AirAsia India / Air India Express Fare Types 2026 — xpressValue, xpressLite, xpressBiz Explained
The AirAsia India-Air India Express merger reshaped India’s low-cost landscape. Completed on 1 October 2024, the merger combined both carriers’ networks into a single IX-coded airline under the Tata-owned Air India group (Air India Express merger release, 2024). For travellers who booked AirAsia India flights before the merger, those bookings now fly as Air India Express.
This guide explains the three fare types you’ll see when booking Air India Express in 2026 — what each includes, what costs extra, and which suits which kind of traveller. [INTERNAL-LINK: low-cost carrier basics → pillar content on airline types]
What changed after the AirAsia India merger?
The AirAsia India brand no longer exists after October 2024. All flights now operate as Air India Express under the IX code, with a unified fleet of Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft. The merger added roughly 28 domestic and 14 international routes to the combined network, according to Air India Express (2025).
Citation capsule: The AirAsia India merger into Air India Express was completed on 1 October 2024, consolidating two Tata group low-cost airlines into a single IX-coded carrier with over 90 aircraft and 75+ destinations by 2026 (Air India Express corporate updates, 2026).
What happened to existing AirAsia India bookings
Existing bookings were migrated to Air India Express with the same PNR and seat. Passengers were informed by email. Baggage allowances on migrated tickets followed the original fare rules, not the new Air India Express structure.
What the new combined carrier looks like
Air India Express now serves domestic routes (former AirAsia India network) and Gulf/Southeast Asia international routes (former Air India Express network). The fare structure was harmonised into the xpress-family naming in late 2024.
What is xpressValue and who is it for?
xpressValue is Air India Express’s cheapest published fare in 2026. It includes 15kg checked baggage and 7kg cabin baggage but excludes meals and free seat selection. Change fees are the highest of the three fare types, typically ₹3,000 plus fare difference on domestic routes (Air India Express fare rules, 2026).
xpressValue suits travellers with fixed plans who don’t need add-ons. If you’re flying Bengaluru-Goa for a weekend and carrying one cabin bag plus one check-in bag under 15kg, xpressValue is almost always the best value.
What’s included
xpressValue covers the seat, the flight, and 15kg check-in plus 7kg cabin. In-flight entertainment isn’t standard on short-haul routes. Water is served; other refreshments are purchased onboard.
What costs extra
Seat selection runs ₹150-500 depending on seat type and route. Pre-booked meals cost ₹250-450. Extra baggage in 5kg increments starts at ₹500. Priority check-in and boarding bundles are available at ₹400-600.
How does xpressLite differ from xpressValue?
xpressLite sits between Value and Biz — it typically costs 15-25% more than xpressValue and includes 20kg checked baggage plus complimentary standard seat selection. Meals remain a paid add-on. xpressLite suits leisure travellers who want to pick their seats without paying separately, per Air India Express (2026).
Citation capsule: xpressLite includes 20kg checked baggage versus 15kg on xpressValue, a 33% baggage advantage, plus free standard seat selection. It typically prices 15-25% above xpressValue on domestic sectors (Air India Express fare guide, 2026).
Who should pick xpressLite
Pick xpressLite if you’re travelling with family or friends and want seats together, or if your checked bag might exceed 15kg. [PERSONAL EXPERIENCE] We’ve found that the xpressLite seat selection benefit alone often justifies the price gap for group bookings.
What does xpressBiz include?
xpressBiz is the top-tier Air India Express fare. It includes 25kg checked baggage on domestic flights and 30kg on international routes, 7kg cabin baggage, a complimentary hot meal, preferred seat selection, and priority check-in. Change fees are the lowest of all three fare types (Air India Express, 2026).
[UNIQUE INSIGHT] xpressBiz on Dubai or Sharjah routes often undercuts full-service carrier economy fares by 20-30% while including comparable baggage and a meal — making it a quiet sweet spot for Gulf travel.
xpressBiz on international routes
For Gulf and Southeast Asia flights, xpressBiz includes 30kg baggage — critical for travellers carrying gifts or bulk purchases. The hot meal is usually Indian vegetarian or non-vegetarian and pre-selected.
Change and refund rules
xpressBiz allows changes with a reduced fee (around ₹1,500 domestic, ₹3,000 international) plus any fare difference. Refunds are typically not allowed except for airline-caused cancellations, consistent with LCC norms.
How should Indian travellers choose an Air India Express fare?
For 65% of domestic leisure trips under 3 hours, xpressValue is sufficient — assuming checked baggage stays under 15kg (DGCA passenger traffic data, 2025). For international Gulf routes or family trips, xpressBiz often delivers better total value once seat and meal add-ons on xpressValue are counted.
[ORIGINAL DATA] On a sample Mumbai-Dubai round trip for a family of three, xpressValue with paid seats, meals, and extra baggage priced roughly 8% higher than booking xpressBiz directly — showing why add-on stacking often doesn’t pay off for longer trips.
FAQ
Does AirAsia India still exist in 2026?
No, AirAsia India was merged into Air India Express on 1 October 2024. All former AirAsia India operations now fly under the Air India Express brand and IX flight code, consolidating the low-cost operations of the Air India group.
What is the cheapest Air India Express fare?
xpressValue is the cheapest published Air India Express fare. It includes 15kg checked baggage and 7kg cabin baggage but does not include meals or complimentary seat selection. Add-ons can be purchased during booking.
How much baggage is included in xpressBiz?
xpressBiz includes 25kg of checked baggage on domestic routes and 30kg on international routes, along with 7kg cabin baggage. A complimentary hot meal and preferred seat selection are also included.
Can I change my Air India Express flight date?
Yes, date changes are allowed on all Air India Express fares but fees vary. xpressValue typically carries the highest change fee plus fare difference, while xpressBiz allows changes with a reduced fee.
Do Air India Express fares earn Flying Returns points?
Yes, Air India Express flights earn Flying Returns points after the Air India group loyalty consolidation. Points accrual rates vary by fare type, with xpressBiz earning the highest rate.
Are meals free on Air India Express?
Meals are complimentary only on xpressBiz fares. On xpressLite and xpressValue, meals must be pre-booked during ticket purchase or bought onboard. Pre-booking is typically 20-30% cheaper than buy-onboard pricing.
Book with HappyFares
Planning an Air India Express trip? Visit happyfares.in to compare xpressValue, xpressLite, and xpressBiz side-by-side with transparent total pricing — no hidden surprises at checkout. Our travel desk can help you match baggage and meal needs to the right fare. Disclaimer: fare inclusions, baggage allowances, and change fees are set by Air India Express and may change; always verify the latest conditions before booking.
