Air India and Air India Express are two separate airlines in the same group, owned by Tata since early 2022. Air India (flight code AI) is the full-service airline, with long-haul flights and several cabins. Air India Express (code IX) is the group's low-cost airline: one economy cabin, fares sold with or without a checked bag, and short and medium-haul flights around India, the Gulf and Southeast Asia.
Air India vs Air India Express at a glance
| Air India | Air India Express | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Full-service | Low-cost |
| Flight code | AI | IX |
| Network | Domestic and long-haul | India, the Gulf and Southeast Asia |
| Cabins | Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First (some aircraft) | Economy; "Biz" seats on some Boeing 737-8 routes |
| Checked bag (domestic) | Included in every fare: 15 kg to 40 kg | 0 kg (Lite) to 25 kg (Biz) |
| Alliance | Star Alliance | None |
| Frequent flyer | Maharaja Club | Maharaja Club (earning since 26 May 2026) |
Baggage: the difference that costs money
This is where most people get caught out. On Air India's domestic flights every fare includes a checked bag. Its baggage table lists 15 kg for Economy Value, 20 kg for Economy Classic, 25 kg for Economy Flex, and up to 40 kg in Business Flex and First.
Air India Express sells five fares, all with a 7 kg cabin bag. The checked bag depends on the fare:
| Air India Express fare | Checked bag, domestic | Checked bag, international | Also included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xpress Lite | None | None | Cabin bag only |
| Xpress Value | 15 kg | 30 kg (20 kg on some routes) | |
| Xpress Classic | 15 kg | 30 kg (20 kg on some routes) | Standard seat and a light snack |
| Xpress Flex | 20 kg | 35 kg (25 kg on some routes) | Free date change more than 3 days before departure |
| Xpress Biz | 25 kg | 40 kg | Recliner seat, no middle seat, meal (select 737-8 routes) |
So compare the price with the bag you need. An Xpress Lite fare that looks cheaper than Air India can end up more expensive once you add a checked bag. Allowances change, so always check the baggage line on the fare you book.
Which one should I book?
- Short trip, cabin bag only: Air India Express Xpress Lite is usually the cheapest way to fly the group's network.
- You need a checked bag: compare an Air India Express Value or Classic fare with Air India Economy Value on the total price; Air India also gives you a full-service product.
- Long-haul, Premium Economy or Business: only Air India. Air India Express doesn't fly long-haul.
- Star Alliance miles or status: Air India. Air India Express isn't in an alliance.
- Maharaja Club member: both now earn points and count towards your tier. Enter your Maharaja Club number when you book.
How the group got here: Indian Airlines, AirAsia India and Vistara
Several airlines that people still search for now live on inside these two:
- Indian Airlines, the old state-owned domestic airline, was merged with Air India from 2007; it stopped flying under its own name in February 2011. There is no separate Indian Airlines any more.
- AirAsia India was renamed AIX Connect and merged into Air India Express on 1 October 2024. Since then the combined low-cost airline flies as Air India Express under the single code IX.
- Vistara, the full-service airline Tata ran with Singapore Airlines, merged into Air India on 12 November 2024.
That leaves the group with two airlines: Air India for full service and Air India Express for low cost.
Related pages
See the Air India and Air India Express pages for fleet, news and disruptions, and our Air India vs Air India Express comparison for seat pitch, lounges and more side by side. Choosing between Indian airlines more broadly? Try Air India vs IndiGo.
Fares, baggage and loyalty rules change. Check the details of your own fare on the airline's website before you book; the sources for this guide are listed below.
