Planning a trip can sometimes feel like trying to solve a puzzle with pieces that keep changing. Air India, now proudly part of the Tata Group, understands this frustration and has come up with a brilliant solution: the ‘Fare Lock’ feature. Imagine being able to hold a flight fare without worrying about sudden price hikes or seats vanishing. Sounds dreamy, right? Let’s dive into how this works and why it’s a game-changer for travelers.
What is Fare Lock?
Ever been in a situation where you found the perfect flight but needed a bit more time to sort out your plans? Fare Lock is your new best friend! This feature allows you to hold a selected fare for 48 hours. That’s two whole days to finalize your travel details without the anxiety of losing that great price.
How to Use Fare Lock
Using Fare Lock is as easy as pie. Here’s how you do it:
- Pick Your Flight: On Air India’s website or app, find the flight that suits your schedule.
- Choose Fare Lock: During checkout, select the Fare Lock option.
- Pay the Fee: A small fee applies, which varies based on whether your flight is domestic, short-haul international, or long-haul international.
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Within those 48 hours, you can return to your booking, finalize it, and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing you got the fare you wanted.
Why Fare Lock is a Big Deal
Let’s paint a picture: You find an excellent fare for your upcoming vacation but need to confirm dates with your travel buddy. Instead of stressing about the price going up or the seats filling up, you use Fare Lock. You can now calmly discuss your plans without the ticking clock. This feature is perfect for anyone who wants a little extra time to make decisions without financial pressure.
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Air India’s Fare Lock Fees:
| Nature of Flight | For Flights Departing India | For Flights Arriving in India |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic India Flights | INR 500 | INR 500 |
| Short-Haul International | INR 850 | USD 10 |
| Long-Haul International | INR 1500 | USD 18 |
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FAQs about Fare Lock
What is Fare Lock?
Fare Lock lets you hold a specific flight fare for 48 hours, giving you time to finalize your trip details without worrying about price changes.
Can I Modify Flights with Fare Lock?
Changes aren’t allowed while Fare Lock is active. You have 48 hours to confirm your plans before completing the purchase.
What Happens if My Booking Expires?
If you don’t finalize within 48 hours, the booking cancels automatically, and the fee is non-refundable. Confirm your booking at least 2 hours before the hold expires to avoid this.
Does Fare Lock Apply to Infants?
The fee is per passenger, excluding infants under 2 years old.
Can I Use Fare Lock with Flying Returns Points?
Fare Lock isn’t available for bookings made solely with Flying Returns points or a combination of points and other payments.
Is the Fare Lock Fee Refundable?
No, the Fare Lock fee is non-refundable, whether you confirm or cancel your booking.
Real-Life Example
Meet Priya, a frequent traveler who loves to explore new destinations but often juggles a busy work schedule. She recently found a fantastic deal on a flight to Paris but needed to confirm her vacation dates with her boss. Using Fare Lock, she held the fare, had a stress-free conversation with her boss, and then secured her booking—all without the fear of losing that amazing price. Priya now swears by Fare Lock for all her travel planning.
Looking Ahead for Air India
While Air India is making strides to enhance your travel experience, the airline did face some turbulence recently with a delayed Delhi-San Francisco flight, causing a 20-hour delay for passengers. Despite this hiccup, Air India is expanding its network in North America, now operating 51 weekly flights compared to 33 before its privatization. The introduction of Fare Lock is another step in showing their commitment to providing a seamless travel experience.
In summary, Air India’s Fare Lock feature is a thoughtful addition to their services. It offers a cushion of time for travelers to finalize their plans without the added stress of fluctuating prices. So next time you find that perfect flight, use Fare Lock to secure your fare and plan at your own pace. Happy travels!
