Should I book budget airlines or full-service?

IndiGo is the most reliable budget airline in terms of punctuality. If you want more comfort and better legroom, stick with Air India or Vistara.

How early should I arrive at the airport?

Arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight. Indian airports have a security check at the terminal entrance that can be slow during peak hours.

Can I use my credit card for local airline websites?

Yes, major international credit cards are widely accepted. If your card is declined, try using PayPal or a digital wallet if the site supports it.

Booking domestic flights in India without the headache

Use a local aggregator like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip to compare airline schedules, but book directly on the airline's website to avoid third-party service fees and booking errors. Stick to major carriers like IndiGo or Air India for better reliability and frequency.

Use an aggregator for comparison. Open MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, or Google Flights to see every flight option for your route on a single screen. Do not book here yet; just note the flight number, time, and airline.
Book on the carrier's official site. Go directly to the airline’s website (IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, or Vistara). Enter the flight details you found. You will often save the 300-500 INR 'convenience fee' charged by booking sites.
Verify your name and passport. Double-check that your name matches your passport exactly. In India, security is strict; even a minor discrepancy between your ticket and your government-issued ID can lead to being denied boarding.
Select your seat and meal early. Budget airlines like IndiGo charge extra for almost everything. Pay for your preferred seat and pre-book your meal during the checkout process to avoid inflated prices at the gate or on the plane.
Download the PNR. Once booked, save your PNR (Passenger Name Record). You will need this 6-digit code to check in online 24 hours before your flight, which is mandatory to get your boarding pass.

Should I book budget airlines or full-service?: IndiGo is the most reliable budget airline in terms of punctuality. If you want more comfort and better legroom, stick with Air India or Vistara.
How early should I arrive at the airport?: Arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight. Indian airports have a security check at the terminal entrance that can be slow during peak hours.
Can I use my credit card for local airline websites?: Yes, major international credit cards are widely accepted. If your card is declined, try using PayPal or a digital wallet if the site supports it.