I have joined the forum as I would like to find out how the Air India Express ticket booking works, and I would like to like to know what express ticket booking means as I am quite confused. I would also like to know how I can proceed with the booking.
Hello, welcome to the forum! (Images from Aeroprints, Pinterest, Ami and Aero Icarus) Overview Air India Express is a low-cost carrier airline, operated by Air India Charters Limited, a part or subsidiary of the Air India airlines. It was mainly established to cater to the working Indian expats of the Gulf countries and territories. Air India Express has lower fare rates as compared to regular carrier airlines which is why budget travellers prefer travelling by this airline. It was established just in 2005 and has been through several ups and downs throughout the years. From the years 2015 to 2106, Air India Express reported its first profit of about Rs. 320 crores, a major turn around as compared to its losses in the previous years. Air India Express is a prime choice for budget travellers who want to save some money but still want to enjoy travelling around the Gulf and Asian countries. Air India Express (Destinations) International Flights RegionCitiesGulfAbu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Salalah, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and RiyadhSouth AsiaDhaka, Kuala Lumpur and SingaporeDomestic Flights From CityTo CityFrom CityTo CityChennaiThiruvananthpuramThiruvananthpuramChennaiKozhikodeThiruvananthpuramThiruvananthpuramKozhikodeCochinThiruvananthpuramThiruvananthpuramCochinCochinKozhikodeKozhikodeCochinAir India Express has 15 international destinations from different cities around India. There are flights to these international destinations from major cities like Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai and many more. Similarly, there are also return flights from the international cities mentioned above to local cities in India. Air India Express also has domestic flights in the southern region of India. There are flights from Chennai to Thiruvananthpuram and back, from Kozhikode to Thiruvananthpuram and back, from Cochin to Thiruvananthpuram and back, and finally, from Cochin to Kozhikode and back. Air India Express (Ticket Booking) There are three ways of booking a ticket for an Air India Express flight. The simpler approach would be to reach one of Air India Express's office branch and buy your ticket from there. If you have any inquiries, the office personnel can cater to you and the process is fairly simple as your itinerary receipt is given to you in person. Or you can opt to book a ticket via a certified travel agent that can make the booking for you. These ways are acceptable although if you want to book the ticket by yourself with the use of the online method, you can also do so. 1. Go to the official website of Air India Express. On their homepage, you would see the Flights section where you can input your destination details. Fill this area with essential information, click on the preferred ticket, round-trip, one-way or multi-way ones are available. After that, input the city where you're flying from and then the city you intend to reach or your destination. Other essential information such as departure date, return date, number of passengers or number of infants are also required. Click on Next once you're done with the information. 2. On the next page, you would be shown the different flights available for your desired date of travel. Both the outbound and return flights would be shown if you choose the return type of ticket. Toggle on the Click for Additional Flights tab to view the other flights for your route and schedule. Choose which flight or flights you would prefer by clicking on the circle underneath the ticket type. As you can see from the picture, for the flights between Delhi and Abu Dhabi, you can choose between the Express Value and Express Flexi types of ticket. Click on Next once you have chosen your preferred ticket type. 3. On the next page, you would be shown details of your journey. Make sure that all details are correct and proceed to inputting your personal details. Your name, along with your mobile and landline number would be asked for. Your passport number would also be needed so have that ready. Once done, click on the Next button to proceed. 4. On the next page, you can select your preferred seat although this comes with charges. You can also choose your preferred meal but again, this comes with charges. Click on Next once you are complete with this page. 5. The last page is the payment gateway, where you need to choose your preferred mode of payment, credit card or debit card, pay the required air fare and then print your itinerary receipt. Once done, you're good to go and you can show your itinerary receipt as your form of ticket once you reach the specific airport in your designated city that you have in the ticket. You can book a ticket at least 90 minutes before the scheduled departure of your preferred flight, whether online, via travel agent or a booking counter of Air India Express. However, make sure you reach the check-in counter at least an hour before the scheduled departure. Refunds are also not given in case you decide to cancel your flight at the very last minute. But if there are any cancellations of flights on the part of the management, the passengers can either be transferred to another succeeding flight or be refunded their money. Conclusion Air India Express is a good option for those travelling within a budget. It has flights to different cities in the Gulf countries and even to other cities of south Asian countries. The low cost, coupled with the warm hospitality of the crew, is enough to make you smile. Of course, certain luxuries such as television, bigger leg space and unlimited food options won't be available. But if you just want to reach an international destination, or even a local one, without any frills, Air India Express might work out well for you. I hope this helps!