NEW DELHI: Air India will now have the option to take an alternative flight departing up to 12 hours before their originally booked flight, provided the departure dates of both flights is scheduled on the same date. This “fly prior” is complimentary for gold and platinum members of Air India’s Flying Returns loyalty programme. All others can easily purchase the service at reasonable additional fees.
“The ‘Fly Prior’ service fees are structured based on flight routes: Rs 2,199 for flights between major cities, namely Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. And, Rs 1,499 for flights to or from any other destinations within India,” AI said in a statement. The flexibility of the ‘fly prior’ service is subject to seat availability in the same cabin class as originally booked. “Available exclusively at Air India’s ticketing counters and check-in desks at airports across India,” the airline said in a statement.
“Upon opting for the service, Air India guests will receive instant confirmation of their modified booking on the earlier departing flight and their checked baggage (if any) will be instantly accepted. Any other purchased ancillary services previously added to a booking such as excess baggage, priority handling, upgrade will be transferred to the earlier flight, except seat selection and special meal requests.”