Amid the impending merger of Air India and Vistara, the long-established Indian airline is planning a measure that is causing a stir within the industry and among cabin crew: From December 1, 2024, selected members of the cabin crew will be required to share hotel rooms during stopovers. This decision is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce operating costs and harmonize company policies with the recently acquired airline Vistara. The merger, which will be completed in the coming months, presents Air India with numerous challenges, particularly in dealing with staff. Many flight attendants are concerned about this change, which is seen as a cut in their working conditions. The cost-cutting strategy in detail Until now, Air India's cabin crew have been entitled to single rooms in hotels during their stopovers. This is set to change from December by forcing staff to share accommodation - a practice that is already common practice at Vistara, Air India's sister airline. However, the new guidelines do not affect all staff: only cabin managers and cabin executives are exempt from the regulation and are still allowed to use single rooms. While sharing hotel rooms represents a significant cost saving for Air India, the airline is planning to increase the overnight allowance for international flights in return. This allowance currently ranges between 75 and 125 US dollars, depending on the location. With the new regulation, it is expected to rise to 85 to 135 US dollars. In addition, the meal plans for domestic flights will be adjusted: in future, cabin crew will receive all meals during working hours, not just breakfast. This should at least partially offset the effects of the new room policy.
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