About Air India
Air India is India's flag carrier, founded in 1932 and now part of Tata Group since 2022. The airline operates long-haul flights to North America, Europe, Australia, and across Asia, alongside an extensive domestic network. A Star Alliance member with a modernising fleet of Boeing 777s, 787s, and Airbus A350s.
Fare structure: Economy (Eco Value, Eco Flex), Premium Economy, Business (Vista)
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About IndiGo
IndiGo is India's largest airline by passengers carried and fleet size. Founded in 2006, the airline operates over 2,000 daily flights to 90+ domestic and 30+ international destinations. Known for on-time performance and low fares, IndiGo carries roughly 6 out of every 10 domestic passengers in India.
Fare structure: Economy 3 tiers — Saver (15 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin, standard change/cancel fees) → Flexi Plus (15 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin + complimentary meal + complimentary standard seat, partial change/cancel fees) → IndiGo UpFront (20 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin + complimentary meal + complimentary front-row Economy seat, ZERO change fee + LOW cancellation charges, Fast Forward not included). Business class: Stretch and Stretch Plus (lie-flat-style premium seating on select metro/long-haul A321 routes, generous baggage + meals + lounge access). Note: the legacy "Super 6E" fare brand was renamed to IndiGo UpFront in 2024 with revised benefits, and IndiGo no longer sells a "Lite" cabin-only fare on domestic.
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Best for...
You want the cheapest possible fare
Best: IndiGo
IndiGo is a low-cost carrier — base fare is typically 20-40% lower than Air India. Air India's fare includes inclusions IndiGo sells separately.
You want global alliance miles
Best: Air India
Air India is part of Star Alliance — earn miles across 25+ partner airlines worldwide. IndiGo is independent; its miles are not transferable to other carriers.
You need to arrive on time (business trip, connection)
Best: IndiGo
IndiGo has been India's most punctual airline for 14+ consecutive years per DGCA monthly on-time performance reports. Air India is generally good but doesn't match IndiGo's consistent 85-90% on-time arrival rate.
Long-haul international with stopover
Best: Air India
Air India operates wide-body aircraft (B777, B787, A350) on long-haul. IndiGo is a low-cost short-haul carrier and doesn't serve long-haul.
Travelling with infant or family
Best: Air India
Air India includes complimentary meals, generous baggage, free seat selection (sit-together) — material savings for a family. IndiGo sells these add-ons separately, which can equal or exceed the headline price gap.
Frequently asked questions
Is Air India cheaper than IndiGo?
IndiGo typically has 20-40% lower base fares than Air India on overlapping domestic routes, because IndiGo is a low-cost carrier and Air India is full-service. On HappyFares, the displayed price is the all-in price (no convenience fee) for either airline.
Which has better on-time performance — IndiGo or Air India?
IndiGo has been India's most punctual carrier for 14+ consecutive years per DGCA monthly on-time performance reports (typically 85-90% on-time arrival). Air India's on-time performance ranges 70-85% depending on the month. For time-sensitive trips, IndiGo is the safer choice.
Does Air India or IndiGo have more checked baggage allowance?
Air India's economy domestic checked allowance is 25 kg (economy), 35 kg (business). IndiGo's is 15 kg. If you typically pack more than 25 kg (economy), 35 kg (business), Air India avoids the excess-baggage surcharge.
Which has the better frequent flyer programme?
Air India's programme is part of Star Alliance — your miles transfer across 25+ partner airlines worldwide and earn elite status across the alliance. IndiGo runs an independent loyalty programme. For frequent international travellers, alliance membership is the deciding factor.
Does IndiGo have a business class?
IndiGo has launched IndiGo Stretch and Stretch Plus — premium business-class-equivalent products on select metro/long-haul A321 routes (Delhi/Mumbai to Singapore, Delhi/Mumbai to Athens, plus key domestic metro routes). Air India has a full-service business class with lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft.
Which has better refund / cancellation policy — Air India or IndiGo?
Both follow DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3 Series M Part IV — the regulator-mandated framework is identical. Air India's standard fares (Eco Flex, Premium Economy) carry the lowest cancellation fees among Indian carriers; entry-level Eco Value mirrors low-cost-carrier penalties. IndiGo's UpFront fare has zero change fee and the lowest cancellation charges in its 3-tier economy structure. For Cancel-for-Any-Reason refunds regardless of fare rules, HappyFares Smart Saver add-on covers either airline.
Does Air India fly the same routes as IndiGo?
Air India's hubs is DEL (plus BOM, BLR, HYD). IndiGo's hubs is DEL (plus BOM, BLR, HYD). Both serve major Indian metros, but their route networks differ — Air India covers all 6 metros and 70+ Indian cities, and IndiGo covers similar Indian network. Use HappyFares to see which airline operates your specific city pair.
Can I book both Air India and IndiGo on HappyFares?
Yes — HappyFares lists fares from both Air India and IndiGo (along with every other major airline operating Indian routes). The same all-in pricing applies regardless of carrier: zero OTA convenience fee on domestic flights, transparent fare breakdown, no pre-ticked add-ons. Compare and book either carrier in the same booking flow.