Airlines woo customers in holiday season

New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI) With the summer holiday season
in full swing, Indian and foreign carriers have launched a
host of offers to attract holiday makers, business flyers and
students going to foreign universities.
Indian national carrier Air India has come up with
various packages for the flyers which includes a discount of
10 per cent if the tickets are booked from India to any of the
destinations covered by the airlines.
British Airways has announced special offers for
Indian students travelling abroad, including a Matrix sim card
with some free talk time and allowing them to carry an extra
piece of luggage weighing up to 23 kgs in addition to the
permitted checked in allowance. These offers are valid till
November 15.
The airline's Regional Commercial Manager Judy Jarvis
said a similar initiative was very well-received last year and
was hence being offered this year again.
Wooing holiday-goers, UAE carrier Emirates Airline has
introduced a special package called 'Summer Smiles in Dubai'
that includes 50 per cent discount on fares for upto two
children under 12 years.
Three nights stay for children, meals and play in
Dubai is absolutely free when they are travelling with two
paying adults, said Emirates' Regional Manager (India) Vinay
Malhotra.
Besides the Dubai-based carrier is offering an
attractive companion fare for business class passengers and
free stays for two or one night at a top-class hotel in Dubai
for First and Business class travellers, he said, adding that
most of the hotels were also participating in this package.
The travellers would also get free or discounted
coupons for shopping or free metro rides in Dubai.
Similarly, Gulf's low cost carrier Air Arabia has come
up with a limited period special package to Kenya for a
wildlife safari. The package price starts from Rs 49,500 per
person on twin sharing from six cities in India.
Kenya has in recent times gained lot of popularity and
is perceived as a very good tourist option for nature and
wildlife lovers.
Similarly, Etihad Airways has launched BusinessConnect
loyalty programme in India targeting the small and medium
business persons. The programme includes benefits like free
flights, upgrades and large number of items available through
the online rewards shop.
The offers are timed to attract the growing holiday
and business travel markets out of India.