Air India, India’s premier global airline, has unveiled exclusive discounts and benefits tailored for students, making travel more affordable and convenient. The new student fares apply to Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class, across both domestic and international routes.

Special Benefits for Students:

• Discounts: Up to 10% off on base fares.

• Extra Baggage: An additional 10kg baggage allowance for hassle-free travel.

• Flexible Booking: One-time free date change available for bookings made via Air India’s direct channels, including the website and mobile app.

This initiative aims to make full-service flying accessible to students, allowing them to explore new opportunities and connect with diverse cultures worldwide.

"With these new student fare benefits, we are making it easier and more affordable for young travellers to explore the world, connect with different cultures, and broaden their horizons," said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India.

Global Reach with Air India:

Air India connects 49 domestic and 42 international destinations, including popular student hubs like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The airline’s comprehensive network and services ensure students can travel with ease and flexibility.

Additional Savings & In-Flight Perks:

• No Convenience Fee: Book via the official mobile app to get benefits on both domestic and international flights.

• Payment Benefits: Save more using UPI, net banking, or cards from Air India’s bank partners.

• In-Flight Entertainment: Complimentary entertainment on all flights, with select international routes offering Wi-Fi connectivity.

Students can also join Air India’s revamped ‘Maharaja Club’ loyalty program to earn reward points for complimentary tickets and upgrades.

Eligibility:

• Domestic Travel: Students aged 12 or above.

• International Travel: Students aged 12–30.

• Must be enrolled in a full-time academic course and possess valid ID or student documentation.

About Air India:

Founded in 1932, Air India is a leader in Indian aviation with a legacy of world-class service. The airline is undergoing a comprehensive transformation under the Vihaan.AI program, focusing on fleet expansion, service enhancements, and infrastructure development to solidify its position as a global airline with Indian roots.

For more details on Air India’s student fares, visit the Air India Newsroom.

In an exciting update, Uber has unveiled the 2024 edition of its Intercity Ride Index, revealing a notable rise in bookings for its Intercity mobility service. With more trips already booked this year than in 2023, Uber is witnessing the highest-ever demand for intercity rides in India.

The surge in bookings can be attributed to a combination of factors, including Indians' increasing enthusiasm for travel, holidays, and the continuous development of the country's road infrastructure. The expansion of national highways and expressways has dramatically reduced travel times, making long-distance trips more efficient and comfortable.

Weekends continue to be the peak time for intercity travel, with Sunday emerging as the most popular day, followed by Saturday and Friday. The preference for weekend trips highlights the growing trend of using Uber’s Intercity service for short getaways, family visits, and even business travel.

Shweta Mantri, Head of Rider Verticals at Uber India and South Asia, commented on the strong growth: “It’s been amazing to see how much love Uber Intercity has received this year. People are using it in so many ways - whether it’s quick getaways, family visits, or just exploring new places. We’re thrilled to be a part of their journeys and can’t wait to make road trips even more fun and hassle-free for everyone, with features like Reserve to aid journey planning and Round Trips to expand travel possibilities.”

Uber has introduced features such as the ability to book round trips for up to five days, allowing riders to retain their car and driver while making multiple stops. The Reserve option enables travelers to book their rides in advance, up to 90 days, adding an element of convenience and reliability to long-distance journeys. In 2024, Reserve bookings for Intercity have more than doubled, showcasing the growing confidence in this feature.

As a special offer for the month of December, Uber has launched the ‘Big Intercity Sale 2024’, providing attractive discounts on existing prices. This move, along with the introduction of 24x7 live support for all intercity trips, reaffirms Uber's commitment to providing a safe and convenient travel experience.

The Intercity service is popular for both round trips and one-way journeys. Round trips, especially, are favored for leisure travel and visits to places of worship, as riders can keep their car and driver for the entire journey. On the other hand, one-way trips are often booked for family visits where the return date is flexible.

Some key findings from the 2024 Uber Intercity Ride Index include the top routes, most popular months for travel, and preferred days for bookings:

• Top 3 Intercity Routes in India:
  

1. Mumbai - Pune

2. Delhi - Agra

3. Bangalore - Mysore

• Top 5 Months for Weekend Travel (2024):
  

1. March (Holi long weekend) May (Buddha Purnima long weekend, summer break)

2. June (Eid long weekend, summer break)

3. August (Independence Day/Rakhi long weekend)

4. September (Onam/Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid long weekends)

• Top 3 Days of the Week for Uber Intercity Rides:

1. Sunday

2. Saturday

3. Friday

• Most Common Uses for Uber Intercity:

1. Pilgrimage, tourism & family visits

2. Business/client meetings

3. Events (weddings, parties, concerts, trade shows)

• Most Popular Getaways:
   Popular destinations around major cities include Pune, Nashik, and Lonavala from Mumbai; Mysore and Nandi Hills from Bangalore; and Agra and Jaipur from Delhi.
  

Uber's mission to offer seamless mobility continues to be a success, with over 1 million Indians relying on the app for various travel needs, from everyday commutes to leisure trips. With a focus on simplicity, safety, and convenience, Uber is shaping the future of intercity travel across India.

Indian travelers planning trips to Thailand can look forward to a more streamlined visa process starting January 1, 2025. The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi has announced that Indian passport holders will soon be able to apply for e-visas through the official portal https://www.thaievisa.go.th.

This move will digitize the visa application process, making it more accessible and efficient for Indian tourists. However, the existing 60-day visa exemption for tourism and short business visits for Indian passport holders will remain in effect until further notice.

Application Process:

Applicants, including non-Thai nationals, can apply for e-visas either personally or through authorized representatives. While all visa types can be applied for through the online portal, applicants will need to pay a visa fee, details of which will be provided by the respective Embassy and Consulate-Generals. It’s important to note that visa fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.

The e-visa application process is straightforward:

1. Submit the application and required documents online.

2. Choose an offline payment option for the visa fee, as guided by the Embassy or Consulate-General.

3. Wait for the processing period of approximately 14 working days from the date of receipt of the visa fee.
   

   

For those submitting regular visa applications with ordinary passports at designated visa processing centers, the deadline is December 16, 2024. Diplomatic and official passport applications at the Embassy or Consulate-General will be accepted until December 24, 2024.

Benefits of the New System:

The introduction of e-visas aims to simplify the process for Indian travelers, reducing the need for physical visits to visa processing centers and cutting down on paperwork. The move is part of Thailand's efforts to modernize its visa framework and encourage tourism.

The 60-day visa exemption remains a convenient option for Indian tourists traveling for leisure or short business purposes, ensuring continued ease of access to Thailand.

Key Notes for Travelers:

• Applications must be submitted through the official portal: https://www.thaievisa.go.th.

• Offline payment options will be available for visa fees, which are non-refundable.

• Processing time for e-visas is approximately 14 working days after payment receipt.

With the implementation of e-visas, Thailand is further reinforcing its commitment to making travel more convenient and accessible for Indian tourists while strengthening its cultural and economic ties with India.