For Indian travellers today, the real upgrade may be much simpler: getting through the airport without wasting time, having enough space to breathe and knowing someone has thought about the little details. There was a time when paying more for travel meant a bigger seat, a better meal and a lounge pass.
That is changing how premium travel is being defined, from the airport terminal to the aircraft cabin. “Modern luxury is thoughtful, not showy. Christoph Schnellmann, Vice Chairman of Noida International Airport, sees a similar shift. Nobody particularly wants to spend the first hour of a holiday standing in a queue. As travel volumes grow, smoother airport processes and easier movement through terminals are becoming an important part of the premium experience.
It is about choice, confidence and experiences that make the journey feel worth it,” says Ms Shivani Singh Deo, Country Manager, India, Virgin Atlantic. He says Indian travellers are increasingly willing to spend more on experiences that save time, reduce friction and make the overall journey more comfortable.
There is also a wider change taking place. The airport is no longer being seen only as the place between the road and the aircraft. Premium service is also becoming less formal and more personal. Virgin Atlantic’s refreshed Heathrow Clubhouse, for instance, gives customers different ways to spend their pre-flight time, from working and dining to watching a film or taking time for wellness. That idea extends to value travel too. Indian travellers may be careful about what they spend, but comfort, reliability, cleanliness, connectivity and convenience are increasingly seen as essentials rather than extras. And perhaps that is the clearest sign of how Indian travel has changed. The best upgrade may simply be having more time left to enjoy the trip. Here’s what to know about the Grand Train Tour
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At Noida International Airport, the aim is to give passengers reasons to arrive earlier, with lounges, retail, food and beverage and experiential spaces forming part of the overall experience.
