Lifestyle Trend: How to book cheaper flight tickets during the festive rush You Should Know

Airfares across India have risen sharply ahead of the Christmas–New Year holiday period, causing widespread concern among travellers. Almost all major domestic and international routes have recorded steep fare hikes from mid-December through the first week of January, with the highest spikes occurring around Christmas and the New Year weekend. Airlines attribute the increase to strong festive-season demand, a yearly trend that appears far more pronounced this time.

One of the worst-affected routes is Kochi–Goa, a popular sector for holidaymakers, where fares that normally range between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000 have surged to nearly ₹15,800 on peak travel dates. Similar price jumps have been reported on flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other major hubs, leaving last-minute travellers facing significant financial pressure.

International travel has also become costlier. Expatriates flying to and from Gulf destinations are encountering unusually high fares, adding strain for those travelling home for the holidays. As a result, some passengers are turning to trains and other cheaper alternatives.

Industry observers note that passengers who booked early have secured comparatively lower prices, whereas those booking now are facing the full impact of the festive surge. Travel experts recommend several practical methods that may help reduce flight expenses even during peak periods.

Tips to Book Cheaper Flight Tickets

1. Use Incognito (Private) Mode

Searching for fares in incognito mode can prevent price fluctuations caused by repeated searches stored in browser history.

2. Clear Browser Cookies Regularly

Cookies record previous search data, which may influence how fares are displayed. Clearing them can help ensure more accurate results.

3. Choose Non-Refundable Tickets When Certain of Travel Plans

Non-refundable fares are generally cheaper than refundable options and can lower overall travel costs.

4. Book Round Trips Instead of One-Way Tickets

Round-trip bookings often come at a lower combined cost compared with purchasing two separate one-way fares.

5. Stick to One Airline for Loyalty Benefits

Frequent travel with the same airline allows passengers to accumulate reward points that can be redeemed for discounts on future bookings.

6. Book During Off-Peak Days and Times

Fares tend to be lower on morning flights between Monday and Thursday, making these periods more cost-efficient for bookings.

7. Follow Airlines on Social Media for Promotions

Airlines often announce flash sales, promotional deals and discount codes on their social media channels.

8. Opt for Connecting Flights on Long Routes

Connecting flights are frequently cheaper than direct services and may offer substantial savings on long-distance travel.

These strategies, while not eliminating the seasonal surge, can help travellers secure more affordable fares during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

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