NEW DELHI: Vistara has outlined five essential steps for passengers who have booked flights for travel on or after November 12, 2024, when the airline merges with Air India. Passengers will need to verify their booking details and obtain new tickets while retaining their original Vistara booking information.
Since Air India’s older fleet will not be revamped for a few more years, the Tatas have decided to maintain the Vistara experience for passengers until at least mid-2025, when the cabins of Air India’s narrow-body planes are expected to improve. During this period, passengers who booked Vistara flights will continue to use the same planes and crew. Vistara flight numbers, such as UK 711, will be changed to AI2-711. The wide-body fleet revamp is expected to take about two years.
“Lounge access and special/exclusive services purchased with Vistara bookings may not be valid if the flight is operated by Air India from November 12, 2024, onwards. However, Vistara will process refunds for these additional services where applicable,” the airline stated.
Verify Booking Details: After the merger, all Vistara flights scheduled post-November 12 will be operated by Air India. It is crucial to check the booking status to understand any changes. Customers can verify their booking on the Air India website or mobile app by entering their PNR number and last name. This step will keep them informed about their flight status and any schedule or aircraft adjustments. On the day of travel, customers will need to check in at the Air India counter at the respective airports. For bookings made through a travel agent, customers can contact the Air India Call Centre or manage their bookings through the Air India website or mobile app.
PNR and E-ticket Changes: All PNRs will remain the same post-migration; however, the original Vistara ticket will be replaced with a new ticket issued by Air India, which will have a different e-ticket number. Customers are advised to maintain records of both the old and new ticket details to resolve any discrepancies during travel.
Stay Informed About Flight Operations: Post-merger, flight timings should remain consistent. However, if changes occur, the Air India customer service team will notify customers by email and SMS. Dedicated teams across both airlines will work to ensure a seamless transition for all customers. Customers are also advised to check the flight status on the Air India website.
Review Baggage Allowance, Purchases, and Lounge Access: Customers who have already purchased excess baggage with their Vistara booking will have these transferred to the new Air India flight (for travel from November 12, 2024, onwards, subject to regulatory approvals). Customers should preserve any receipts or documentation related to excess baggage purchases for a smoother airport experience.
Rescheduling and Cancellations: If customers need to reschedule or cancel their flight, the process and fees will depend on which airline is operating the flight. The respective policies will apply, and customers can contact the respective customer care teams for assistance.
