Airport Like a Pro: Genius Tips to Save Time and Skip the Stress

For your next flight with Air India, check out these tips for a hassle-free airport experience

Travelling can open up a world of new adventures, and it all starts with the airport experience. Crowded and bustling airports with long queues can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a frequent flyer or an occasional traveller, consider these hacks to navigate the airport with ease:

ZipAhead – Time-conscious travellers can enjoy priority check-in and boarding and priority baggage handling even if they are flying Economy with the ZipAhead service. In India, the service is available at six airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. You can opt for this paid service at INR 499, if purchased more than 6 hours before departure, and at INR 699 within 6 hours of your Air India flight.

Premium lobby  - For First, Business, and Premium Economy passengers, Air India offers a dedicated row for seamless check-in. Available at Delhi and Mumbai airports, this service ensures a personalised and expedited process by helping you to complete your check-in formalities with ease.

Family special counters - Vacationing with family this summer? Air India has set up a dedicated Family Assistance Counter to provide support services to passengers travelling with family members, including children, elderly passengers and those who may be requiring special assistance. Currently available at Delhi Airport, the counter also offers a meet and assist service for passengers with special needs and ensures a smooth experience by reducing waiting time.

City-side check-in - Skip the hustle and bustle at the airport counters by opting for Air India’s city-side check-in counters. The service is available at designated points in New Delhi and Hyderabad, allowing you to travel light after dropping your bags and securing your boarding pass. In New Delhi, you can avail of city-side check-in at the New Delhi Metro Station or the Shivaji Stadium Metro Station which also enables you to take a direct metro to the airport terminal. In Hyderabad, the service is available at the Car Park area/J Pod in the arrival area outside Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

Fly Prior - Need to head home sooner than you had anticipated? Air India's Fly Prior service offers a convenient solution. You can switch to an earlier flight up to 12 hours before your original booking. This paid service is available at Air India's ticketing counters and check-in desks across India. Just check with the Air India staff if there's an available seat on the earlier flight of your choosing.

Web check-in – Something as simple as an early check-in online allows for smarter travel. Air India offers online check-in 48 hours before your flight that remains open up to two hours before departure, if you are taking an international flight, and up to one hour before the flight, for domestic departures. At the airport, if you are travelling within the country, you can bypass the check-in counter and head straight for security check if you have no baggage to drop. If you have bags to check-in, simply drop these at our dedicated self-baggage drop counters upon arrival at the airport and skip the queues entirely. You can download your boarding pass on your phone and use it at various checkpoints across the airport. Alternatively, you can print a copy of your boarding pass at a self-service kiosk at the airport.

Real time flight status – Easily check the live flight status by scanning the QR code on your boarding pass or e-ticket, or by entering the flight details manually on the Air India mobile app or website. The 'My Trips' section on the Air India app provides instant access to flight status with a single tap keeping you informed at every step of your journey. This way, if your flight is delayed, you can plan your travel to the airport accordingly and save time. 

Additionally, you can breeze past the entry and security queues by enrolling and adding your flight details to the *DigiYatra app and reduce time at immigration by registering into the **Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) for international travellers. If you are a first-time traveller with Air India or want any additional information regarding your upcoming journey, reading through our FAQs could help you prepare in advance. By incorporating these hacks into your travel routine, you can not only save time at the airport but also make your journey more enjoyable. 
 
*Currently available at 24 airports across India 

**Currently available at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi