Rediff On The NeT: Indian Airlines: general information


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Tele-check in on economy class

Indian Airlines has introduced tele-check in for passengers travelling on economy class. This facility is for those passengers who are a member of Flying Returns, the IA frequent flyer programme and carrying only hand baggage. The passenger can collect their boarding card just 20 minutes before departure after tele-check in.

Flying Return members will also get 10 kgs extra baggage allowance on both domestic and international sectors on IA.

Hot links

Indian Airlines new Hot Link numbers gives details of arrival and departure for all IA flights in the six metros -- New Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Bangalore and Hyderabad. For arrival details dial 9627-011-142 and for departure details dial 9627-011-143 in any of the above cities.This is a 24 hour service .

For students and senior citizens

Indian Airlines offers 50 per cent discounts to students, holding Indian passports, on the basic fare.
To apply for this discount, the IA concession form, available at the nearest Indian Airlines office, must be filled, two photos attached and signed by the school or college authorities. The completed and signed forms will have to be submitted to the nearest IA office for their approval and then the ticket will be issued.
Indian Airlines offers 50 per cent discounts to senior citizens above age 65, holding Indian passports, on the basic fare.
To apply for this discount, the IA concession form, available at the nearest Indian Airlines office, must be filled, two stamp-sized photos and proof of the applicant's age attached. The completed and signed forms will have to be submitted to the nearest IA office for their approval and then the ticket or a permanent ID card will be issued.

Indian Airlines does not issue approvals or concessions on holidays and Sundays.

New telephone numbers

Indian Airlines has altered its Calcutta numbers:

The board number: 033-2360810, 2360730.
Enquiries: 033-2364433, 2369096.
Duty officer: 033-2366869.
Group booking: 033-2362573.
Frequent Fliers: 033-2362548

Open your telephone diary

Indian Airlines has altered its Bombay airport numbers:

The 24 hour board number: 022-6156850, 6156100.
Enquiries: 022-6156633.
Departure: 022-6156433.
Tele check in for executive class: 022-6156161, 6156162, 6156163.
Cargo: 022-6156114

Open all hours

Indian Airlines offers 24 hours reservation and ticketing facilities at its Airlines House office in Calcutta.

Airlines House, 39 Chittaranjan avenue, Calcutta. Phones: 033-2360810, 2360730.

Alliance Air has increased its free baggage allowance in line with the increase that Indian Airlines introduced earlier. Alliance Air has also increased baggage allowance of an additional 10 kgs to the existing limit for all domestic passengers. The allowance will be effective for trips which combines part of the journey with an Indian Airlines flight.

Indian Airlines, has upgraded their inflight menu. The airline has introduced, Meal Special, a scheme by which there will be a new menu every day of the week.

Each menu will specialise in the cuisine of different regions, ranging from Chettinad to Malwani.

Indian Airlines now serves diet meals on its metro to metro flights. Its flights between Bombay, New Delhi, Calcutta and Madras will have a choice fat free, salt free and sugar free meals available on board. These meals are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner and passengers only need to request a certain type of diet meal to get it.

Passengers flying by Indian Airlines will now be allowed an increased amount of baggage.

Economy class passengers flying by Indian Airlines are now allowed 30 kgs of baggage instead of the usual 20 kgs. First and business class passengers are now allowed 40 kgs free baggage instead of the usual 30 kgs. And an extra 10 kgs is allowed for infants.

Indian Airlines has started special facilities for transit passengers.

If your connecting flight leaves six hours after your arrival, you can check your baggage through to the final destination.

The airline has also started special transit desks at Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras which offer all transfer facilities including complimentary meal coupons.

No more smoke

Indian Airlines has banned smoking on its international flights from August 15. Smoking is not permitted on domestic sectors; Indian Airlines was one of the first airlines to ban smoking on domestic flights.

New terminal at New Delhi Airport

The Indian Airlines terminal at the Indira Gandhi International airport, New Delhi, was gutted in a fire in October 1996. Its reconstruction is now almost complete and the terminal is likely to become operational again from June 16.

The new terminal, with state-of-the-art equipment, can cater to over 2,600 passengers during peak hours.

The terminal will take about two months more to become fully operational with other features being added.

Indian Airlines, has upgraded their inflight menu. The airline has introduced, Meal Special, a scheme by which there will be a new menu every day of the week.

Each menu will specialise in the cuisine of different regions, ranging from Chettinad to Malwani.

Indian Airlines offers foreign passport holders a special travel card that allows unlimited travel on Indian Airlines flights within the country.

The Discover India pass is priced at US $ 700 which will allow them unlimited economy class travel on all domestic Indian Airlines services. The pass is valid for 21 days from the first flight taken. And US $ 500 for 15 days. However, no stop may be visited more than once, except when passengers wish to take a connecting flight.

Indian Airlines is offering special discounts of 25 per cent on its US dollar fares for domestic flights. Foreign passport holders between the ages of 12 to 30 can avail of this discount.

Indian Airlines is also offering a 30 per cent discount on all US $ rates for any flights between destinations in South India -- flights taken between Madras, Trichur, Trivandrum, Cochin, Coimbatore and Bangalore. This discount is valid for 21 days after the ticket is booked.

Passengers flying by Indian Airlines will now be allowed an increased amount of baggage.

Indian Airlines has started special facilities for transit passengers.

If your connecting flight leaves six hours after your arrival, you can check your baggage through to the final destination.

The airline has also started special transit desks at Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras which offer all transfer facilities including complimentary meal coupons.