Air India, now under the stewardship of the Tata Group, has launched an innovative feature called ‘Fare Lock’ aimed at enhancing passenger convenience and flexibility in travel planning. This new offering allows travelers to secure a selected fare for 48 hours, providing them with the opportunity to finalize their travel plans without the concern of fluctuating ticket prices.
How ‘Fare Lock’ Works
The ‘Fare Lock’ feature allows customers to reserve their chosen fare for a period of two days. By paying a nominal, non-refundable fee, passengers can lock in the current fare, giving them a window to confirm their travel itinerary without the risk of fare changes. This service is designed to simplify the booking process and offer peace of mind to travelers who need a little extra time to organize their trips.
Steps to Use ‘Fare Lock’
- Choose Preferred Flight Options: Customers select their desired flight options.
- Select ‘Fare Lock’: During the booking process, customers opt for the ‘Fare Lock’ feature.
- Pay the Fee: A non-refundable fee is paid to secure the fare.
- Confirm Booking: Within the 48-hour period, customers can finalize their bookings at the pre-selected fare using the ‘Manage Booking’ option on the Air India website or mobile app.
Fee Structure
The fee for using the ‘Fare Lock’ feature varies depending on the flight route and is charged per passenger per ticket. The fees are as follows:
| Nature of Flight | For Flights Departing India | For Flights Arriving in India |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic India Flights | INR 500 | INR 500 |
| Short-Haul International | INR 850 | USD 10 |
| Long-Haul International | INR 1500 | USD 18 |
Advantages of ‘Fare Lock’
Air India’s ‘Fare Lock’ feature offers several benefits:
- Price Stability: Ensures the fare remains unchanged for 48 hours, allowing customers to plan without the worry of price hikes.
- Flexibility: Provides a buffer period to finalize travel plans and coordinate with companions.
- Convenience: Streamlines the booking process by allowing passengers to return and confirm their bookings at their convenience.
Availability
The ‘Fare Lock’ service is available for flight options at least 10 days ahead of the booking date, ensuring that travelers have ample time to make necessary arrangements.
Recent Operational Challenges
While Air India continues to expand and innovate, it has faced some operational challenges. Recently, the Aviation Ministry issued a show cause notice to Air India following a 20-hour delay on a Delhi-San Francisco flight. Passengers experienced severe discomfort due to lack of air-conditioning in the extreme heat, with some reportedly fainting and others requesting to deplane.
Expansion of Services
Despite such setbacks, Air India has significantly increased its operations. The airline now operates 51 weekly flights to North America, up from 33 before its privatization. This expansion reflects the airline’s commitment to improving its service offerings and increasing its global footprint.
