A big transformation is going to happen in the Indian Aviation Industry with the merging of two big airlines, Air India and Vistara. It is bound to happen on November 12, 2024, and this merger will reshape the flying experience of many passengers who travel through these airlines. Many passengers travel with Vistara and Air India, and both have their own set of services for passengers. With their merger, crucial changes will happen.
Here we are going to provide you with all the important information related to this merger and key changes that passengers need to understand, we will also provide you with tips that will make your journey hassle-free after the merging of these two airlines.
5 Major Changes To Look Upon During the Merging Of Air India and Vistara
1. Booking and Ticket Changes: What You Should Do
After the merger on November 12, 2024, all Vistara flights will operate under the Air India banner. Due to this, Vistara passengers need to verify their tickets and update them as per the new booking rules. Here are some essential tips that can help you in booking.
- Verify your booking: All the passengers who have booked their tickets already under Vistara, need to recheck their details related to timing, seat allotments, baggage allowance, etc. Although PNR will remain the same, tickets will be under Air India. It is good if you use the Air India app to check the status of your ticket or go to their website for any information.
- New e-tickets: Though your PNR number will remain the same, the tickets may change. Now you will get new tickets under the name of Air India in place of Vistara. We advise you to keep both the tickets, old and new, handy to refrain from any confusion and complications.
- Check-in procedures: There is also a change in the check-in process as well. Now instead of Vistara, you have to check in at Air India counters. Keep a regular check on emails. Air India may share useful information before your journey date in order to keep you updated with the process.
2. Be Ready for Potential Flight Schedule Changes
Mergers often bring about logistical changes, and passengers may see alterations to their flight schedules or numbers. For example, Vistara’s flight numbers will now align with Air India’s. So, UK 711 (a Vistara flight) could become AI2-711 under Air India.
Though most of the flights will operate at their scheduled timings, still some chances are present that you may see some changes in timings. If this happens, Air India will notify you through email or SMS. Keep yourself in touch with Air India customer care services before your journey date. It is always good to have the Air India app in order to monitor all the changes or notifications by the Air India company.
3. Baggage Policies and Lounge Access: What’s New?
Two areas will be visibly impacted by the merger and they are baggage policies and lounge access.
- Baggage allowances: For those who have already purchased the additional baggage allowance with Vistara, their purchase will be forwarded to Air India for sure. Those who are about to book, have to do it as per the Air India updated baggage policies. Contact Air India to get a detailed answer on this, they will guide you on what to do and how to do it.
- Lounge access: There will be some changes in Vistara’s loyalty programs and exclusive lounge access. While many services remain the same, some premium benefits enjoyed by the Vistara passengers might not be available on Air India flights. Those, who have paid for the services will surely get the refunds.
4. Rescheduling and Cancellation Policies: What to Expect
Keep a check on the policies of Air India for rescheduling and cancellation services. Vistara has different policies and Air India works differently. So, any changes to current bookings should follow the Air India rules. So, it would be better to connect with Air India helpline for guidance and understanding of policies.
5. The Vistara Experience Will Continue — But for How Long?
If you are a loyal Vistara passenger, you may be thinking about the premium services that Vistara offers. The good news is that Vistara’s narrow-body planes and crew will continue to operate until mid-2025, allowing travellers to enjoy the same Vistara experience for a little while longer. Meanwhile, Air India will be upgrading its fleet to match the expectations of Vistara passengers. It will take a couple of years to complete the fleet modernisation process by Air India. By integrating the best aspects of both airlines, Air India aims to improve the overall flying experience for passengers.
Air India’s Vision: A Seamless Transition for Passengers
Tat Group heading the whole transformation process of Air India. They are very much focused on delivering a world-class experience to all the passengers. This merger is a way to modernise Air India’s fleet and improve its service standards. This whole thing will certainly provide a good travel experience for all the passengers.
It is certain that initially, passengers may find some disruptions in the services, but eventually, every passenger will get better services than before. This merger between the two major airlines is expected to bring the best services and raise the bar for Indian Aviation.
What Does the Future Hold for Indian Aviation?
The merger of Vistara and Air India marks a significant milestone in the Indian aviation landscape. With the two airlines uniting under the same banner, passengers can expect:
- Better flight connectivity across domestic and international routes.
- Upgraded services and amenities, as Air India focuses on fleet modernisation and revamping its operations.
- A more unified travel experience, with Air India incorporating Vistara’s well-regarded hospitality and premium service standards into its offerings.
In the upcoming days, more details will come out regarding this merger. The main goal of this whole process is to upgrade the standards and providing a seamless and enjoyable air travel experience to all the passengers travelling with Air India.
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know
As the Air India-Vistara merger takes effect, here are the most important things passengers need to remember:
- Verify your booking: Check your flight details on the Air India website or app and ensure that everything is updated.
- Prepare for changes to your ticket: Keep both old and new tickets on hand to avoid any confusion during your journey.
- Monitor flight schedules: Stay informed by checking for any changes to flight times or numbers.
- Review baggage and service policies: Be aware of any adjustments to baggage allowances, lounge access, and other services.
- Stay informed about rescheduling or cancellation policies: Familiarize yourself with Air India’s rules in case you need to make changes to your booking.
By staying proactive and following these steps, passengers can navigate the merger smoothly and enjoy a seamless travel experience with Air India. For more information on travel, come to Trip Trek Tales.
