Flights to Chennai (MAA)

As a part of Air India’s exciting transformation journey, Vistara and Air India have merged to create a world-class airline with an Indian heart. To make every journey exceptional and every flight a testament to our quality, we are working relentlessly to ensure you get the best of both worlds.

Your Vistara flights stay the same and its inflight experience will remain unchanged. You can easily identify these flights by their new code AI 2XXX. For example, UK 955, operating from Delhi to Mumbai, will transition to AI 2955.

On ground and beyond, enjoy the unified Air India experience with the expertise of a dedicated team that opens limitless possibilities to expand your world.

The journey is just a beginning.

Broader network, enhanced benefits, and a world of endless possibilities.

Fly to Chennai (MAA) with Air India

When flying from the United States of America via flights to Chennai, passengers can explore numerous flight options with Air India. With Air India, frequent connectivity is available between Chennai and various major cities of the US with one or two stops, such as New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), Chicago (ORD) and others.

Once you have reached India on one of the flights to Chennai, you must carry the official Indian currency, the Indian Rupee (INR), for convenient local transactions.

Passengers from the US can seamlessly travel to Chennai with Air India, experiencing utmost comfort and efficiency alongside great national and international connectivity.

How to Book Your Chennai Flight Tickets

The hassle-free and fully online digital process allows you to book flights to Chennai with Air India quite easily. All you have to do is follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to the Air India website or app
To start, go to the official Air India website or open the mobile app. You can begin making your flight reservation to Chennai here.

Step 2: Fill out your travel information
Click "Search Flight" on the homepage. Select whether you want to plan a one-way trip, a round trip, or a multi-city trip. Enter your departure location, choose MAA as your destination, and fill out the dates of your trip, the number of passengers, the cabin class for travel, and payment method: cash, points, or both. Choose any applicable concession before moving forward.

Step 3: Look at and compare flights
After filling the form, click "Search" to view a list of flights that are currently available. Look at the pricing of Chennai airline tickets based on when they leave, how long they take, and what features are included. You can also look at fares for dates that are close by to find a better offer.

Step 4: Choose the right flight
Pick the flight that works best for you. Before you go ahead, make sure you understand the fare summary, baggage policy, and Air India’s rules for refunds and cancellations.

Step 5: Pick the type of fare you want
There are three main fare types with Air India: Value, Classic and Flex. The Flex ticket comes with extra perks, like a bigger baggage limit and more freedom to reschedule or cancel your trip.

Step 6: Enter the information for the passengers
Type in the traveller's name, phone number, email address, and country code. Before moving on to the next stage, make sure that all the entries are correct.

Step 7: Choose your seat
Choose your preferred seat from the layout, and it will show up in the total cost before payment.

Step 8: Check and pay
Check everything again to make sure it's all accurate. Then, pick how you want to pay: with a credit or debit card, using online banking, or a digital wallet. People from other countries can also pay in different currencies. Finally, you will get a confirmation of your booking right away on your registered email after you pay.

Here are some more benefits of booking your Air India Chennai flights:

• The platform allows you to compare the Chennai flight fare across different days and Cabin classes.
• Moreover, Air India’s mobile application also offers the same functionality. So, it provides travellers with an opportunity to manage bookings, modify details, and check flight updates at their convenience.
• After the booking is confirmed, travellers can use web check-in, which opens 48 hours before departure.
• Air India also offers options for group bookings and allows families, friends, or corporate teams to travel together under a single reservation.
• Also, in case you have specific dietary preferences (or restrictions), Air India has a curated range of options. However, you must place your order for the menu options on the website at least 24 hours before departure.
• You can also opt for travel insurance with Tata AIG, offering coverage for medical issues, travel disruptions, baggage issues, passport loss, theft (cash), and more.

Documents Required for the US Travellers

If you are travelling to Chennai from the US, here are the documents you will require:

• A valid passport
• Visa
• Necessary health certificates
• E-Arrival Card submitted within 72 hours before arrival on either the Bureau of Immigration website, the Indian Visa mobile app “Su-Swagatam”, or Chennai Airport’s official website.

Chennai Flight Schedule

With Air India, flights to Chennai are available across a wide network, with great connectivity to major US cities. Covering most regions of the country, most of these flights have one-stop and two-stop connectivity.

• Various flights are available with Air India operating from New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), and Chicago (ORD), up to Chennai with one or two stops.
• Air India reviews Chennai flight schedules across the year with additional services around the Indian festive seasons and the summer rush. Flight connectivity is also improved during shoulder seasons with minor adjustments.
• Chennai is one of the most prominent international airports for Air India, providing great connectivity to US passengers travelling to South India or having journeys onward, either domestic or to international locations like those in the Middle East or Asia.
• You can check real-time status updates of your flight via the website or mobile app for easy tracking of delays or cancellations.

Why Choose Air India Flights to Chennai

A national carrier and one of the oldest in the country, Air India carries decades of aviation legacy, known for its consistency, reliability and comfort. Here’s why US passengers choose India’s flagship airline, Air India, when travelling to Chennai.

Decades of Legacy & Trust

As the flagship airline of India, operating for decades, Air India has a rich legacy, offering services that inspire trust and reliability, providing connectivity between India and the US for a long time.

Comfortable Flights

When flying via Air India, especially for long-haul flights, like from US cities, passengers can experience utmost comfort during the journey with generous cabin legroom, complimentary in-flight meals and warm hospitality. Passengers can also enjoy 1200+ hours of in-flight entertainment via ‘Vista Stream’ on select aircraft, featuring a curated mix of films, music, and news programmes.

Strong Connectivity

With Air India, great domestic and international connectivity is available with an impressive flight network in Chennai.

Frequent Flights with Convenient Timings

Air India operates various frequent flights to Chennai from various US cities with timings across the day for convenient pick and booking.

Maharaja Club Benefits

By signing up for the Maharaja Club, you can indulge in unparalleled privileges and exclusive benefits. You can choose from any of the available tiers: Red, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

• Based on the tier you choose, you can enjoy a number of benefits for your booking journey, such as earning tier points on Air India and Star Alliance partner airlines or non-airline partners, redeeming on Air India and Star Alliance partner airlines, priority connect, fee waivers for itinerary changes, complimentary seat selection, and cabin upgrade vouchers upon tier renewal and upgrade.
• You can also have various privileges at the airport, including the complimentary ‘Fly Prior’ service, priority waitlist clearance, priority check-in, and excess baggage allowance (as per the piece/weight system).

Information on Chennai Airport - Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Chennai International Airport (MAA)

The Chennai International Airport, formerly known as Madras International Meenambakkam Airport, is the main airport serving Chennai for domestic and international passengers. It is the second busiest airport in South India and has a wide network of connectivity with international destinations, including the USA. With a huge annual traveller footfall, the MAA airport is a top option for both domestic and global flights. Air India is one of the top carriers operating US flights from the Chennai International Airport.

Terminals

• Terminal 1 (T1 or Kamaraj Domestic Terminal) serves mostly domestic airlines with nationwide arrival and departure connectivity.
• Terminal 2 (T2 or Anna International Terminal) is an international terminal and is fairly new.
• Terminal 4 (T4) also serves domestic passengers with limited connectivity.

Ground Connectivity

• Metro rail: Chennai International Airport has an integrated Metro rail connectivity, providing easy commuting options across various regions in Chennai.
• Taxis and app-based cabs: MAA also has a great taxi and app connectivity for quick transportation across the city.
• Suburban and local trains: Chennai’s suburban and local train network is connected to the airport for easy long-distance destinations.
• You can also find bus stops a little away from the airport and board city buses to travel across Chennai.

About Chennai - A City of Cultural Specialities

Chennai, one of the first metropolitan cities of India, holds on to its roots and spirit of cultural richness through its historical landmarks, festive celebrations and gracious everyday living. Check out the top places to visit in Chennai worth exploring.

• Landmarks: Some top landmarks of Chennai reflecting its history and colonial past are Fort St. George, Valluvar Kottam, Santhome Cathedral Basilica, the Government Museum, and many more.
• Markets: Explore a wide variety of shopping and local experiences at popular markets here, like Pondy Bazaar, Ritchie Street, Sowcarpet and George Town.
• Cultural hotspots: Top sites for cultural exploration in Chennai include Vivekananda House, Ripon Building, DakshinaChitra, and Cholamandal Artists’ Village.
• Food to try: Some must-try delectable and local flavours of Chennai include pongal, idli and dosa, uthappam, sundal and many more.

Places to Visit & Things to Do in Chennai

Here are some top picks for cultural, historical and food hotspots you cannot miss out on for your next Chennai itinerary.

Historical Places

• Fort St. George: A 17th-century fortress converted into a government office is open to visitors for exploring its historical richness.
• Valluvar Kottam: This famous monument is worth exploring as a memorial for the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar and for its impressive, chariot-shaped architecture.

Best Markets

• Pondy Bazaar: Located in T. Nagar, this popular market invites travellers for its variety of accessories and clothing and even street-side snacking.
• George Town/Sowcarpet: Explore local wares and textiles and shop for souvenirs in these markets at budget-friendly fares.

Cultural Sites

• Vivekananda House: Check out this historic building for its relics related to the famous philosopher, Swami Vivekananda.
• Ripon Building: This age-old building is worth visiting and admiring for its impeccable architecture and historic tangles.

Culinary Hotspots

• Burma Bazaar: This local market is popular for its delectable and authentic Burmese cuisine, which is a rare find here.
• Dindigul Thalappakatti: Try out the flavourful biryani at this popular chain and also explore Chennai staples like idli and dosa here.

Best Time to Visit Chennai

• The months of November to February mark the best time when US travellers can enjoy the cool winters of Chennai amidst pleasant weather conditions, great for outdoor explorations.
• October is also known for its low humidity, with comfortable temperatures and sparse rainfall for Chennai exploration.
• During November-December, Karthigai Deepam is conducted, known for its ancient Tamil roots and celebration with lights, distinct from the popular Diwali.
• In January, Pongal, the popular harvest festival, is celebrated in Chennai, which is a great time to visit the city.
• If you want to experience the cultural abundance of the city with Tamil New Year celebrations and colourful Kolam decorations, visit during mid-April.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)