Booking domestic flights in India for foreigners

There is a lot to explore in India. For foreign travelers, domestic flights offer the fastest and most convenient way to cover these long distances, saving time and energy. Whether you’re planning to fly from Delhi to Jaipur, Mumbai to Goa, or Chennai to Kochi, understanding how to book domestic flights in India is essential to making your journey smooth and hassle-free. Read more to understand booking domestic flights in India!

(Picture Credit: NDTV)

Why Choose Domestic Flights in India?

Domestic flights help to cover large distances in a shorter amount of time compared to road or train journeys. There is great connectivity between metropolitan cities and small cities. Major airlines connect over 70 cities. Choosing to fly not only saves time but also provides comfort, with air-conditioned cabins and onboard services.

Steps to Booking Domestic Flights

1. Selecting a Booking Platform

There are several booking platforms through which you can book your tickets. The official airline websites like IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, etc, provide an option to book flight tickets of their airline. There are several OTAs like MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, and Cleartrip that have a list of all flights available for your specified destination. To skip all the hassle, there are travel agencies that will do all the booking for you. If you wish to do your payment in foreign currency, then you can book your tickets through Expedia or Kayak.

2. Searching for Flights

After choosing a booking platform, enter departure, arrival cities, travel dates, and number of passengers. This will help to show the filtered results of the flights available accordingly.

3. Choosing Your Flight

Mostly domestic flights are direct, but it is important to check flight times or any layovers, and fare types. While choosing a flight, check the airline’s baggage policy.

4. Entering Passenger Details

As per your passport, fill in the exact passenger details. If there are single names, then follow the airline-specific instructions. 

5. Payment

Use international credit/debit cards or PayPal. Some websites may ask for an Indian phone number, where you can tick the email ticket delivery option.

6. Receiving Your Ticket

After payment, you will receive a confirmation of your booking and then receive your e-tickets through email or via SMS. 

Important Documents for Foreign Travelers

Important Documents for foreign travelers (Picture Credit: Navbharat Times- India Times)

1. Valid Passport: Mandatory for all domestic flights.
2. Indian Visa: Must be valid for your travel period.
3. E-Ticket: Print or keep a digital copy.
4. Name Proof: Ensure the ticket name matches your passport exactly.

Tips for Booking Domestic Flights

1. Book early, especially before the peak season, to get flights at discounted rates.
2. Watch for airline sales and promo codes and apply during checkout if applicable.
3. Go through all the policies of the airlines regarding cancellation, refund, and baggage. 
4. You might be charged a foreign transaction fee while making a payment for your flight booking.
5. Do a web check-in one day before your flight for a hassle-free boarding.

Read more about Flying in India.

With a bit of preparation and understanding of the process, you can enjoy quick, comfortable, and affordable air travel across India’s incredible destinations. But if you want to skip the hassle of booking, you can connect with India Someday, and we will help you by booking your flights and travel! At India Someday, we plan customized trips to India for you based on your interests and requirements. Contact us and we will help you plan your perfect trip to India.