Air India and Vistara to Merge on Nov 12: What Flyers Need to Know – News18

Last Updated:November 07, 2024, 11:05 IST

Vistara planes will now have special Air India flight codes, all beginning with “2” to help customers recognize the flights.

As Air India prepares to officially merge with Vistara on November 12, 2024, India’s flagship airline is introducing a host of measures to make the transition smooth for its customers.

Around 115,000 travelers with Vistara tickets will start flying with Air India starting November 12. Even with the merger, Vistara’s in-flight experience will still be there for passengers.

Vistara planes will now have special Air India flight codes, all beginning with “2″ to help customers recognize the flights. For example, Vistara flight UK 955 will change to Air India’s AI 2955. Travelers can book flights on Air India’s website, where they’ll see these new codes.

Here’s what to expect with the merger:

Same Vistara Experience with Air India Branding

The routes, schedules, and in-flight service on Vistara flights will stay the same, and familiar Vistara crew members will continue to serve passengers, just under Air India’s banner.

New Support Measures at Airports Across India

To ease the process, Air India will provide:

• Help Desk Kiosks: Set up at key airports to guide customers.
• Customer Support Staff: Team members in “How may I assist you?” branded T-shirts, available to help with any questions.
• Check-in and Ticketing Transitions: Vistara check-in terminals and ticketing counters will progressively transition to Air India counters.
• Clear Self-Service Kiosk Directions: Updated kiosks will guide passengers with instructions like “For Vistara flights under AI2 code, please select Air India for check-in.”

Special Assistance for International Travelers

At international airports, Air India will station support staff in branded T-shirts and place signs to guide Vistara passengers to the appropriate check-in areas.

Additionally, calls to Vistara’s contact center will automatically route to Air India’s support team, ensuring that customers have all the assistance they need.

Migrating Loyalty Benefits to Air India

More than 270,000 Vistara customers have already been migrated to Air India’s system, with around 4.5 million Vistara loyalty members joining Air India’s program. This combined program unlocks greater benefits and connections to over 90 destinations worldwide and more through codeshare and interline partners.

Fleet Upgrades for a Premium Experience

Air India’s fleet is undergoing a significant upgrade, with six new A350 aircraft now connecting Delhi with London and New York. Plus, its A320neo fleet will be refitted, featuring:

• 8 Business Class Seats
• 24 Premium Economy Seats with Extra Legroom
• 132 Comfortable Economy Seats

Refurbished interiors with ambient lighting, spacious legroom, and updated features like USB ports (Type A & C) and PED holders will elevate the inflight experience.

With this merger, Air India aims to offer a seamless, world-class flying experience, ensuring that the best of Vistara lives on in the unified airline.