At-a-glance comparison
| Attribute | Air India | SpiceJet | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline category | Full-service | Low-cost | Different categories: compare on price and service expectations |
| Primary hub | DEL (+ BOM, BLR, HYD) | DEL (+ BOM, CCU, HYD) | Same hub (DEL), a direct head-to-head |
| Fleet size (approx.) | 220+ aircraft | 55+ aircraft | Larger fleet: Air India (more route redundancy on cancellation/delay) |
| Global alliance | Star Alliance | None (independent) | Air India alliance offers points on partners |
| Founded | 1932 | 2005 | Air India has the longer operating history |
| Aircraft types in fleet | B777, B787, A350, A321neo, A320neo | B737-800, B737 MAX 8, Q400 | |
| Domestic checked baggage (economy entry) | 25 kg (economy), 35 kg (business) | 15 kg | Compare against your typical packing: a higher allowance suits return-with-souvenirs trips |
| Cabin baggage | 8 kg | 7 kg | |
| In-flight meals | Complimentary meal | Buy-on-board only | Air India includes meals; the other sells on board |
| India customer care number | 0124-264 1407 | 0124-404 8000 |
Fares on routes both airlines fly (HappyFares data)
Typical fare is the median of the fares HappyFares recorded for each airline's non-stop flights on the route, from fare searches between 4 Oct 2026 and 9 Nov 2026. Figures computed 9 Nov 2026. Flights is the number of distinct flight and date combinations behind each figure; routes with fewer than 5 for either airline are left out. Fares are one-way economy and change daily.
| Route | Air India typical fare | SpiceJet typical fare | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata to Mumbai | ₹13,542 114 flights Air India fares |
₹14,552 119 flights SpiceJet fares |
Air India ₹1,010 lower |
| Leh to Delhi | ₹17,987 113 flights Air India fares |
₹15,687 114 flights SpiceJet fares |
SpiceJet ₹2,300 lower |
| Delhi to Kolkata | ₹11,833 126 flights Air India fares |
₹13,564 108 flights SpiceJet fares |
Air India ₹1,731 lower |
| Mumbai to Delhi | ₹9,793 113 flights Air India fares |
₹12,805 101 flights SpiceJet fares |
Air India ₹3,012 lower |
| Pune to Delhi | ₹10,096 111 flights Air India fares |
₹13,441 96 flights SpiceJet fares |
Air India ₹3,345 lower |
| Delhi to Patna | ₹9,303 94 flights Air India fares |
₹11,843 99 flights SpiceJet fares |
Air India ₹2,540 lower |
| Bangalore to Delhi | ₹11,925 122 flights Air India fares |
₹15,803 90 flights SpiceJet fares |
Air India ₹3,878 lower |
| Bangalore to Mumbai | ₹8,470 88 flights Air India fares |
₹11,877 93 flights SpiceJet fares |
Air India ₹3,407 lower |
About Air India
Air India is India's flag carrier, founded in 1932 and now part of Tata Group since 2022. The airline operates long-haul flights to North America, Europe, Australia, and across Asia, alongside an extensive domestic network. A Star Alliance member with a modernising fleet of Boeing 777s, 787s, and Airbus A350s.
Fare structure: Economy (Eco Value, Eco Flex), Premium Economy, Business (Vista)
About SpiceJet
SpiceJet is a budget airline serving India's domestic network and select international Gulf/Southeast Asia routes. The airline operates a mix of Boeing 737s for jet routes and Q400 turboprops for regional UDAN connectivity.
Fare structure: SpiceSaver (lowest, cabin + checked baggage, standard change/cancel fees) → SpiceFlex (more flexibility, lower change/cancel fees) → SpiceMax (premium tier, complimentary seat + meal, lowest change/cancel fees). SpiceClub loyalty points earned on every fare.
Who each airline suits
You want the lowest headline fare
Suited to this: Compare both on your route and date
SpiceJet is a low-cost carrier: meals, checked baggage and seat selection are sold separately, while Air India's fare bundles more. Compare the total for what you need, and see the fares table on this page for typical fares on routes both fly.
You want global alliance miles
Suited to this: Air India
Air India is part of Star Alliance: earn miles across 25+ partner airlines worldwide. SpiceJet is independent; its miles are not transferable to other carriers.
Long-haul international with stopover
Suited to this: Air India
Air India operates wide-body aircraft (B777, B787, A350) on long-haul. SpiceJet is a low-cost short-haul carrier and doesn't serve long-haul.
Travelling with infant or family
Suited to this: Air India
Air India includes complimentary meals, generous baggage, free seat selection (sit-together), which adds up for a family. SpiceJet sells these add-ons separately, which can equal or exceed the headline price gap.
Frequently asked questions
Is Air India cheaper than SpiceJet?
It depends on the route and the date. On the 8 routes where HappyFares has fare data for both (4 Oct 2026 to 9 Nov 2026), the typical Air India fare was lower on 7 and the typical SpiceJet fare was lower on 1, with gaps between ₹1,010 and ₹3,878. See the fares table on this page for each route. SpiceJet is a low-cost carrier that sells meals, checked baggage and seat selection separately, while Air India includes more in the fare, so compare the total for what you need.
Does Air India or SpiceJet have more checked baggage allowance?
Air India's economy domestic checked allowance is 25 kg (economy), 35 kg (business). SpiceJet's is 15 kg. If you typically pack more than 25 kg (economy), 35 kg (business), Air India avoids the excess-baggage surcharge.
Which has the better frequent flyer programme?
Air India's programme is part of Star Alliance: your miles transfer across 25+ partner airlines worldwide and earn elite status across the alliance. SpiceJet runs an independent loyalty programme. For frequent international travellers, alliance membership is the deciding factor.
Does SpiceJet have a business class?
SpiceJet operates a limited business class on select metro and Gulf routes. Air India has a full-service business class with lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft.
Which has better refund / cancellation policy, Air India or SpiceJet?
Both follow DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3 Series M Part IV, so the regulator-mandated framework is identical. Air India's standard fares (Eco Flex, Premium Economy) carry the lowest cancellation fees among Indian carriers; entry-level Eco Value mirrors low-cost-carrier penalties. For Cancel-for-Any-Reason refunds regardless of fare rules, HappyFares Smart Saver add-on covers either airline.
Does Air India fly the same routes as SpiceJet?
Air India's hubs is DEL (plus BOM, BLR, HYD). SpiceJet's hubs is DEL (plus BOM, CCU, HYD). Both serve major Indian metros, but their route networks differ: Air India covers all 6 metros and 70+ Indian cities, and SpiceJet covers similar Indian network. Use HappyFares to see which airline operates your specific city pair.
Can I book both Air India and SpiceJet on HappyFares?
Yes. HappyFares lists fares from both Air India and SpiceJet (along with every other major airline operating Indian routes). The same pricing applies to both: taxes included in the fare shown, zero convenience fee on domestic flights with code HFNCF, an itemised fare breakdown and no pre-ticked add-ons. Compare and book either carrier in the same booking flow.