Flight Booking 101: All You Need to Know about Air Travel

Whether you are a first-time flyer or someone who has had experience traveling by air, everyone can have questions about flight booking and other related issues. There are a lot of topics that seem easy to grapple with but can, in reality, get rather confusing. Then there are other topics that are never really clear on an airline’s website or one does not know where to find information about those matters. For instance, a pet policy for taking our furry friends on an air journey or ways to avoid cancellation charges.

At My Flight Trip, we understand your need for answers to these pressing questions. That’s why we have compiled all the necessary information you may need before heading to your next flight. Read our blog and get all the answers you’ve been looking for right here, right now!

1. What is Web Check-In & How to Do It?

If you want to check in early to avoid standing in queues at the airport and save some time, you can use the web check-in service. It allows you to check in online. The process is simple. Just go to the airline’s website and fill in the details like your PNR/booking number and email address. Choose the passengers you wish to check in and pick the seats from the provided map. Finally, click on check-in and your boarding pass will be sent to you via email in a little while.

Please note that the web check-in service begins 48 hours before the flight’s departure time for domestic flights and 24 hours before for international flights.

2. What is the Difference Between Online and Offline Check-In?

• The difference between online and offline check-in is the mode of checking in. Web check-ins come with many benefits:
• It saves waiting time at the airport. However, the time-saving benefit only works if you are carrying just the cabin luggage. Because you still have to go through security checks for checked baggage.
• It protects you from the risk of overbooking by offering you the chance to pre-select your seats.
• It helps you with a handy boarding pass available on your mobile phone.
• It offers more choices to flyers to opt for their preferred seat.

3. Can I Get Free Food on a Flight?

Low-cost airlines like IndiGo or SpiceJet do not offer free meals. You have the option to opt for snacks/meals while booking your flight or buying it on board at an additional cost. You do, however, get free food in Air India.

4. How Early Should I Reach the Airport for My Flight?

The check-in and baggage security checks at the airport take quite a while. And the time may increase depending on the rush. Being late may cost you your flight, so it is advisable to arrive at least 2 hours before the departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours in advance for international flights.

5. What Do You Mean By Flexi Fare in IndiGo?

Flexi Fare is a flexible service offered to people flying with IndiGo. If you opt for Flexi Fare, you can make unlimited changes to your travel dates without having to pay anything for the modification. However, this will not allow you to avoid cancellation charges. If you cancel the flight, you will still have to pay INR 3,000 or the complete airfare charge (whichever is less).

6. Do I Have to Pay for a Kid’s Flight Ticket?

It is a common misconception that kids can travel free of cost on a flight. If you are traveling with an infant (a child under 24 months of age), you don’t need to buy a separate seat ticket but will have to pay 10% of an adult’s seat fare plus taxes to carry the child on your lap. For kids older than 2 years, you will have to buy a separate seat ticket.

7. What is the General Baggage Policy for Domestic Flights in India?

The baggage policy differs for different airlines and cabin classes. Generally, most airlines allow 15 kg of checked baggage and 7 kg of cabin baggage for domestic flights on an economy-class ticket. The allowance increases if you upgrade to first-class or business class. The allowance is also more for international flights.

8. What are Some Tips for Domestic Air Travel?

If you want to make your domestic air travel convenient and hassle-free, follow these tips:

• Always recheck your documents before heading out to the airport.
• Some travel apps make your experience smoother. Don’t forget to download them.
• Reach the airport 2 hours before the flight departure.
• Travel light to avoid any baggage-related complications in the eleventh hour.
• Wear comfortable clothes to stay at ease during the journey.

What is the Pet Policy for Domestic Flights?

There are very few pet-friendly airlines in India. The pet policy for airlines varies from one service provider to another. For instance, Air India offers pet travel both in cabin and cargo. Cabin travel is only allowed if the size of the carrier fits under the seat. Akasa Air only allows cabin travel and other airlines like Vistara and IndiGo only allow service animals if the passengers require their assistance. In all the above cases, the said pet must have all the required vaccinations and health certificates in place.

What are Some Tips for International Air Travel?

The following tips will come in handy before you head for your international flight:

• Reach the airport at least 3 hours before the departure time to avoid any last-minute trouble.
• Since it’s going to be a long flight, do not forget to carry travel essentials like a neck pillow, noise-canceling headphones, and basic toiletries.
• If you are on a budget airline, entertainment sources may come with an additional price. So, load up on good content like podcasts, movies, books, etc.
• Carry travel-friendly light snacks like nuts, granola bars, etc., and refillable water bottles to avoid feeling hungry or dehydrated.
• Most importantly, if you have a layover at an international airport, do not forget to travel with a transit VISA. In most cases, if the layover time is less than 6 hours and you do not intend on leaving the airport, you may skip it. But, in longer layovers or when planning to head out in the country, the requirement is indispensable.

Now that you know the important details about booking your flights and other flight-related concerns, you are ready to plan your next air travel and embark on the journey without any stress. At My Flight Trip, we offer cheap flight tickets and an easy-to-use platform for convenient flight booking options. Try now!