Flights during festive travel usually require booking according to the dates on which many others also plan to travel. If you intend to visit your relatives during Diwali, or plan to travel during Chhath or attend a wedding ceremony or Christmas break, the high demand can sometimes restrict your choices and increase costs.
Selecting the flight that meets all your requirements involves a lot more than selecting the one with the most affordable price from a booking site. The day of departure, time of arrival, baggage allowance and flexibility will also determine the actual cost of your travel.
Below are some ways to compare flight options and save money during festive travel.
Why Do Flight Prices Increase During Festive Seasons?
Those who opt to take flights from Mumbai to Kolkata during the time of festivals usually have to pay more due to increased demand and a decreased number of cheaper seats. It is not easy to find a suitable seat at a reasonable price when many people intend to travel on the same dates.
Festivals like Diwali, Durga Puja, Chhath, and Christmas-New Year may cause high demand in travel by flights. Travel from one big city to another where one’s family resides becomes particularly popular at this time.
A last-minute search for discounts will hardly benefit those whose dates are already chosen. Therefore, it is recommended to start looking for tickets when your plans are more or less decided.
How Early Should You Book Festive-Season Flights?
Booking your ticket early increases the chances of finding flights with availability on your chosen departure times before they are hard to get. This is important when one has to travel within certain set dates for events like weddings or other activities.
This will be done by first listing the exact dates for travel and then the alternate dates. After that, one needs to compare the rates on various dates and departure times to find the best overall deal.
An effective process of booking would include:
- Making a budget for both tickets.
- Comparing departure times in the morning, afternoon, or late in the evening.
- Considering prices for adjacent days, if possible.
- Examining the terms of cancellation and rebooking.
- Making the booking as soon as the price and schedule suit your needs.
There is no particular booking window where you get the best deals for all flights. The demand, availability of seats, and travel days will determine the pricing. In case you are lucky enough to get good rates on a day when many people will be travelling, then it will affect your chances of getting a better price.
Which Days Are Cheaper to Fly During the Festive Season?
In case your time is flexible, you can also compare costs on the days surrounding the major festival dates. This way, by travelling on the days preceding or following the peak, you might find more cost-efficient alternatives.
| Travel option | What to consider |
| Travelling on the festival day | Convenient for fixed plans, but fares may be high |
| Leaving one or two days earlier | May offer more flight options |
| Returning after the main rush | Could help if you can extend your stay |
| Choosing an early or late departure | Compare the fare with sleep and transport needs |
Weekday flights can sometimes cost less than weekend departures, although festive demand can override usual patterns. Check out different airline fares for your dates rather than just assuming that one specific day will be cheaper.
Check the flight schedule for a two-way journey before finalising your leave or accommodation. A small change in departure time may reduce the fare, but make sure you can still reach the airport comfortably and arrive in time for your plans.
How Can You Compare Flight Fares Without Extra Costs?
Even the cheapest flight available is not necessarily the best choice for you to make in terms of your travelling. When you have completed all arrangements for buying a flight ticket, think about what is included in your fare and what else you may have to pay.
Some examples of other expenses that you may have are the following:
- Baggage: Think about how much baggage allowance you get with the ticket you selected.
- Seating and meals: Look at the different fees and make your decision.
- Transfers from the airport: Calculate the cost of transfers.
- Connections: Weigh the advantages against the disadvantages of connections.
- Hotel accommodation: An unfavorable arrival time may mean staying in a hotel for an extra night.
For instance, in comparing the Kolkata-Mumbai flights on return, a direct flight with a slight increase in fare can be much more convenient than connecting flights with a long halt period. The choice will depend on the convenience of your travel schedule and budget.
Check the fare rules and cancellation terms before you pay the fare. A flexible fare might come in handy if the travel dates are not yet fixed, whereas a restrictive fare would be more suitable if all is planned.
How Can You Avoid Extra Baggage Charges During Festive Travel?
Festive travels mean additional clothing, presents, treats, and purchases. Researching the baggage restrictions will allow you to select the ticket that will let you take all of your luggage.
In case of a short trip, you can rely on the cabin baggage. In case of a long-term stay with family members, the checked baggage might be better suited to your needs. Think about your purchases in case you wish to bring something home.
Before your journey:
- Verify the cabin and checked baggage allowance on your ticket.
- Weigh your luggage at home.
- Find out whether you can book extra baggage ahead of time.
- Learn about the restrictions related to liquids and batteries.
Baggage allowances vary by airline, route, cabin class, and fare conditions. Do not assume that every domestic ticket includes the same allowance. Confirm the details in your booking before packing to avoid unexpected airport charges.
When Should You Complete Web Check-In Before Your Flight?
The festive season is hectic at airports, and hence it would be useful to complete web check-in beforehand to prepare yourself even before arriving at the airport.
The following is a list of what needs to be done before you depart:
- Verify that all your flight details and PNR are correct.
- Do the flight check-in online and print out your boarding pass.
- Confirm whether you have to proceed to the baggage drop off area.
- Check the live status of the flight before departing for the airport.
- Allocate ample time for the airport procedures such as check-in and boarding.
Online check-in will not eliminate the fact that you have to stick to the deadlines at the airport. You should follow the instructions regarding your flight, especially if you have checked baggage.
The times of check-in for international flights can vary from those of domestic flights.
How Can You Avoid Travel Disruptions During Peak Dates?
Issues regarding weather, air traffic, and operations can impact flights regardless of whether it is holiday time. In case you are flying for a special family function, give yourself time between arrival and the occasion.
Arriving a day earlier is advisable, especially when it comes to weddings and festival meetings where scheduling is difficult. Make sure you do not take tight connecting flights since any delay may affect the rest of the journey.
Also, make sure you confirm your flight status prior to going to the airport and ensure that your booking details are available for checking. In case your journey schedule is sensitive, make sure you go through the change options available before making your booking.
Flexibility will also be useful on your way back home. Should you manage to stay an extra day, compare the extra accommodation costs with the differences in flight prices before proceeding.
Festive-Season Flight Booking Checklist
Before booking, ensure you have done the following:
- Research the price comparison across neighboring days and departure times.
- Look into the schedule for the outbound and return flights.
- Calculate the overall cost of the trip, including baggage and connections.
- Read up on the cancellation policy.
- Know the baggage allowance and excess baggage fees.
- Have done web check-in and know the status of the flight before travelling.
- Allocate ample time for transfers from and to the airport.
It all boils down to making an effective comparison and knowing the complete cost of your trip in order to secure cheap holiday flights.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.
