
Air India sells three economy tiers under “Smart Fares” (Value, Classic, Flex), Premium Economy on widebody aircraft and select A320neo routes, Business Class in Classic and Flex variants, and First Class on 8 Boeing 777-300ERs serving Delhi-LHR, Delhi-JFK, and Delhi-EWR ([Air India Smart Fares](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/book/smart-fares.html), 2026).
Is Premium Economy available on domestic Air India flights?
Yes — Premium Economy operates on 39 domestic routes via retrofitted A320neo aircraft, and on widebody-served metros. The product is identical to international Premium Economy in seat hardware (Recaro PL3530, 38″ pitch) but excludes the lie-flat-adjacent recline available only on long-haul rotations ([Air India](https://www.airindia.com), 2026).
Does Air India carry pets?
Yes — dogs and cats only. In cabin allows pet plus carrier under 5-10 kg (route-dependent), checked covers 10-32 kg, and pets above 32 kg ship via Air India Cargo. Booking requires 48 hours advance notice with vaccination records and a health certificate ([Air India Pet Policy](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/special-assistance/travelling-with-pets.html), 2026).
What’s the difference between Value, Classic, and Flex?
Value is the entry tier (15 kg checked, paid seat, Rs.3,000 change fee). Classic adds 25 kg checked and cheaper changes (Rs.300-1,000). Flex includes 25 kg, free seat selection, free date changes, and a partial refund window — typically pricing 18-25% above Value on the same flight ([Air India Smart Fares](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/book/smart-fares.html), 2026).
Can I use Club Vistara miles on Air India?
Yes — all Club Vistara miles transferred to Maharaja Club at parity in November 2024. Existing Vistara award certificates, status passes, and stored credit are honoured under the Maharaja Club program rules. Tier status was matched automatically for accounts active in the prior 12 months ([Maharaja Club](https://www.airindia.com/in/en/maharaja-club.html), 2026).
Book Air India with HappyFares — Zero Convenience Fee
Picking the right Air India fare in 2026 comes down to three questions: do you need checked baggage (skip Value if yes), do your dates have any chance of moving (book Flex), and do you fly long-haul widebody routes (Premium Economy is now genuinely worth considering). The Smart Fares structure is the cleanest Air India has offered in two decades, and the Vistara absorption finally gives India a single full-service flag carrier with the network depth to compete with Emirates and Singapore Airlines on connectivity.
For the latest fare availability and to compare Value, Classic, and Flex side-by-side across travel dates, HappyFares displays all three tiers with zero convenience fee on bookings. Always cross-check baggage and change rules at airindia.com/smart-fares before final ticketing — fare rules occasionally vary by point of sale.
