Upgrade your AI seat by paying at airport

National carrier Air India has introduced the “Get Up Front” scheme making it possible for passengers to upgrade their seats by paying cash at the airport. The scheme is valid for both domestic and international travellers. Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh Sharma said this in the Lok Sabha while answering a question regarding “on the spot payment of cash for upgrade” on Thursday. 

He said: “The scheme is called “Get Up Front” and is applicable for both domestic and international sectors. The upgrade at the airport is subject to availability of seats and on first-come-first-serve basis and also subjected to the physical presence of a guest at the check-in counter. The scheme is being publicised through text cards at the airports.”

Sharma stated that the other measures being taken up by Air India to make it competitive with private airlines includes induction of brand new aircraft on several domestic and international routes to increase passenger appeal and also phasing out and grounding of old fleet.

“Also, the On Time Performance (OTP) is being monitored at the highest level within Air India on a daily basis. A video conference is anchored by Integrated Operation Control Centre (IOCC) every day in which the representatives of operating departments from four regions participate to review the previous day’s operation and evolve process improvement wherever possible,” added the minister.

The existing scheme covers the domestic sector, but from Sharma’s statement it is clear that it also incorporates the international sector. With an aim to fill up vacant business-class seats, Air India launched the scheme wherein a flier can upgrade to the executive class after paying money at the airport terminal. Under this scheme, passengers flying in economy class can avail upgradation to the availability of seats in the executive class at the airport. 

The Air India websites clearly states: “The salient features of the Domestic Upgrade scheme, include — “Get Up Front” offer has two payment slabs — Rs 5,500 for distances up to 750 km and Rs 7,500 for higher distances to avail the service. Service tax inclusive of Swacch Bharat cess will be applicable at 8.7 percent.”