Air India CEO Now Required to Fly Economy

Starting April 1, Air India executives—CEO included—will have to swap business class for economy seats on domestic work trips. And by June 1, the rest of the airline’s staff will follow. The new policy, introduced by the Tata Group-owned carrier, aims to keep premium seats available for revenue-generating passengers rather than company personnel.

The shift reflects Air India’s broader transformation strategy. Since being acquired by Tata in 2022, the airline has focused on modernizing its fleet, improving service standards, and turning around its reputation. Part of that reboot? A new approach to employee travel, rooted in customer-centricity.

Why Air India Made the Change

Demand for business and premium economy seating has grown steadily, especially with India’s domestic travel bouncing back post-pandemic. Instead of letting staff occupy those high-revenue seats on work trips, the airline wants to prioritize customers who pay for the upgrade.

Employees will still have a shot at a cushier seat—but only if there are empty premium cabin spots 50 minutes before departure.

This is just one of many changes under Tata’s leadership. Air India has also begun retrofitting planes with new interiors, introduced updated uniforms, and expanded its premium economy product. The goal? A more competitive, globally respected airline.

Guest Reactions & Employee Concerns

For passengers, this might not mean much visibly. But internally, it marks a shift away from a long-standing culture where seniority often meant front-of-cabin comfort.

While some see the move as a win for optics and customer-first values, others worry it could hurt morale—especially for staff who frequently travel for work. Still, many in the industry see it as a practical step toward operational efficiency.

As for travelers? Most won’t notice who’s sitting in 3A—but they might appreciate the open seat being available to them.

What This Means for Airline Staff

Air India isn’t the first airline to reevaluate staff perks, but this change sets a strong precedent. Employees traveling on duty will now have to adjust to life in the main cabin—whether they're a junior associate or the CEO.

The policy also means employees can no longer rely on business class upgrades unless premium seats go unsold. It’s a culture shift that could take some getting used to, but aligns with a growing trend of companies tightening internal travel policies in favor of the bottom line.

What This Means for Nonrev Travelers

Here’s the potential silver lining for passriders: with Air India reducing staff usage of premium cabins, there’s a better chance those seats are left open for last-minute upgrades or nonrev passengers—especially on lightly loaded routes.

While this policy only applies to duty travel (not leisure staff travel), it may reduce overall staff presence in premium cabins, slightly improving nonrev odds. Just remember—revenue passengers still get first dibs, and the 50-minute rule means any upgrade hope will still come down to the wire.

Still, fewer blocked premium seats is always a win in the standby game.

The Bigger Picture

Air India’s move underscores a broader industry trend: optimizing revenue at every level. As airlines recover from pandemic losses and face fierce competition, perks that once went unquestioned are now being reexamined. Expect other carriers, especially those in competitive markets, to watch this closely.

While it may sting for some internally, the optics are clear: if the CEO can fly coach, so can everyone else.

Would you want your airline’s execs to sit in the back with you? Or is this just a PR play?