By Krishna Dua 
How to Book Air India Express Flights Online in 2025
Air India Express has emerged as a premier choice for budget-conscious travelers, offering an extensive network of domestic and international flights. With its streamlined online booking process and dynamic fare options, planning your next trip has never been easier. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to book your flights online, help you understand the different fare categories like Xpress Lite and Value, and show you how to take full advantage of the much-anticipated Freedom Sale.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Online Booking
Booking a flight with Air India Express is a seamless experience, whether you’re using their official website or their mobile app. Follow these steps to secure your ticket quickly and efficiently.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website or App To begin, navigate to the official Air India Express website or open their mobile app. It’s crucial to use these direct channels, as they are the only places where you can access exclusive offers like the Xpress Lite fare and the zero convenience fee on certain payment methods during special sales.
Step 2: Enter Your Travel Details On the homepage, you’ll find the flight search widget. Select your travel type: “One Way,” “Round Trip,” or “Multi City.” Then, enter your departure city, arrival city, and travel dates. You can also specify the number of passengers and select a special fare type if you’re a student, senior citizen, or member of the armed forces.
Step 3: Select Your Flight and Fare After clicking “Search,” you’ll be presented with a list of available flights. The search results will display various fare options for each flight. This is where you’ll choose between the different fare categories, such as Xpress Lite, Value, and Xpress Biz. Each option comes with a different set of inclusions, so take a moment to compare them to find the best fit for your travel needs.
Step 4: Customize Your Journey with Add-ons Once you’ve selected your flight and fare, you’ll be prompted to enhance your journey with various add-ons. Air India Express offers a range of services that you can pre-book, including:
- Seat Selection: Choose your preferred seat for a nominal fee. This is highly recommended if you’re traveling with family or prefer an aisle or window seat.
- Hot Meals (
Gourmair): Pre-book a hot meal from their extensive menu. Pre-booking is always more economical than purchasing on board. - Extra Baggage: If your chosen fare doesn’t include enough baggage allowance, you can pre-book additional kilograms at a discounted rate. This is particularly useful for international travel.
- Xpress Ahead: Opt for priority services like check-in, boarding, and baggage handling to skip the queues and save time.
Step 5: Provide Passenger and Contact Information Fill in the passenger details accurately. It is essential that the name on the booking matches the name on your government-issued photo ID (for domestic travel) or passport (for international travel). Double-check for any spelling errors to avoid issues at the airport. Provide a valid email address and mobile number to receive your e-ticket and flight updates.
Step 6: Complete Your Payment Finally, proceed to the payment page. Air India Express offers a secure payment gateway that accepts various methods, including credit cards, debit cards, net banking, and digital wallets. During promotional periods like the Freedom Sale, you can often avail a zero convenience fee by paying through specific methods, so be sure to check for this benefit.
Step 7: Receive Your E-Ticket Upon successful payment, your booking will be confirmed, and an e-ticket will be sent to the email address you provided. You can either print this e-ticket or save a digital copy on your phone for easy access.
Decoding Air India Express Fare Options
Understanding the different fare types is key to getting the most value from your booking. Here’s a breakdown of the popular options:
- Xpress Lite: This is the most budget-friendly option, perfect for short trips and light travelers. Xpress Lite fares do not include any check-in baggage allowance, but you are still entitled to a standard 7 kg of cabin baggage. This fare is exclusively available on the Air India Express website and app and is ideal for those who can travel with just a carry-on.
- Xpress Value: The standard fare that includes a complimentary check-in baggage allowance. For domestic flights, this typically includes a 15 kg baggage allowance, while international routes have varying allowances based on the destination. This is the most popular choice for travelers who need to carry a suitcase.
- Xpress Biz: For those who desire a premium flying experience, the Xpress Biz fare offers a dedicated cabin with superior legroom and comfort. It also includes a higher check-in baggage allowance, complimentary hot meals from the ‘Gourmair’ menu, and priority services like Xpress Ahead.
The Freedom Sale 2025: Your Ticket to Affordable Travel
As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, Air India Express has launched its biggest promotion of the year: the Freedom Sale. This limited-time offer features over 5 million seats at discounted fares, making it the perfect opportunity to book your next getaway.
- Fares Start from ₹1,279: You can grab domestic flight tickets for as low as ₹1,279.
- Booking Period: The sale is on from August 10 to August 15, 2025.
- Travel Period: This offer is valid for travel between August 19, 2025, and March 31, 2026, covering major festival seasons like Onam, Durga Puja, Diwali, and Christmas.
- Exclusive Benefits: Loyalty program members can unlock additional perks, including discounts on Xpress Biz fares and various add-on services.
- How to Book: The Freedom Sale fares are available on the Air India Express website, mobile app, and all major booking channels. However, booking on the official channels from August 10 to 15 gives you access to a zero convenience fee on Xpress Lite fares when paying via net banking.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Booking Process
- Book Early: The best fares, especially during a sale, are often available for the first people to book. Plan your trip and book your tickets as early as possible.
- Check Baggage Rules: Always double-check the baggage allowance for your specific fare and route to avoid unexpected charges at the airport.
- Use the Official App: The Air India Express mobile app offers a streamlined booking experience and can provide real-time updates and exclusive offers not available elsewhere.
- Review Before Paying: Before hitting the payment button, take a final look at all the details—passenger names, dates, and flight times—to ensure everything is correct.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to book your next flight with Air India Express online in 2025, taking full advantage of their user-friendly platform and fantastic deals like the Freedom Sale.