Flying in India is a whole different experience and might be a bit intimidating for first-time travelers. Be it a domestic or an international trip, this article will help you learn everything about flying within India, right from booking your flight to safely landing. With the exponentially growing aviation market, knowing how to work your way through airports, airlines, and regulations is the secret behind a hassle-free travel experience. Here’s all that one needs to know if flying for the first time in India.
- India has a variety of airlines flying both domestically and internationally. You can book your tickets through airline websites or third-party travel platforms like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip, or even mobile apps like Goibibo.
Booking Tips: How to Compare Prices: The best way is by using flight search websites such as Skyscanner or Google Flights. Book in Advance: The earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it will be. At least two or three weeks in advance, if possible, for domestic flights. Direct Flights vs. Flights with Connections: Connecting flights save money. However, the convenience of a direct flight outweighs all costs since chances of delay and misconnections are minimal. 2. Selection of the Right Airline
There are budget carriers and full-service airlines in India. Examples of low-cost carriers include IndiGo, SpiceJet, and AirAsia, and they charge separately for things like baggage and refreshments. Full-service airlines such as Air India and Vistara would include the cost of baggage and meals in their ticket prices.
Things to Consider:
Baggage Allowance: Understand the baggage policy. Most domestic airlines offer extremely limited free checked baggage, and the extra luggage is pretty pricey.
Punctuality: IndiGo is basically known for its timeliness, while other airlines have more delays.
In-flight amenities: Full-service airlines have meals, more leg space, and in-flight entertainment.
- Understanding Indian Airports
India has over 100 airports, but the bigger ones are Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bangalore (BLR), Chennai (MAA), and Kolkata (CCU). All of these have modern facilities, lounges, shopping, and eating options. Other regional airports are small in size and may not have modern facilities at all times, so please plan accordingly.
Airport Terminal Information:
Check-in: At least 2 hours in advance for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. Most airports do have kiosks for self-check-in, or you could just go for mobile check-in to save on time.
Security Check: Be prepared to go through tight security checks. Liquids in excess of 100 ml are not allowed in your cabin baggage.
Boarding Gates: For bigger airports, reaching your boarding gate may require shuttle buses or long walks; pay attention to announcements.
- Essentials to Pack for Domestic Flights
Packing can get really tricky in case you are flying domestically in India because the baggage policies differ from one airline to another. Here is all that you should keep in mind :
Baggage Weight Limit: Most of the low-cost carriers allow only 15 kg as checked luggage and 7 kg as carry-on.
Identity Proof : For Indians – Aadhar card, passport, or voter ID will work. For international travelers, it’s obviously the passport.
Prohibited Items: India adheres to the International norms of not carrying any types of prohibited items like sharp objects, liquid items more than 100ml, and explosive chemicals.
- Important Travel Regulations in India
India’s aviation follows international standards as far as safety and security go. However, there are some other peculiar regulations:
ID Checks: You will have to show valid ID proof at the airport entrance, check-in counter, and at the boarding gate.
Covid-19 Guidelines: As traveling has been normalized post-pandemic conditions, most airports require vaccination certificates or a negative report of the RT-PCR test.
Travel Apps: Arogya Setu App- download for Covid-19-related guidelines and information; DigiYatra-for paperless travel and quicker security at select airports.
- Onboard Experience in India
Once aboard, you will find flying within India not very different from anywhere else in the world. For one, the flights are generally short, mostly operating between 1-3 hours in length. Herein, you can expect the following:
Meals and Snacks: You will get complimentary meals on full-service airlines. In the case of budget carriers, you can book your meal in advance or onboard.
Entertainment: Carriers like Vistara and Air India do have on-board entertainment; some low-budget carriers may not, so feel free to carry your own gadgets.
- Getting to Your Destination
On Arrival at a destination, you need to decide how best to get around in your new city:
Airport Transfers: Most airports in India have prepaid taxi services or app-based taxis like Ola and Uber or metro or bus public transportation systems available.
Currency Exchange: Airport counters allow you to exchange money, but the rates might not be good; it’s advisable to withdraw cash using your ATM card. - Important Travel Tips for First-Time Flyers in India
Keep Yourself Updated: Flight delays are normal and sometimes take a worse turn during monsoon season; so, stay updated about flight statuses.
Pack Light: Refrain from overpacking as domestic flights have strict rules about luggage.
Safety First: Beware of your luggage at busy airports.
Conclusion
Flying across India is an experience that oozes convenience and adventure at once. Flying over this vast and diverse country remains one of the best ways to travel across India, with modern, functional airports; highly competitive airlines; and a pretty well-linked aviation network. Here’s a guide that’ll ensure your maiden Indian flight is smooth and hassle-free.
For more travel tips, check out the official pages of India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and IATA’s Guide to Air Travel in India.
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