Air India Web Checkin - Step by Step Guide
📋 Before You Start
Requirements: PNR/Booking Reference + Email Address or Last Name
Domestic Flights: 48 hours to 60 minutes before departure
International Flights: 24 hours to 75 minutes before departure
Not Available For: Special assistance required, codeshare flights (currently)
Visit Air India Checkin Page
Go to Air India Web Checkin or click "Check-in" from the homepage.
🔍 Finding Air India Web Checkin
On the Air India homepage, look for the "Check-in" button in the main navigation area. It's typically displayed in Air India's signature red branding and positioned prominently alongside "Book", "Manage", and other key services. The button may also be labeled as "Web Check-in" depending on the page layout.
Enter Booking Details
Enter your PNR (booking reference) and either email address or last name
📝 Air India Booking Details Format
PNR Format: 6-character alphanumeric code from your booking confirmation (e.g., AI1234, ABC123)
Email Option: Must match exactly with the email used during booking
Last Name Option: Primary passenger's surname exactly as shown in booking
AI 2XXX Flights: Use same PNR format - former Vistara flights work identically
Pro Tip: Copy-paste PNR from confirmation email to avoid typing errors
⚠️ Common Problem: "Unable to retrieve booking"
For AI 2XXX flights: Ensure you're using Air India website, not old Vistara site
Email mismatch: Check if booking was made with different email address
Recent booking: Wait 2-4 hours if booking was just completed
Codeshare flights: May require checking with operating partner airline
Verify Flight Details
Review your flight information and passenger details
✅ What to Verify
Flight Details: Flight number, date, departure time, route
Passenger Info: Names match exactly with ID documents
Special Services: Meal preferences, seat requests, baggage allowance
AI 2XXX Flights: Verify premium services are maintained (former Vistara benefits)
🚨 International Flight Requirements
Document Check: Passport validity, visa requirements
Entry Requirements: Destination country rules
COVID Requirements: Check latest travel advisories
Contact Details: Ensure phone/email are current for travel updates
Select Seats (If Available)
Choose preferred seats based on your fare type and availability
💺 Air India Seat Selection Guide
What You'll See: Aircraft seat map with different seat categories
Free Seats: Limited free seats available (usually middle seats)
Preferred Seats: Extra legroom, preferred location (₹500-₹2,000)
Premium Economy: Enhanced comfort (₹1,000-₹3,000)
Business Class: If upgrade available (varies by route)
🎯 Air India Seat Selection Strategy
Domestic Flights: Rows 6-15 are quieter, away from engines
International Flights: Window seats on right side for sunrise views
AI 2XXX Flights: Premium seating options maintained from Vistara heritage
Skip Option: Get seat assigned at airport if no preference
⚠️ Common Problem: "Seat selection not available"
Fare Restrictions: Basic economy may not include free seat selection
Aircraft Change: Seat map may be unavailable due to equipment change
Solutions: Try at airport, upgrade fare, or accept assigned seat
Add Services (Optional)
Add baggage, meals, or other services if not included
🛍️ Air India Additional Services
Extra Baggage: Add checked baggage if not included in fare
Meal Preferences: Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, jain, kosher)
Priority Services: Fast track, lounge access, priority boarding
Travel Insurance: Optional coverage for trip protection
💰 Air India Baggage Pricing
Domestic Routes:
• 15kg - ₹1,500-₹2,500
• 25kg - ₹2,500-₹3,500
International Routes:
• 23kg - ₹3,000-₹8,000 (varies by destination)
• 32kg - ₹5,000-₹12,000
Note: Prices vary by route and booking class
Complete Checkin & Get Boarding Pass
Finalize checkin and download/save your boarding pass
🎫 Air India Boarding Pass Options
Digital Options:
• Download PDF to device
• Email boarding pass
• SMS with boarding pass link
• Add to mobile wallet (Apple/Google)
Physical Options:
• Print at home (recommended for international)
• Print at airport kiosks
• Get printed copy at check-in counter
🔍 Boarding Pass Verification Checklist
Essential Details to Check:
• Passenger name matches ID exactly
• Flight number and date are correct
• Departure time and gate (if available)
• Seat assignment (if selected)
• Baggage allowance information
For International: Check passport number if included
✅ Success! Your Air India Checkin is Complete
Next Steps:
1. Save multiple copies of boarding pass
2. Arrive 3 hours early for international flights (2 hours for domestic)
3. Carry valid ID and passport (for international)
4. Use Air India Express lanes if available
5. Check baggage drop-off requirements
Air India International Flight Checkin
🌍 International Flight Special Requirements
Document Requirements:
• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Valid visa for destination country
• Return ticket (if required)
• COVID vaccination certificate (if required)
Checkin Timing: Opens 24 hours before, closes 75 minutes before
Airport Arrival: 3 hours before international departure
📍 Air India International Destinations
Major Routes: Delhi-London, Mumbai-New York, Bangalore-Frankfurt
Gulf Routes: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait
US Routes: New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC
European Routes: London, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome
AI 2XXX Routes: Premium international routes from former Vistara network
Most Common Air India Checkin Problems & Solutions
Problem 1: "Checkin not available for this booking"
Causes: Codeshare flight, special assistance required, too early/late
Solutions: Check timing window, verify flight is operated by Air India, contact customer service for special assistance bookings
Problem 2: "Document verification required"
Causes: International flight document checks, visa requirements
Solutions: Complete checkin at airport counter, ensure all travel documents are valid, check destination entry requirements
Problem 3: "AI 2XXX flight checkin confusion"
Causes: Former Vistara passengers unsure about checkin process
Solutions: Use Air India website/app (not old Vistara site), same PNR works, premium services maintained
Problem 4: "International checkin complications"
Causes: Complex document requirements, multiple destinations
Solutions: Arrive early at airport, have all documents ready, consider premium check-in counters
Vistara Integration Guide
🔄 What Vistara Passengers Need to Know
Flight Codes: UK flights now operate as AI 2XXX (e.g., UK 955 → AI 2955)
Checkin Process: Use Air India website/app for all flights (as shown above)
Premium Experience: Vistara's premium service standards maintained
Frequent Flyer: Club Vistara accounts transferred to Maharaja Club
Customer Service: Use Air India support channels for all inquiries
✈️ AI 2XXX Flight Experience
Same Crew: Former Vistara cabin crew continue serving
Same Menu: Vistara-style meals and service maintained
Same Aircraft: Aircraft maintain Vistara interior configuration
Same Routes: All popular Vistara routes continue
Same Timing: Flight schedules remain unchanged
Air India Mobile App Checkin
📱 Air India App Benefits
Download: "Air India" app from Play Store/App Store
App Rating: 3.8/5 stars (improving post-Vistara integration)
Key Features:
• Unified checkin for all AI flights including AI 2XXX
• Digital boarding passes with offline access
• Real-time flight updates and gate changes
• Maharaja Club integration
• Multi-language support
📲 App Checkin Process
Step 1: Open Air India app and sign in
Step 2: Go to "My Trips" or "Check-in" section
Step 3: Enter PNR or select from saved bookings
Step 4: Follow checkin flow (same as web)
Step 5: Save boarding pass to phone wallet
Pro Tip: App works for both regular AI and AI 2XXX flights
Air India Customer Support
📞 Air India Contact Details
Phone: 1860 233 1407 (Domestic), +91 124 264 1407 (International)
Email: customer.relations@airindia.in
WhatsApp: +91 6366 900 622
Social Media: @airindiain (Twitter), @AirIndiaOfficial (Facebook)
Website: airindia.com → Contact Us section
🕒 Customer Service Hours
Phone Support: 24/7 for emergencies, 6 AM - 10 PM for general queries
Email Response: 24-48 hours typical response time
Social Media: Active during business hours
Airport Counters: Available 3 hours before each flight