Air India ExpressIX

Air India Express is an Indian low-cost carrier and a subsidiary of Air India, which is owned by the Tata Group. Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, the airline specializes in connecting India with the Middle East and Southeast Asia, serving the large Indian expatriate community in the Gulf region.

Founded in 2005, Air India Express has grown significantly following its merger with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) in October 2024. The combined entity operates a fleet of 88+ Boeing 737 aircraft (737-800 and 737 MAX 8), with plans to exceed 100 aircraft. The airline operates over 170 routes across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

As a low-cost carrier, Air India Express offers competitive base fares with optional add-ons for additional baggage, meals, and seat selection. The airline participates in Air India's Flying Returns loyalty program (Maharaja Club), allowing passengers to earn and redeem points across the Air India Group.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (all fares):

• Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22" x 14" x 10")
• Maximum weight: 7 kg
• Total dimensions: Not exceeding 115 cm (L + W + H)
• Must fit in overhead bin

Personal Item (additional):

• Weight: Up to 3 kg
• Examples: Laptop bag, handbag, camera case
• Must fit under seat

Xpress Lite Bonus: Passengers on Xpress Lite fares receive an additional 3 kg cabin baggage allowance (total 10 kg cabin) but no checked baggage.

Important: Air India Express weighs cabin bags at check-in and boarding gates. Excess cabin baggage detected at the gate incurs a flat INR 4,000 ($48) charge.

Checked Baggage

Domestic Flights:

Fare Type	Included	Max Weight per Piece
Xpress Lite	None	N/A
Xpress Value	15 kg	32 kg
Xpress Flex	20 kg	32 kg
Xpress Biz	25 kg	32 kg

International Flights (Middle East/Southeast Asia):

Fare Type	Included	Max Weight per Piece
Xpress Lite	None	N/A
Xpress Value	20 kg	32 kg
Xpress Flex	30 kg	32 kg
Xpress Biz	40 kg	32 kg

Size Limit: 158 cm linear (length + width + height) per piece.

Excess Baggage Fees

Domestic:

Option	Pre-Booked Online	At Airport
Per additional kg	INR 450-500 ($5-6)	INR 600 ($7)
15 kg add-on	INR 1,500-2,000 ($18-24)	Higher

International (Middle East routes):

Option	Pre-Booked	At Airport
10 kg add-on	INR 3,000 ($36)	Higher
Per additional kg	INR 250-350 ($3-4)	Higher

Nepal Routes (Special Rates):

• 30 kg: INR 8,000 ($95)
• 40 kg: INR 13,500 ($160)

Cabin Baggage Excess Fees

When Purchased	3 kg Extra	5 kg Extra	At Gate
Online (Xtra Carry-On)	INR 900 ($11)	INR 1,500 ($18)	N/A
At boarding gate	N/A	N/A	INR 4,000 ($48) flat

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard baggage fee	Counts as checked piece
Surfboard	Standard baggage fee	Size restrictions apply
Bicycle	Charged	Must be boxed; contact airline
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Priority handling
Infant baggage	+10 kg free	For infants under 2 years

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at airindiaexpress.com/support/faqs/baggage before traveling.

Air India Express operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet, with a mix of 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The airline is transitioning to a standardized all-economy configuration on most aircraft.

Aircraft Fleet:

• Boeing 737-800: 162-189 seats
• Boeing 737 MAX 8: 178-189 seats (majority of new deliveries)

Economy Seats:

• Seat pitch: 30" (76 cm) standard
• Economy Prime (front rows, exit rows): Extra legroom
• Seat width: 17-18" (43-46 cm)
• Configuration: 3-3
• Recline: Standard
• Power: USB-A ports on newer 737 MAX aircraft

Xpress Biz (Business Class on select routes):

• Available on over 70 routes from major metros
• Seat pitch: Up to 58" (147 cm)
• Wider recliner seats
• No middle seat configuration
• Complimentary Gourmair meal
• Priority services

Entertainment:

• No seatback screens
• Personal device entertainment via in-flight streaming (select aircraft)
• Bring your own device and content recommended

Food & Beverage:

• Not included in base fare (except Xpress Biz)
• Gourmair onboard menu available for purchase
• Pre-order meals online recommended
• Hot meals: INR 250-450 ($3-5)
• Snacks and beverages: INR 80-200 ($1-2)
• Complimentary meal included with Xpress Biz fare