India-based Airlines Chai Stall
#3136
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: US Air, UA BA LH AI DELTA MARRIOTT CHOICE SGP
Posts: 9,882
Something that I heard, pardon my ignorance:
"Air India levies huge taxes on its international flights"
So one of my friends who introduced me to this concept of air miles, told me that AI FR program is good for domestic flights as the taxes levied by AI are similar to Jet Airways etc, so when you redeem miles you get pretty much the same value.
However, on international flights, it is believed that AI levies huge taxes and the whole deal of "Mile Redemption + Cash Taxes" makes it a high cost flight. He believes that Jet and other airline taxes are much more rationalized and hence their miles actually give you much more value than AI.
He gave me an example: He booked a return flight to Dubai and had to pay somewhere around INR 10,000 + Miles.
According to him buying a ticket would have been cheaper.
Is there any merit to this theory?
Also, I read somewhere on FT about AI levying Fuel Surcharge which other airlines don't. Is the theory related to fuel surcharge?
"Air India levies huge taxes on its international flights"
So one of my friends who introduced me to this concept of air miles, told me that AI FR program is good for domestic flights as the taxes levied by AI are similar to Jet Airways etc, so when you redeem miles you get pretty much the same value.
However, on international flights, it is believed that AI levies huge taxes and the whole deal of "Mile Redemption + Cash Taxes" makes it a high cost flight. He believes that Jet and other airline taxes are much more rationalized and hence their miles actually give you much more value than AI.
He gave me an example: He booked a return flight to Dubai and had to pay somewhere around INR 10,000 + Miles.
According to him buying a ticket would have been cheaper.
Is there any merit to this theory?
Also, I read somewhere on FT about AI levying Fuel Surcharge which other airlines don't. Is the theory related to fuel surcharge?
They do it even when you fly other alliance members while using their avios
#3137
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,598
#3138
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Programs: BA Silver, EY Gold, HH Diamond, IHG Plat
Posts: 12,200
#3140
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM-SIN-EWR
Programs: UA*G (1K again), Sixt Plat, *was*: SQ QPP01 & SK EBS/EBG, LH SEN, AA EXP, 9wPlat
Posts: 8,605
Not sure how automated TK is at this time - maybe someone else can chime in.
If AI's app has an option to show your card (as UA's does), then it might be worth showing that as well.
Maybe call up FR and find out if they issue you a temporary card of sorts??
#3142
Join Date: May 2010
Location: VABB
Programs: AI-FR, 9W-JP
Posts: 723
AI says they are re-designing the membership kits (again?). And I will receive mine once soon, but no commitment on time-frame.
Upon suggestion of an agent, I emailed AI-FR, asking for a Letter stating the *G benefits and the Tier validity and all info, but again there is no commitment on the time frame!!
My last resort would be a bunch of AI boarding pass showing AI *G and the AwardWallat app on my mobile.
But, its not worth risking the fee of an extra bag, especially on the peice concept.!
Upon suggestion of an agent, I emailed AI-FR, asking for a Letter stating the *G benefits and the Tier validity and all info, but again there is no commitment on the time frame!!
My last resort would be a bunch of AI boarding pass showing AI *G and the AwardWallat app on my mobile.
But, its not worth risking the fee of an extra bag, especially on the peice concept.!
#3143
Join Date: May 2010
Location: VABB
Programs: AI-FR, 9W-JP
Posts: 723
AI-FR statements don't publish Tier Status, but the transactions do specify bonus as 'Gold Tier' Bonus.. and the profile page.
Let's hope the above is sufficient for excess baggage allowance and the IST Lounge access!
Thanks for the prompt reply, Oliver2002 & SuperFlyBoy! ^
#3146
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Always on the move!!
Programs: AI, BA, Etihad, Mariott, IHG, TIC
Posts: 105
A random question ..unsure if this is the right thread.
I am flying to the US on a business trip for a couple of weeks...would most probably fly Air India.
Am I allowed to take a box of "wheatgrass powder" in my checked in luggage? It may or may not be opened yet ... depends on the answer to my question i.e. if unopened packets/boxes will be allowed, I'll take one.
Thanks,
Monk
I am flying to the US on a business trip for a couple of weeks...would most probably fly Air India.
Am I allowed to take a box of "wheatgrass powder" in my checked in luggage? It may or may not be opened yet ... depends on the answer to my question i.e. if unopened packets/boxes will be allowed, I'll take one.
Thanks,
Monk
#3147
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: US Air, UA BA LH AI DELTA MARRIOTT CHOICE SGP
Posts: 9,882
A random question ..unsure if this is the right thread.
I am flying to the US on a business trip for a couple of weeks...would most probably fly Air India.
Am I allowed to take a box of "wheatgrass powder" in my checked in luggage? It may or may not be opened yet ... depends on the answer to my question i.e. if unopened packets/boxes will be allowed, I'll take one.
Thanks,
Monk
I am flying to the US on a business trip for a couple of weeks...would most probably fly Air India.
Am I allowed to take a box of "wheatgrass powder" in my checked in luggage? It may or may not be opened yet ... depends on the answer to my question i.e. if unopened packets/boxes will be allowed, I'll take one.
Thanks,
Monk
Your powder has to be absolutely dry otherwise the Agri Gogs can pick up the scent and you can land into the soup for bringing in " live " vegetation !
#3148
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Always on the move!!
Programs: AI, BA, Etihad, Mariott, IHG, TIC
Posts: 105
I have regularly carried powders of various medicinal preparations in checked bags. Usually they are commercially sealed packages. Only once was my bag opened and Ayurvedic powder was questioned. Explained it and was waived thru.
Your powder has to be absolutely dry otherwise the Agri Gogs can pick up the scent and you can land into the soup for bringing in " live " vegetation !
Your powder has to be absolutely dry otherwise the Agri Gogs can pick up the scent and you can land into the soup for bringing in " live " vegetation !
Ch33rs,
Monk
#3149
Join Date: May 2010
Location: VABB
Programs: AI-FR, 9W-JP
Posts: 723
Flew TK to ABJ from BOM (via IST / COO). The agent (Celbi-nas staff) at the BOM-T2 check-in desk for J Class / *A Gold members was the grumpiest I have ever seen. Through checked-in and Lounge invite issued for GVK - Business section. Good flight with nice IFE, ample seating comfort on the B777-300ER and a nice effort on part of Do&Co to match AVML of Indian tastes.
The THY Lounge at IST is one of the best, spread across 2 levels and has more than enough aminities and features to spend time. Shower facility, Mini-Cinema, Gaming Consoles, 9-screen TV station along with plenty of F&B desks and zones spread across the seating area.
The onward connecting flight on the B737-900ER was slightly better than it's bigger sibling, as TK haven't installed individual air vents overhead the seats. Seated at Window, while the sun is blaring outside becomes a bit uncomfortable if the vents aren't focusing on you!
A mini kit with eye shades and ear plugs was distributed to all, on both flights.
Good value for money and the Lounge at IST more than makes up for any flaws if at all.
The THY Lounge at IST is one of the best, spread across 2 levels and has more than enough aminities and features to spend time. Shower facility, Mini-Cinema, Gaming Consoles, 9-screen TV station along with plenty of F&B desks and zones spread across the seating area.
The onward connecting flight on the B737-900ER was slightly better than it's bigger sibling, as TK haven't installed individual air vents overhead the seats. Seated at Window, while the sun is blaring outside becomes a bit uncomfortable if the vents aren't focusing on you!
A mini kit with eye shades and ear plugs was distributed to all, on both flights.
Good value for money and the Lounge at IST more than makes up for any flaws if at all.
#3150
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: US Air, UA BA LH AI DELTA MARRIOTT CHOICE SGP
Posts: 9,882
Flew TK to ABJ from BOM (via IST / COO). The agent (Celbi-nas staff) at the BOM-T2 check-in desk for J Class / *A Gold members was the grumpiest I have ever seen. Through checked-in and Lounge invite issued for GVK - Business section. Good flight with nice IFE, ample seating comfort on the B777-300ER and a nice effort on part of Do&Co to match AVML of Indian tastes.
The THY Lounge at IST is one of the best, spread across 2 levels and has more than enough aminities and features to spend time. Shower facility, Mini-Cinema, Gaming Consoles, 9-screen TV station along with plenty of F&B desks and zones spread across the seating area.
The onward connecting flight on the B737-900ER was slightly better than it's bigger sibling, as TK haven't installed individual air vents overhead the seats. Seated at Window, while the sun is blaring outside becomes a bit uncomfortable if the vents aren't focusing on you!
A mini kit with eye shades and ear plugs was distributed to all, on both flights.
Good value for money and the Lounge at IST more than makes up for any flaws if at all.
The THY Lounge at IST is one of the best, spread across 2 levels and has more than enough aminities and features to spend time. Shower facility, Mini-Cinema, Gaming Consoles, 9-screen TV station along with plenty of F&B desks and zones spread across the seating area.
The onward connecting flight on the B737-900ER was slightly better than it's bigger sibling, as TK haven't installed individual air vents overhead the seats. Seated at Window, while the sun is blaring outside becomes a bit uncomfortable if the vents aren't focusing on you!
A mini kit with eye shades and ear plugs was distributed to all, on both flights.
Good value for money and the Lounge at IST more than makes up for any flaws if at all.