At-a-glance comparison
| Attribute | Air India | SpiceJet | Notes / verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline category | Full-service | Low-cost | Different categories — compare on price + service expectations |
| Primary hub | DEL (+ BOM, BLR, HYD) | DEL (+ BOM, CCU, HYD) | Same hub (DEL) — direct head-to-head |
| Fleet size (approx.) | 220+ aircraft | 55+ aircraft | Larger fleet: Air India (more route redundancy on cancellation/delay) |
| Global alliance | Star Alliance | None — independent | Air India alliance offers points on partners |
| Founded | 1932 | 2005 | Air India has the longer operating history |
| Aircraft types in fleet | B777, B787, A350, A321neo, A320neo | B737-800, B737 MAX 8, Q400 | — |
| Domestic checked baggage (economy entry) | 25 kg (economy), 35 kg (business) | 15 kg | Compare against your typical packing — more = better for return-with-souvenirs trips |
| Cabin baggage | 8 kg | 7 kg | — |
| In-flight meals | Complimentary meal | Buy-on-board only | Air India includes meals; the other sells on board |
| India customer care number | 0124-264 1407 | 0124-404 8000 | — |
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)
About SpiceJet
SpiceJet is a budget airline serving India's domestic network and select international Gulf/Southeast Asia routes. The airline operates a mix of Boeing 737s for jet routes and Q400 turboprops for regional UDAN connectivity.
Fare structure: SpiceSaver (lowest, cabin + checked baggage, standard change/cancel fees) → SpiceFlex (more flexibility, lower change/cancel fees) → SpiceMax (premium tier, complimentary seat + meal, lowest change/cancel fees). SpiceClub loyalty points earned on every fare.
Best for...
You want the cheapest possible fare
Best: SpiceJet
SpiceJet is a low-cost carrier — base fare is typically 20-40% lower than Air India. Air India's fare includes inclusions SpiceJet sells separately.
You want global alliance miles
Best: Air India
Air India is part of Star Alliance — earn miles across 25+ partner airlines worldwide. SpiceJet is independent; its miles are not transferable to other carriers.
Long-haul international with stopover
Best: Air India
Air India operates wide-body aircraft (B777, B787, A350) on long-haul. SpiceJet 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. SpiceJet sells these add-ons separately, which can equal or exceed the headline price gap.
Frequently asked questions
Is Air India cheaper than SpiceJet?
SpiceJet typically has 20-40% lower base fares than Air India on overlapping domestic routes, because SpiceJet 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.
Does Air India or SpiceJet have more checked baggage allowance?
Air India's economy domestic checked allowance is 25 kg (economy), 35 kg (business). SpiceJet'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. SpiceJet runs an independent loyalty programme. For frequent international travellers, alliance membership is the deciding factor.
Does SpiceJet have a business class?
SpiceJet operates a limited business class on select metro and Gulf 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 SpiceJet?
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. 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 SpiceJet?
Air India's hubs is DEL (plus BOM, BLR, HYD). SpiceJet's hubs is DEL (plus BOM, CCU, HYD). Both serve major Indian metros, but their route networks differ — Air India covers all 6 metros and 70+ Indian cities, and SpiceJet covers similar Indian network. Use HappyFares to see which airline operates your specific city pair.
Can I book both Air India and SpiceJet on HappyFares?
Yes — HappyFares lists fares from both Air India and SpiceJet (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.