Air India begins A350 flights from Newark to Delhi

Air India begins direct flights from Newark to Delhi

By Mark Reif Published January 6, 2025

Last week, Air India began flying its long-anticipated route between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi. The direct flight is aboard a state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 and follows the recent introduction of a similar route from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

A direct flight from the New York region to India’s capital

Delhi India — Delhi, India Anuj Yadav via Unsplash

Air India’s A350-900 aircraft feature all-new interiors, free inflight Wi-Fi, an award-winning Inflight Entertainment (IFE) system, new service ware, and upgraded catering. With the new route, Air India flies between the New York region and Delhi exclusively on A350-900s. It’s the only airline offering private suites in Business Class and also provides a luxurious Premium Economy cabin.

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Aboard Air India A350s, Business Class has 28 private suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, with the option to extend into flat beds. Each suite has aisle access, along with doors for privacy.

The Premium Economy Class features 24 seats in a 2-4-2 set up. They offer additional legroom, and a more upscale feel than Economy Class.

The Economy Class has 264 seats that are 17.5 inches wide, have a 6-inch recline, and a pitch of 31 degrees. They also feature a 12-inch screen, USB outlets, and an adjustable headrest. Also included are full-course hot meals, blankets, and pillows.

To celebrate the new route, Air India sent members of its cabin crew to New York to recreate iconic photos and visit landmarks. Wearing new Manish Malhotra-designed uniforms, the crew members visited Gapstow Bridge in Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET). They even posed in tribute to the “Lunch Atop a Skyscaper” photo from 1932.

Mark Reif has a passion for the outdoors and travel, and telling the stories of his experiences. He’s a lifelong…

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Have you ever found yourself wondering, how much is a first-class flight? I know I did. Before I had the chance to experience it myself, first class always felt like a luxury that was just out of my reach. But now that I know what it actually costs, I’m here to share what I’ve learned about the true price of flying first class. So, here’s how much a first-class flight really costs.
Factors that affect the price of first-class flights

First things first, the price of a first-class ticket can vary depending on the different factors at play. But there is a general range, so let’s break it down a bit.
The airline and route
The cost of a first-class ticket depends mainly on the airline and the route you’re taking. For example, on a popular international route like New York to London, a first-class ticket can range from $4,000 to $7,000, sometimes even more. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo, that price tag can jump to $14,000 or more. These prices fluctuate based on the airline’s pricing structure and the demand for seats on that specific flight.
The flight duration
Another big factor is the length of the flight. The longer the journey, the more expensive the first-class ticket tends to be. A shorter domestic flight might cost somewhere in the range of $1,000 for a first-class seat, while international flights that can last 10 hours or more could easily push into the $8,000-$15,000 range for first class.
When you book your flight
Timing also plays a big role in the cost of your first-class ticket. The Luxury Travel Expert recommends booking your flight as early as possible to secure the best deals. So if you book months in advance, you’ll probably find better fares. However, airlines do occasionally offer last-minute discounts or promotions to fill seats, although this isn’t always the case. It’s always best to plan ahead, but keep an eye out for any deals, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
The time of year
Airline ticket prices also vary depending on the time of year. Traveling during peak times, like the holidays or summer vacation, will typically result in higher prices. Airlines usually raise prices to accommodate the increased demand during these periods.
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