As a frequent traveler and luxury enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for ways to elevate my travel experience without breaking the bank. Recently, I had the chance to enjoy my first-ever business class flight, and the best part? It was completely free, thanks to a cabin upgrade voucher I received from my Axis Vistara Infinite Credit Card. This flight was from Delhi to Mumbai on Air India, and here’s everything you need to know about how it happened and why it was such a memorable experience.
How I Got the Upgrade
Before the Vistara-Air India merger, Axis Vistara Infinite cardholders received cabin upgrade vouchers that could be used with Vistara. Post-merger, these vouchers have been migrated to Air India’s Maharaja Club, and they come with some key differences:
The voucher is valid only on domestic routes.
It cannot be redeemed online—you need to request the upgrade at the airport during check-in.
Only one voucher is needed for an upgrade from economy to business class (assuming the flight has only economy and business cabins).
This is a significant improvement over Vistara’s policy, where two vouchers were required for a business class upgrade and could also be used on international routes depending on distance.
On the day of my flight, I inquired at the check-in counter and was told that a few business class seats were still available. I handed over just one voucher and got my free upgrade—a smooth, seamless experience!
The Ground Experience
Once upgraded, I was entitled to all the business class privileges:
- Dedicated check-in counter with zero wait time.
- Priority boarding—no standing in long queues.
- Access to the Air India Lounge at Delhi Airport, which was a true highlight.
The lounge offered a generous buffet with delicious Indian dishes, a variety of snacks, and a tempting dessert selection. It was a relaxing space to unwind before the flight and added a touch of indulgence to the entire experience.
Onboard the Flight
The aircraft operating this sector was a Boeing 777 - 300 ER, a wide-body aircraft typically used for international routes. While the plane was a bit old, the business class cabin still impressed me.
The seat configuration was 2-3-2, with seven seats per row.
Seats were large, well-cushioned, and came with ample legroom—perfect for stretching out during the short-haul flight.
As soon as we were seated, the crew served a refreshing pomegranate juice and offered hot/cold towels, adding a touch of elegance to the welcome.
In-Flight Service & Food
Air India’s business class service exceeded my expectations:
We were given a menu card with choices across vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and even vegan options—a nice inclusive touch.
The meal was delicious, served in proper crockery with attention to presentation.
The cabin crew was courteous and attentive throughout.
One passenger seated beside me had trouble with his tray table, a sign of the aircraft’s age, but the crew quickly relocated him to another seat without any hassle.
Final Thoughts
This experience was truly a milestone in my travel journey—my first taste of business class luxury, and that too without spending a single rupee extra. The ease of using the voucher, the premium services, the lounge access, and the quality of onboard service made it a fantastic experience overall.
If you have the Axis Vistara Infinite Credit Card and haven’t yet used your transferred Maharaja Club upgrade vouchers, I highly recommend you check availability during your next domestic flight on Air India. With just one voucher, you could unlock a whole new world of comfort in the skies.
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