We want nothing more than comfort and care for our aging parents when they travel alone, especially on long-haul flights. Sitting far away in another country often brings with it a sense of helplessness. That’s why many Indian families turn to the Air India Upgrade Plus program to ensure their loved ones have a comfortable travel experience both on ground and inflight.
For Arun Anand, an Indian software engineer based in Chicago, that moment came after five long years. His 56-year-old mother, Harika Anand, who is a homemaker from Hyderabad, was supposed to visit her son in 2020. Her trip was originally planned for May that year. However, like countless families around the world, their travel plans were derailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“She kept saying, ‘maybe next year,’ every time we thought of booking her ticket,” Arun shared. But by early 2025, with travel restrictions lifted and her visa still valid, Arun booked her a one-way flight to Chicago on Air India. Arun was a bit concerned as this would be the first time his mother would be flying solo.
That’s when a friend reminded Arun about Air India’s Upgrade+ program.
Interestingly, Arun had tried this option once for himself during his 2024 trip to India. Though it didn’t work out then, he decided to give it another shot—for his mother this time.
“I just wanted her to have extra space and get priority boarding. She has knee issues and I knew a 16-hour flight wouldn’t be easy,” he said.
Two days before Harika’s departure from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Arun received an email from Air India confirming her upgrade to business class on the Hyderabad-Delhi leg and the long-haul Delhi to Chicago flight.
“It felt like a small victory. The upgrade cost was well worth it for the peace of mind,” he added.
Harika’s experience at the airport was equally reassuring. She had access to the Encalm Prive Lounge in Delhi as the Maharaja Lounge was under renovation. This gave her enough time to relax before boarding the Chicago flight. From check-in to in-flight service, thereafter everything was smooth and comforting. With a fully reclining seat, personal space and priority assistance from airline staff, Harika reached Chicago well-rested.
What is Air India’s Upgrade+?
Air India Upgrade Plus program is a paid upgrade feature by Air India that allows passengers booked in economy class to submit a request for an upgrade to business class.
The process is fairly simple. Travelers are invited to place an upgrade bid on the airline’s official website after their ticket is confirmed. Once the offer is submitted, Air India sends a confirmation email—usually 48 to 72 hours before the flight—if the upgrade is accepted.
Like many Indian parents traveling alone from India to the US, Harika had multiple concerns—from finding her gate to understanding announcements. Having a business class ticket meant she received assistance every step of the way, easing that anxiety. For many like her, Air India Upgrade Plus program provides an opportunity to experience comfort during long-haul flights.
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