The thrill of spotting a cheap fare while booking a flight ticket is simply unmatched. Sometimes the cheap flight prices shown on screen are two times lower than the cost of other tickets. However many a time, that eyeball-grabbing fare is actually bait ready to trap the passenger. Yes, by the time the passenger selects the seat and goes ahead to make the final payment, the fares can actually rival a full-service carrier. Understanding this hidden anatomy is very important, and hence we have curated a guide to help you understand what extra charges you must check before booking.
Extra Charges For Flight Booking In India
1. Convenience Fees & Payment Gateway Charges
The convenience fees are the most inconvenient charge while booking a flight, and it is the first sting that hits you at the checkout page. You see a flight at its lowest price; you select it, enter your details, proceed to pay, and you see an extra INR 500 plus amount added to the total price, and that is your convenience fee. Airlines outsource their payment gateway infrastructure and pass the transaction processing costs directly to the consumer.
Tip:
Make sure you check the final price shown on the airline’s website with MakeMyTrip, Trivago, Ixigo, or EaseMyTrip. Understand what prices have been charged. Check if specific banking partnerships or wallet offers waive convenience fees. Sometimes, booking through a specific credit card portal or using UPI directly can reduce or eliminate these surcharges.
Also Read: How To Pack A Suitcase: 10 Smart Tips For Easy Travel
2. Seat Selection Fees
These days, the airlines do not allot seats while checking in unless you are willing to take whatever is left. Selecting an aisle seat or window seat ranges between INR 150 and INR 600 per passenger. For emergency exit or front row seats with extra legroom, you will have to book by paying an extra INR 800 to INR 1500.
Tip:
If you are travelling solo and clearly do not mind where your seat is, you can surely skip the seat selection process. This will help you save some money that can be used for anything else that is more important.
3. Baggage Allowances & Limits
While full-service carriers offer 15kg to 20kg of checked baggage in the base fare, modern low-cost carriers restrict you severely. The standard domestic allowance is about 7kg for cabin baggage plus one laptop bag or purse. However, if you are travelling with a budget carrier and your cabin bag weighs 8.5kg, you may face heavy airport gate-check penalties. The airport counter often charges per-kilogram rates that can actually double your ticket price.
Tip:
Assess your packaging needs first, and if you know you will be carrying a heavy bag, pre-purchase additional baggage weight (e.g., an extra 5kg or 10kg) online during booking. Pre-booking for baggage is any day much cheaper than paying at the airport counter directly.
Also Read: How To Eat Healthy While Travelling? 7 Practical Food Tips That Will Help
4. Meals & Refreshments
Do not expect complimentary meals and refreshments while flying budget in India. Domestic flights are anyway of shorter duration (1.5 to 3 hours); hunger pangs might happen, but the cost of food at 35,000 feet is a bit too much to pay. A simple packaged sandwich can cost INR 300 to INR 500 on board. The pre-booked meal combos can cost way less and also guarantee availability.
Tip:
Eat a hearty meal before heading to the airport, or you can also pack your own dry snacks. You can carry these snacks in your cabin bag as airport security allows dry food items. You can also bring a reusable bottle, which can be filled after the security check.
5. Web Check-In
Various low-cost carriers charge a fee if you request a physical boarding pass instead of opting for web check-in. Checking in online via the app or website 24 to 48 hours prior is universally recommended to avoid unexpected airport counter fees. It also helps you secure your preferred boarding pass digitally.
6. Flight Cancellation, Change or Rescheduling Penalties
Life is unpredictable, and your travel plans change. However, booking the cheapest promotional fare often locks you into a rigid contract. For low-cost promo fares, cancellation or modification charges can easily equal or exceed the original cost of the ticket.
Tip:
If there is even a slight chance your plans might shift, look for “Flex” fares or add-on cancellation protection packs. Also make sure you do not miss out on reading the fine print to understand any hidden costs.
Note: This article was compiled after verifying current publicly available business information.
Also Read: 9 Tips On How To Travel Light If You Overpack Everything During A Trip!
Summing Up
In order to save your pocket from easily avoidable extra charges, make sure you are vigilant about all the hidden costs mentioned above and avoid the tips provided. You can also share this article with your friends and family to help them from being scammed.
