Is it cheaper to fly through a hub like Dubai or Singapore?

Yes, breaking your flight with a layover in a major Middle Eastern or Asian hub is often cheaper than direct long-haul flights from Western countries.

Should I use a travel agent for peak season India?

Only if you are booking complex multi-stop itineraries. For standard round trips, booking directly with the airline provides better protection for cancellations.

Booking flights to India during peak season

Book your international flights exactly 4 to 6 months in advance to secure the best rates for November through February. Use flight aggregators to track price trends, but always finalize your booking directly through the airline's website to avoid third-party service headaches.

Set your alerts early. Six months before your trip, set Google Flights trackers for your home airport to major Indian hubs like Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), or Bengaluru (BLR). Do not look at prices daily; wait for the automated email alert notifying you of a price drop.
Target mid-week departure days. Avoid Friday and Sunday departures, which carry a premium for weekend travelers. Aim for Tuesday or Wednesday departures to save roughly 15-20% on long-haul fares.
Consider multi-city routing. If you plan to visit multiple regions, look into 'open-jaw' tickets (e.g., flying into Delhi and out of Mumbai). This saves you the cost and time of a domestic flight back to your original entry point.
Verify visa status before paying. Before hitting confirm, ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity. Do not book a non-refundable flight until you have verified you can obtain an e-Tourist visa for your specific nationality.

Is it cheaper to fly through a hub like Dubai or Singapore?: Yes, breaking your flight with a layover in a major Middle Eastern or Asian hub is often cheaper than direct long-haul flights from Western countries.
Should I use a travel agent for peak season India?: Only if you are booking complex multi-stop itineraries. For standard round trips, booking directly with the airline provides better protection for cancellations.