About Ajay

Ajay Awtaney is the Founder and Editor of Live From A Lounge (LFAL), a pioneering digital platform renowned for publishing news and views about aviation, hotels, passenger experience, loyalty programs, travel trends and frequent travel tips for the Global Indian. He is considered the Indian authority on business travel, luxury travel, frequent flyer miles, loyalty credit cards and travel for Indians around the globe. Ajay is a frequent contributor and commentator on the media as well, including ET Now, BBC, CNBC TV18, NDTV, Conde Nast Traveller and many other outlets.

IndiGo to upgrade flights to Singapore and Dubai with Stretch Cabin, August 9 onwards.

August 8, 2025 by Ajay 2 Comments

IndiGo will introduce the Stretch Class equipped A321N on flights to Dubai and Singapore. These flights will be in addition to IndiGo’s current domestic network.

Akasa Completes 3 Years; 30 Aircraft and 19 Million Passengers later, the airline continues to grow

August 7, 2025 by Ajay Leave A Comment

a group of people standing in front of a large white airplane

Akasa turned three today. Here is an insight into its journey as an airline so far.

New Vietnam Airlines promotion offers 30-75% Discount on Redemptions

August 7, 2025 by Ajay 1 Comment

Vietnam Airlines is offering up to 75% Discount on Redemption Tickets. Here are the details of this promotion which promises a lot of travel for a lot less.

My Card Stash for my recent International Travels

August 7, 2025 by Ajay 6 Comments

A person is inserting a blue credit card into a payment terminal. A glowing dollar sign is hovering above the card, symbolizing a financial transaction. The background is blurred, suggesting a retail environment.

Here are all the credit cards powering my International Spending on the road these days.

Air India’s long haul planes finally start to go for retrofit

August 6, 2025 by Ajay 2 Comments

Air India’s first 787-8 is finally in the workshop for a nose-tail retrofit. Not only that, the airline is preparing to induct its first A350-1K and the 787-9 into its fleet. Details inside.

Cathay Pacific adds 14 more Boeing 777X orders to its backlog

August 6, 2025 by Ajay Leave A Comment

Cathay Pacific has enhanced its order for the Boeing 777-9, which is yet to enter service, to 35 aircraft from the current order of 21. Here are the details.

Boeing 777X gets closer to entry into service; Fifth (Production) Aircraft joins the test fleet.

August 6, 2025 by Ajay Leave A Comment

A large white commercial airplane is taking off, with its landing gear still extended. The aircraft is angled upwards against a clear blue sky, and there are trees and buildings visible in the background.

Boeing has added a new aircraft to its Boeing 777X test fleet. This aircraft was built after 2020, and is the first one to have been built and flown after the test campaign started.

Accor reshapes Accor Plus to Accor+ after a large membership drive, takes away most value

August 6, 2025 by Ajay 2 Comments

A man and a woman are joyfully running through a revolving door. The woman is wearing a blue dress, and the man is in a dark jacket and brown pants. The background is a blur of colors, suggesting motion. Overlaid text reads, "The Upgrade Your Travels Deserve."

Accor Plus was the membership-driven subscription loyalty programme for Accor. Now, it will turn into Accor+, which cuts down the benefits and asks for more money. Here are the details.

Air India’s lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Renderings emerge

August 5, 2025 by Ajay 7 Comments

a large building with a lot of cars and a road

Air India seems to be getting its passenger experience strategy together. The airline has the construction of its lounge at San Francisco ongoing, and expected to be completed within 2025.