Guest Post: 5 Tips for Finding Cheaper Flights to India

If the only thing standing in your way of being blown away by bustling Bombay or becoming bronzed on Baga’s beaches is the price of your flights, it’s time to have a look at these top tips for cutting your travel bill.

Tip #1: Be Flexible & Fly Off Peak
You’re guaranteed to save if you’re able to be flexible with your travel plans. Peak travel times tend to be over June and July, when the western world starts planning its summer fun, but if you’ve got a head for heat and you need cheap flights to India to meet your budgetary requirements, you could save money by travelling between March and May – be prepared for hot and humid weather though. Prices also go up in the winter, especially as it’s over these month’s that most of India’s best known celebrations take place, such as Dussehra, Durga Puja and Diwali all in November, so check out and avoid special celebrations.

Tip #2: Start Planning Early
A holiday to India is likely to be a trip you’ve been saving up for and looking forward to for a long time, don’t do yourself a disservice by booking at the last minute. As a general rule, the earlier you can book a long haul flight like this the better. The closer it gets to your departure date, the more seats will be filled, driving the price up. Of course, it’s possible the airline will sell a few remaining seats off cheaply at the last minute, but you can’t ever rely on this.

Tip #3: Don’t Assume Indirect Equals Cheaper
You may think that choosing an indirect flight or a flight with a couple of stopovers will save you money, but it could actually end up costing you extra. Not only will you have to factor in the cost of food, transport and accommodation at your stopover destination, but if you book with different airlines you could find yourself liable if you miss your connecting flights.

Tip #4: Be Prepared To Try New Airlines
There are many different airlines flying to India, from Lufthansa to Flybe, so don’t limit yourself to the few with names you recognise. If you’re nervous, you can always research the name of a carrier you don’t know, and reassure yourself of their reputation.

Tip #5: Find the Best Airport to Fly From
Remember that the airport closest to you, or the biggest airport in your area, isn’t always the best one to fly from. Search for flights from your whole country rather than your local area, and find out if it saves you money even when you factor in connecting flights or transport.

Relaxing beach resorts, thrilling cities, amazing natural sights, India is a destination and a half. Crammed with so many unique experiences, you’re sure to want to visit again, and by finding cheap flights to India you might just be able to.

About the author: James writes for cheap flights comparison site, Skyscanner.net.