Booking Domestic Flights in India
Booking domestic flights in India is usually cheapest when you compare IndiGo, Air India and other low-cost carriers 6 to 10 weeks before departure. Check the total price, including baggage, seat selection and convenience fees, rather than comparing the headline fare alone.
This guide covers Booking Domestic Flights in India: IndiGo, Air India and the Low-Cost Market, including fares, airline differences, payment methods, check-in rules and practical airport advice.
India's Domestic Aviation Market
India has one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets. IndiGo is the dominant domestic carrier, while Air India is rebuilding its network under Tata Group ownership. Akasa Air has added a newer ultra-low-cost option, and SpiceJet continues to serve selected routes despite operational and financial challenges reported since 2022.
India's main domestic carriers serve busy city pairs such as Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Bangalore and Mumbai–Kolkata. Competition is strongest on these routes, so comparing several airlines can reveal meaningful differences in departure times, baggage rules and final price.
- IndiGo: More than 50% domestic market share, a fleet of more than 300 aircraft and a broad network. It is generally positioned as a budget carrier. Reported on-time performance has often been around 78% to 83%.
- Air India: A full-service carrier owned by Tata Group. It offers the Flying Returns miles programme, premium economy on selected aircraft and business class on selected domestic routes.
- SpiceJet: A low-cost carrier with a long-standing presence on domestic routes. Its schedule and available aircraft can vary, so check the current flight status before travelling.
- Vistara: Vistara merged into Air India in 2024. Former Vistara routes, aircraft and service features are now being incorporated into Air India's network.
- Akasa Air: A newer carrier that began operations in 2022. It follows a low-cost model and has been expanding across a network of around 25 cities.
“Aviation is the business of freedom.” — Willie Walsh, Director General, International Air Transport Association (IATA)
That idea is especially visible in India's domestic market: air travel can connect distant cities in a few hours, but demand, airport congestion and limited seats can push fares up quickly.
Booking Domestic Flights in India: Fare Timing
Domestic airfare usually follows a steep curve. The cheapest booking classes tend to disappear first, while fares rise as the departure date approaches. This is not a fixed rule, but it is common on high-traffic routes and around public holidays, school breaks and major festivals.
For a Delhi–Mumbai journey of about 1,400 kilometres, these are indicative one-way economy fares. Prices change by date, airline, demand and availability, so use them as planning ranges rather than guaranteed quotes.
| Booking timing | Cheapest fare | Typical economy | Same-day fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 to 12 weeks ahead | INR 2,500 to 3,500 | INR 4,000 to 5,500 | INR 12,000 to 22,000 |
| 4 to 6 weeks ahead | INR 3,500 to 5,000 | INR 6,000 to 8,000 | INR 15,000 to 25,000 |
| 1 to 2 weeks ahead | INR 5,000 to 8,000 | INR 8,000 to 12,000 | INR 18,000 to 30,000 |
The same-day fare in this example can be four to eight times higher than the cheapest advance fare. For popular routes such as Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Bangalore and Mumbai–Kolkata, booking around 6 to 10 weeks ahead is a useful starting point.
Flexibility matters as much as timing. If your schedule allows it, compare nearby departure times and midweek dates. A very early or late flight may cost less than a convenient morning departure, while Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons often attract heavy demand.
Where to Book Domestic Flights in India
You can book directly with an airline or use an online travel agency (OTA). Direct airline booking is often simpler for changes and cancellations because you deal with the carrier. An aggregator can be useful when you want to compare several airlines in one search.
Book directly with the airline
- IndiGo official website: A practical choice when you already know you want to fly IndiGo.
- Air India official website: Useful for Air India fares, flight changes and Flying Returns mileage.
- Akasa Air official website: Check its current routes and low-cost fares.
Compare through an online travel agency
- MakeMyTrip: One of India's largest OTAs. It accepts UPI, net banking and credit cards.
- Cleartrip: Useful for comparing fares across carriers and checking alternative schedules.
- EaseMyTrip: Often runs zero-convenience-fee promotions, although the final price and conditions should be checked before payment.
- Yatra: Has a strong presence on regional routes and domestic travel itineraries.
Before paying, compare the final checkout total. A fare that looks cheaper may exclude a checked bag, seat selection or a convenience fee. For a longer trip, the airline's direct price may be better once add-ons are included.
Enter your Indian domestic route and travel date to compare current fares across carriers. The comparison includes baggage allowances and total checkout prices, helping you compare the true cost.
Compare Indian Airline Fares Calculate Total FareWhat IndiGo and Air India Fares Include
Fare names and inclusions can change, so read the conditions shown during booking. The following comparison reflects the common structure described for these carriers and explains why a low headline fare is not always the lowest total price.
IndiGo fare options
- Super 6E basic fare: Usually covers the seat only. Checked baggage, meals and seat selection may need to be purchased separately.
- Standard 6E economy: Baggage is generally an additional cost. A 15-kilogram checked bag has been listed at about INR 600 to 1,200 when added during booking, compared with roughly INR 2,000 to 5,000 at the airport counter.
- FlexiPlus: A more flexible fare that can include free date changes, priority boarding and seat selection. It is typically 40% to 60% more expensive than the base fare.
The practical lesson is simple: add baggage online if you need it. Airport baggage charges can be three to five times the online rate. Travellers with only a small cabin bag may find the basic fare good value, while families or longer-stay travellers should compare the fare plus luggage.
“The cheapest flight is not the fare you find first, but the journey whose final price and conditions fit you best.”
Air India fare options
- Economy base: Commonly includes a 15-kilogram checked bag and meal service on flights longer than 1.5 hours.
- Economy Value: A lighter option with a smaller baggage allowance and no included seat selection.
- Premium Economy: Offers wider seats, a 25-kilogram checked-bag allowance and priority boarding on selected routes.
- Business: Domestic business class generally means a wider seat and meal service. Full-flat seats are mainly found on selected international aircraft and routes.
For example, a traveller carrying a suitcase may prefer an Air India economy fare over the cheapest IndiGo fare if the included bag and meal offset the higher ticket price. A short weekend trip with cabin baggage only may favour a low-cost fare instead.
Popular Routes and Flight Times
Flight times below are approximate scheduled times and can vary with weather, air traffic and the airport used. India has several large, busy airports, so check the terminal as well as the city.
| Route | Distance | Flight time | Carriers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Mumbai | 1,400 km | 2h 10m | IndiGo, Air India, Akasa |
| Delhi to Bangalore | 1,740 km | 2h 40m | IndiGo, Air India, Akasa |
| Mumbai to Goa | 580 km | 1h 10m | IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet |
| Delhi to Chennai | 2,170 km | 2h 50m | IndiGo, Air India |
| Mumbai to Kolkata | 1,650 km | 2h 25m | IndiGo, Air India |
| Bangalore to Hyderabad | 500 km | 1h 05m | IndiGo, Air India, Akasa |
Payment Methods for Indian Domestic Flights
Indian domestic flight booking supports several payment methods. The best choice depends on whether you have an Indian bank account and whether your card issuer adds foreign transaction charges.
- UPI: Unified Payments Interface enables an instant bank transfer. Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm and BHIM are widely used, and most platforms do not charge a convenience fee for UPI.
- Net banking: A direct payment from an Indian bank account, usually with zero or minimal additional fees.
- Credit and debit cards: Indian and international Visa and Mastercard cards are commonly accepted. A 1% to 2% convenience fee is common.
- EMI: Some platforms offer equated monthly instalments for bookings above INR 5,000. No-cost EMI depends on the bank card, promotion and booking terms.
International visitors can generally use Visa and Mastercard on airline websites and major OTAs. UPI is not normally available to non-Indian bank accounts. MakeMyTrip and Cleartrip are often practical options for international card payments, but confirm the currency, exchange rate and cancellation terms before completing the booking.
Begin comparing flights about 6 to 10 weeks before departure, especially for busy routes. Start earlier for festivals and holidays, when demand and limited seats can push fares higher.
Check IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air and other available carriers, but compare the total price. Add baggage, seat selection, meals and convenience fees instead of relying on the headline fare.
IndiGo offers a broad network and often competitive fares, while Air India may include more baggage and meals. Check the current rules: the commonly stated cabin allowance is 7 kg on IndiGo and Akasa and 8 kg on Air India.
Use an aggregator to compare schedules, then consider booking directly when the price is similar. Verify baggage and check-in rules, keep your booking confirmation, and check flight status before travelling.
Web Check-In, Baggage and Airport Arrival
Most Indian carriers require or strongly encourage web check-in. In the general timetable described here, it opens 48 hours before departure and closes one hour before departure. Check the airline's current instructions because the window can vary by route, fare and airport.
- Cabin baggage: IndiGo and Akasa commonly allow 7 kg, while Air India commonly allows 8 kg. Bags may be weighed at the gate, particularly on IndiGo, so do not rely on a soft interpretation of the limit.
- Checked baggage: Confirm the allowance on your e-ticket. A basic low-cost fare may not include a checked bag, while Air India economy fares commonly include one.
- Arrival time: Allow about two hours before a domestic departure at major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
- Security queues: At busy times, security at Delhi Terminal 2 and Mumbai Terminal 1 can take 30 to 45 minutes. Add extra time if you are checking a bag or travelling during a holiday period.
After booking, save the confirmation email and check the flight status on the day of travel. If you need to change a ticket, contact the airline or the booking platform that issued it.
This is one reason direct airline bookings can be easier to manage than third-party reservations.
India’s domestic flight market at a glance
FAQ: Booking Domestic Flights in India
When should I book an Indian domestic flight?
For busy routes, start comparing 6 to 10 weeks before departure. Booking earlier can help during festivals and holidays, but always compare the final fare because demand can change quickly.
Is IndiGo cheaper than Air India?
Not always. IndiGo may have the lower basic fare, but baggage, seat selection and meals can change the total. Air India's included baggage and meal service may make it better value for some travellers.
Can international travellers use UPI?
Usually not with a non-Indian bank account. An international Visa or Mastercard is generally the more practical payment method, although your card issuer may apply a foreign transaction fee.
How much cabin baggage can I take?
The commonly stated allowance is 7 kg on IndiGo and Akasa and 8 kg on Air India. Confirm the current allowance on your ticket because airlines can apply different rules to specific fares or routes.
Should I book directly or use an aggregator?
Use an aggregator to compare schedules and total fares, then consider booking directly if the price is similar. Direct booking can make flight changes and disruption support more straightforward.
Editorial note: Fare ranges, baggage allowances, check-in windows and airline schedules can change. Verify the latest conditions on the carrier's official website or your booking confirmation before payment and before travelling.