Checking the flight status Air India 174 is usually the first thing you do before a massive 15-hour trek across the Pacific, but there is a lot more to this route than just a departure time on a screen. If you're heading from San Francisco (SFO) to New Delhi (DEL), you are likely boarding one of the longest non-stop flights in the world. It is a marathon. Honestly, if you aren't prepared for the quirks of the Boeing 777-300ER or the potential for technical delays, those 7,700 miles can feel much longer than they actually are.
Most travelers just want to know if they're on time.
Today, January 17, 2026, the real-time data shows some significant movement. AI 174 is currently seeing a delay of about 7 hours. While the scheduled departure was set for 3:00 PM PST, the updated "ready to go" time is pushing toward 10:00 PM. This isn't exactly a rarity for this specific tail, as on-time performance for this ultra-long-haul route often hovers around 23% for arrivals.
Tracking Flight Status Air India 174 Like a Pro
Don't just rely on the text message the airline sends you. They can be late. Or sometimes they don't arrive at all if you're roaming. The best way to track the flight status Air India 174 is to use a mix of the official Air India "Manage Booking" portal and third-party trackers like FlightAware or FlightRadar24.
Why both?
Because Air India’s internal systems sometimes lag behind the actual transponder data from the aircraft. If you see the plane is still sitting in Delhi or currently over the Atlantic (depending on the inbound leg), you know that 3:00 PM departure isn't happening.
SFO to Delhi: The Logistics
- Departure: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Terminal I (International).
- Arrival: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Terminal 3.
- Distance: Approximately 12,403 km.
- Typical Duration: Anywhere from 15 hours and 30 minutes to nearly 16 hours.
The flight uses the "B77W" equipment code, which is the aviation shorthand for the Boeing 777-300ER. This is a massive twin-engine jet. It's built for these "long-thin" routes where you need to carry 342 people across the globe without stopping.
What the Aircraft is Actually Like
If you’re booked on AI 174, you’re likely flying on a bird that has been in service for about 7 to 10 years. In the aviation world, that's middle-aged. Some passengers on Reddit and aviation forums have pointed out that the interiors on these specific 777s can be "hit or miss."
We're talking about the In-Flight Entertainment (IFE).
Sometimes the screens work perfectly. Sometimes they’ve decided to take a permanent vacation. It’s kinda a gamble. Pro tip: download your Netflix shows on your tablet before you leave your house in San Francisco. Don't rely on the seat-back screen for 16 hours of entertainment. You’ve been warned.
The Cabin Layout
- First Class: Usually 4 seats. Total luxury, if you can snag them.
- Business Class: About 35 seats. These are lie-flat, which is basically a requirement for a flight this long if you want to arrive in Delhi feeling like a human being.
- Economy: 306 seats. It’s a 3-4-3 configuration. It’s tight.
Why Delays Happen on This Route
When you see the flight status Air India 174 marked as "Delayed," it’s rarely just one thing. This flight is part of a complex rotation. Often, the aircraft is coming from a previous long-haul leg. If there’s a mechanical issue or a crew rest requirement—since pilots can only fly so many hours by law—the whole schedule shifts.
The average delay for this flight is about 2 hours and 11 minutes.
Bad air quality in Delhi during the winter months (November through February) can also cause "low visibility" delays. Even though the Boeing 777 has advanced Autoland capabilities, if the smog or fog is thick enough, the airport slows down the arrival rate. This ripples back to SFO.
Vital Prep for the Long Haul
Checking the status is step one. Step two is surviving the flight. Since you’re crossing roughly 13.5 time zones, the jet lag is going to be brutal. Basically, your body won't know if it's breakfast or dinner for three days.
Honestly, the food is usually a highlight. Air India’s catering for the SFO-DEL route typically features solid Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. It’s better than most US-based carriers' international meals. Just make sure to stay hydrated. The air in the 777 cabin is incredibly dry.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
- Check-in Early: Online check-in opens 48 hours before. If you want a decent seat in Economy (like the exit row or a bulkhead), you have to be fast.
- Aisle 4 at SFO: This is where the Air India check-in counters are usually located. Give yourself at least 3.5 hours. The lines can be legendary.
- Gate A10: Common for this route, though check the boards. SFO is huge, and you don't want to be sprinting to the A-gates.
- Pack a Power Bank: Even if the plane has USB ports, they might be broken or charge very slowly.
To ensure a smooth journey, keep a tab open on a live flight tracker and cross-reference it with the airport’s official departure board. If the flight status Air India 174 shows a delay of more than 4 hours, you may be entitled to food vouchers at the airport, so don't be shy about asking the ground staff at the gate.
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Check your terminal and gate assignments one last time before you leave for SFO. Terminal 1 is the place to be, but gates can change at the very last minute due to aircraft size constraints. Once you land in Delhi, you'll be at Terminal 3, which is quite modern and has plenty of taxi and e-hailing (Uber/Ola) options right outside the arrivals hall.