Travelling by air within India has become more affordable in recent years, but finding the cheapest domestic flight tickets still requires some strategy. Whether you’re planning a business trip, a vacation, or a family visit, booking budget-friendly flights can save you a significant amount of money.
In this guide, we’ll share proven and factually accurate tips on how to find the lowest airfares when booking domestic flights in India.
1. Book in Advance for the Best Deals
One of the most effective ways to get cheap domestic flight tickets is to book well in advance. Airlines generally release tickets 6–12 months ahead, and fares are typically lower at this stage. The ideal time to book domestic flights in India is at least 4-6 weeks before departure for the best rates.
Pro Tip:
- For peak seasons like Diwali, Holi, or New Year, book 2-3 months in advance to avoid price hikes.
2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Airfares fluctuate based on demand. If your schedule allows, try adjusting your travel dates to find cheaper options. Flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to be more affordable than weekend or Monday morning flights.
Pro Tip:
- Use the fare calendar feature on booking websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and MakeMyTrip to check the cheapest days to fly.
3. Use Incognito Mode When Searching for Flights
Airline websites and travel portals track user activity using cookies, which may result in increased prices when searching for flights repeatedly. To avoid this:
- Search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode.
- Use a different device or browser for fresh searches.
4. Compare Prices on Multiple Travel Websites
Never rely on just one travel website when booking flights. Compare prices across multiple platforms, including:
- Google Flights (Best for tracking fare trends)
- Skyscanner (Best for fare comparisons across airlines)
- Cleartrip, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo (Best for Indian domestic flights)
- Airline Websites (Sometimes offer exclusive discounts)
5. Use Airline Reward Programs and Credit Card Points
Many airlines in India offer frequent flyer programs that allow you to earn miles and redeem them for discounted or free tickets. Popular programs include:
- IndiGo’s 6E Rewards
- Air India Flying Returns
- Go First GoSMILES
- Vistara Club Vistara
Additionally, certain credit cards offer travel rewards and cashback on flight bookings, such as:
- HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
- SBI Card ELITE
- Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card
6. Consider Nearby Airports
Major Indian cities have multiple airports or nearby alternatives that may offer lower fares. For example:
- Instead of flying to Mumbai (BOM), check flights to Pune (PNQ).
- For Delhi (DEL), check for flights to Jaipur (JAI).
- For Bangalore (BLR), look at flights to Mysore (MYQ).
This small change can sometimes result in significant savings.
7. Set Fare Alerts for Price Drops
Airfares fluctuate frequently. To stay informed about price drops, set fare alerts on:
- Google Flights
- Skyscanner
- Kayak
These services notify you when ticket prices decrease, allowing you to book at the lowest possible rate.
8. Book Connecting Flights Instead of Direct Flights
Non-stop flights are often more expensive than connecting flights. If time is not a constraint, consider booking a layover flight to save money.
For example:
- A direct flight from Delhi to Chennai may cost Rs. 6,000, while a flight with a layover in Hyderabad could be Rs. 4,500.
9. Use Student, Senior Citizen, or Armed Forces Discounts
Many airlines in India offer special discounts to students, senior citizens, and armed forces personnel. Airlines that provide such concessions include:
- IndiGo – Up to 6% discount for students
- Air India – Special fares for senior citizens and defence personnel
- Vistara – Discounts for students and senior citizens
Always check for fare categories on airline websites before booking.
10. Travel Light to Avoid Additional Fees
Budget airlines in India often charge extra for excess baggage. If you don’t need to carry a lot of luggage, opt for a hand baggage-only fare to save on baggage fees.
Most domestic airlines offer cheaper fares if you choose the 7kg cabin baggage-only option.
11. Look for Special Bank and Wallet Offers
Banks and digital payment platforms frequently partner with airlines and travel portals to offer instant discounts and cashback. Check for:
- HDFC, ICICI, and SBI credit card offers
- Wallet discounts from Paytm, Google Pay, and PhonePe
- No-cost EMI options for expensive flight bookings
These offers can provide savings ranging from 5% to 15% on ticket prices.
Final Thoughts
Booking cheap domestic flights in India is all about timing, research, and smart booking techniques. By planning ahead, comparing prices, setting fare alerts, and utilizing discounts, you can secure the best airfares and travel affordably.
Start implementing these tips on your next flight booking, and enjoy significant savings on your travel expenses!
Have any secret hacks for booking cheap flights? Share your tips in the comments below!
