Do I need an Indian phone number to book flights?

No, but it helps. If a site forces you to enter one, use your own country code and phone number. It will work for confirmation emails and SMS alerts.

Is it better to book directly on the airline website?

It is safer for changes, but aggregators are much better at showing which of the multiple budget carriers is actually the cheapest on your specific route.

Can I check in at the counter?

Yes, but some low-cost carriers charge a 'convenience fee' for counter check-in. Always complete web check-in online 24-48 hours before flying to save time and money.

Booking Domestic Flights in India

Use a local aggregator like MakeMyTrip or EaseMyTrip to compare prices across carriers, as they integrate best with India's payment systems. Book at least 21 days in advance to avoid the steep price surges that occur closer to departure dates.

Choose your aggregator. Use MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, or EaseMyTrip. These sites display real-time availability for IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, and Vistara on a single results page.
Set your filters. Filter by 'Non-stop' flights only. Domestic layovers in India often lead to significant delays; spending an extra $15-$20 for a direct flight is worth the saved time.
Verify baggage allowance. Most base fares in India now include only 7kg of carry-on. If you have checked luggage, ensure you select a 'Saver' or 'Flex' fare that includes 15kg of check-in weight to avoid high fees at the airport.
Payment processing. If you don't have an Indian bank account, use a credit card with no international transaction fees. If your card is declined, try using PayPal or choose a 'Guest User' checkout to avoid login walls that require an Indian mobile number.
Download the airline app. Once booked, download the specific airline’s app (e.g., IndiGo). Use your PNR to perform web check-in 48 hours before the flight; this is mandatory for seat selection and faster processing at the airport.

Do I need an Indian phone number to book flights?: No, but it helps. If a site forces you to enter one, use your own country code and phone number. It will work for confirmation emails and SMS alerts.
Is it better to book directly on the airline website?: It is safer for changes, but aggregators are much better at showing which of the multiple budget carriers is actually the cheapest on your specific route.
Can I check in at the counter?: Yes, but some low-cost carriers charge a 'convenience fee' for counter check-in. Always complete web check-in online 24-48 hours before flying to save time and money.