Traveling by air is one of the most exciting experiences in the world. Whether you are flying for a business meeting, visiting family, or heading out on a dream vacation, the journey starts long before you step onto the plane. It starts with a simple search for a flight ticket.

But let’s be honest—flying can also be confusing. With so many airlines like Indigo, Air India, and SpiceJet, and so many booking apps, how do you know you are getting the best deal? How do you check your flight status when the weather is bad?
In this massive 2300+ word guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know. We will cover how to find the cheapest flight, which apps like Make My Trip or Ixigo are best for you, and how to track your plane like a pro using Flight Radar.
Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s become travel experts!
Part 1: The Art of Booking the Perfect Flight Ticket
The most important part of your trip is booking the ticket. If you get this right, you save money and stress. If you get it wrong, you might end up paying double the flight ticket price.
1. Understanding How Flight Prices Work
Have you ever noticed that a Delhi to Mumbai flight might cost ₹4,000 today but ₹8,000 tomorrow? This is called “dynamic pricing.” Airlines change prices based on demand.
To beat this system, you need the right tools. You should never just check one website. You need to compare.
2. The Best Tools for Flight Ticket Booking
Google Flight: The Search Engine Giant
If you are looking for a flight ticket price start with Google Flight. It is the fastest and cleanest way to see prices.
- Why it’s great: It shows you a calendar. You can easily see that flying on a Tuesday might be cheaper than a Friday.
- Tracking: You can “track prices” for a specific route, like a Bangalore to Delhi flight. Google will send you an email if the price drops.
Skyscanner: For the Flexible Traveler
Skyscanner is legendary among backpackers. If you know you want to travel but don’t know where, use the “Everywhere” search.
- Skyscanner flight options often show you cheaper, slower routes that other sites hide.
- It checks hundreds of small travel agents to find the absolute lowest price.
Ixigo: The Prediction King
Ixigo is an Indian favorite. It is famous for its AI (Artificial Intelligence) that predicts if fares will rise or fall.
- Ixigo flight booking is great because they offer a “full refund” option. If you are unsure about your plans, this can save you thousands.
- It is specifically very good for domestic routes like a Delhi to Patna or Mumbai to Goa flight.
Make My Trip: The Complete Package
Make My Trip is one of the biggest names in India.
- Make My Trip flight offers are usually bundled with bank credit cards. You can get flat discounts of ₹1,000 or ₹2,000 just by using the right card.
- They also offer “lock prices,” where you can pay a small fee to hold a cheap ticket for a few days.
Part 2: Choosing the Right Airline
India has some fantastic airlines. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want luxury, speed, or just a cheap seat.
1. Indigo: The On-Time Machine
Indigo is the king of Indian skies. If you see a blue plane, it’s them.
- Why choose them? They are obsessed with punctuality. If you have a meeting and need to take a flight Delhi to Mumbai, Indigo flight options are your safest bet to arrive on time.
- Connectivity: They fly everywhere. From big cities to small towns.
- Indigo flight booking: Their app is super simple. You can book a ticket in under 2 minutes.
- Service: It is a low-cost carrier, so you have to pay for food. But the “girl power” crew is polite and efficient.
2. Air India: The Legacy
Air India has a special place in history. Now owned by the Tata Group, they are changing fast.
- Why choose them? Unlike budget airlines, an Air India flight usually includes a free meal and a suitcase (baggage) in the ticket price.
- Comfort: Their planes on routes like Delhi to Bangalore flight often have more legroom than Indigo.
- Air India Express: This is their budget version. It is fantastic for short international trips, especially if you are looking for a Dubai flight ticket or flying to Singapore.
3. SpiceJet
SpiceJet is a survivor. They often have the cheapest sales. If you are a student looking for a flight ticket booking on a tight budget, keep an eye on their “Mega Sales.”
4. Emirates: The Global Standard
If you are flying internationally, specifically West, Emirates is the gold standard.
- If you book a Delhi to Dubai flight, try to get on their A380 (the double-decker plane). It is an experience of a lifetime.
- Their entertainment system (ICE) has thousands of movies, so you never get bored.
Part 3: Mastering Flight Status and Tracking
You have Book your flight ticket. Now, the day of travel has arrived. Is your flight on time? Is it delayed?
1. How to Check Flight Status
Never go to the airport without checking.
- Indigo Flight Status: Go to the Indigo website or app. Click on “Flight Status,” enter your flight number (e.g., 6E 505), and it will tell you if it is “On Time.”
- Air India Flight Status: Similarly, check the Air India app. They have improved their real-time reporting significantly.
- Live Flight Status via WhatsApp: Most airlines now send you a message on WhatsApp. Make sure your phone number is correct in the booking.
2. Using Flight Trackers
For the aviation geeks or anxious parents waiting for their kids to land, flight tracking is a miracle.
- Flight Radar 24: This is the world’s most popular flight tracker. You can open the map and see every plane in the sky in real-time. *
- How to use it: Type in your flight number. You can see exactly where the plane is—is it over the ocean? Is it landing?
- Why it helps: Sometimes the airport screen says “Delayed,” but Flight Radar shows the plane hasn’t even left the previous city. This gives you the real truth.
3. Understanding PNR Status
Flight PNR status stands for “Passenger Name Record.”
- It is a 6-character code on your ticket (like XJ5K9L).
- You use this code to do “Web Check-in.”
- Important: Checking your PNR status 24 hours before the flight confirms your seat. If the flight is overbooked, the people who checked their PNR last might get bumped off!
Part 4: A Guide to Popular Routes in India
India is huge. Flying cuts down travel time from days to hours. Here is what to expect on the most popular routes.
The Business Corridors
Delhi to Mumbai Flight / Mumbai to Delhi Flight
This is one of the busiest air routes in the world.
- Frequency: There is a flight almost every 15 minutes.
- Tip: Because there are so many flights, the flight ticket price stays competitive. However, Monday mornings and Friday evenings are very expensive due to business travelers.
- Airlines: Indigo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet—everyone flies here.
Delhi to Bangalore Flight / Bangalore to Delhi Flight
This connects the political capital to the tech capital.
- Duration: It is a long flight for domestic standards (approx. 2 hours 45 mins).
- Suggestion: Try to book Air India or Vistara for a meal, or pack a heavy sandwich if you are flying Indigo.
- Traffic: Bangalore airport is far from the city. Always account for 2 hours of travel time after you land!
Mumbai to Bangalore Flight / Bangalore to Mumbai Flight
A short, quick hop (approx. 1.5 hours). Very popular with IT professionals. Akasa Air is a new player on this route offering good prices.
Delhi to Kolkata Flight / Kolkata to Delhi Flight
The gateway to the East.
- Festivals: During Durga Puja, flight tickets on this route skyrocket. Book 3 months in advance if you are traveling in October.
The Vacation Routes
Delhi to Goa Flight / Goa to Delhi Flight
The party route!
- Airports: Goa now has two airports (Dabolim and Mopa). Mopa is newer but far from South Goa. Check which airport your flight is landing at before you book!
- Price: A Goa flight is cheapest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Weekends are pricey.
Mumbai to Goa Flight / Goa to Mumbai Flight
- Duration: It’s barely 45 minutes in the air. By the time the seatbelt sign goes off, it’s almost time to land.
- Scenic View: Try to get a window seat on the left side when flying to Goa for beautiful views of the coastline.
Delhi to Pune Flight / Pune to Delhi Flight
Pune is a major student and auto hub.
- Warning: Pune airport is a civil enclave (part of an Air Force base). Slots are limited. Flights often get delayed here due to air force drills. Always check your live flight status.
Part 5: International Travel Trends
Indian travelers are exploring the world more than ever.
Vietnam: The New Favorite
Suddenly, everyone is going to Vietnam.
- Why? Direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have started.
- VietJet offers very cheap tickets. It is often cheaper to fly to Vietnam than to Kerala from Delhi!
Delhi to Dubai Flight
Dubai is like a second home for many Indians.
- Shopping: Many people fly just for the shopping festivals.
- Airlines: Air India Express, Indigo, SpiceJet, FlyDubai, and Emirates all fly this route.
- Tip: If flight ticket booking directly to Dubai is expensive, check flights to Sharjah or Abu Dhabi. They are nearby, and you can take a bus to Dubai.
Part 6: How to Find the Cheapest Flight (Secret Hacks)
Everyone wants a deal. Here is how to beat the algorithm.
- Incognito Mode: Airlines track your cookies. If you search for a Delhi to Goa flight ten times, they might increase the price because they know you are desperate. Always search in “Incognito” or “Private” mode.
- The 50-Day Rule: Studies show the best time to book a domestic flight ticket is roughly 45-50 days before departure. Booking 6 months early is expensive, and booking 2 days before is expensive.
- Red-Eye Flights: Flights that take off late at night (like 2 AM) are called “Red-Eye” flights. They are usually 30% cheaper. If you can stay awake, you save money.
- Credit Card Points: Use cards that offer “Miles.” You can often get a free flight ticket after spending a certain amount.
- Student/Senior Discounts: If you are a student or over 60, airlines like Indigo and Air India offer a 6% to 10% discount on the base fare. You have to select this option before hitting search.
Part 7: Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Flyers
If you have never flown before, it can be scary. Here is a simple walkthrough.
Step 1: Booking Go to Google Flight or Make My Trip. Enter your cities (e.g., Delhi to Kolkata flight). Select your date. Pick the flight that suits your time and budget. Enter your name exactly as it is on your ID card. Pay and get the ticket via email.
Step 2: Web Check-in 48 hours before the flight, go to the airline website (e.g., search Indigo flight booking or check-in). Enter your PNR. Select your seat. (Middle seats are usually free; window seats might cost money). Download your Boarding Pass.
Step 3: The Airport Reach the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight.
- Show your ID and ticket at the gate.
- Go to the airline counter if you have big bags to drop.
- Go through security (put your phone, wallet, and belt in the tray).
Step 4: Boarding Check the screens for your “Gate Number.” Wait there. When they call your zone, board the plane. Find your seat.
Step 5: The Flight Put your phone on Flight Mode. Listen to the safety instructions. Enjoy the view!
Part 8: What to Do If Things Go Wrong?
Sometimes, despite your best plans, things happen.
1. Flight Delays If you are at the airport and the screen says delayed, use Flight Radar 24. See where the incoming plane is. If it is 2 hours away, the delay will be at least 2.5 hours (time to land + clean + board).
2. Cancellations If the airline cancels the flight, you are entitled to a refund or a free ticket on the next flight. Do not panic. Go to the airline counter immediately.
3. Missed Flight If you are late and miss the flight, unfortunately, the ticket money is usually lost (unless it was a flexible fare). This is why checking live flight status and leaving early is crucial, especially in traffic-heavy cities like Mumbai or Bangalore.
Conclusion
Flying is a miracle of modern engineering. It connects hearts, businesses, and cultures. Whether you are searching for the cheapest flight on Skyscanner, tracking your loved ones on Flight Radar, or enjoying the hospitality of Air India, the key to a good trip is preparation.
Use the apps we discussed—Ixigo, Google Flight, Make My Trip. Keep an eye on your flight status Indigo or Air India. And most importantly, enjoy the journey. The view from 35,000 feet is something that never gets old.
Safe travels on your next flight!