Air India has become the only airline that flies non-stop from Delhi to San Fransisco. With an hefty premium as compared to the one-stop flights offered by other airlines including Gulf, Europe, America and Southeast Asia, AI has saved flyers time with the connection. The journey to the Valley now takes just 17 hours while the return is an hour less. The return economy fare on the flight for June lies somewhere between Rs 87,000 to 96,000. While China Eastern and China Southern are much cheaper, they take up to 32 hours one way and fly via their hubs in Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad takes up to 34 hours one way, Japan's ANA, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, and United all offer lower economy fares, but their travel times are more. Despite its premium pricing, AI's Delhi-SFO has seen many takers and non-stop records 80-85 per cent load factor. In fact, the flight is sold out on many days this summer. The tri-weekly is so much in demand, passengers are often given the option of flying via New York or Chicago as it is sold out.
“SFO was a natural choice for a new non-stop from India as it is the IT hub of the US and has a substantial Indian origin population. And the Delhi-SFO has become one of our most commercially successful flights,” AI chairman Ashwani Lohani said. He added that there was a plan to increase frequency once AI has more aircraft. Sharat Dhall, president of travel portal Yatra said, “A stopover means a delay of four-five hours. So, shelling out marginally extra for a non-stop flight is not a problem for most long haul travellers. As it is, people end up spending on food, etc, while waiting at airports.”
