Tips for using domestic flights in India — Comparison of Indigo and Air India, baggage regulations, Delhi Airport terminal

India's domestic air routes are largely divided into two axes. An absolute leader in low-cost carriers (LCC)IndiGoWow, a full service airline.Air Indiano see. In fact, when you go on a business trip from Delhi to Mumbai or Bengaluru, you will feel that the colors of the two airlines are clearly different.

IndiGo is the airline with the largest number of routes and flights in the Indian domestic market, and its blue and yellow aircraft stands out at any airport in India. The on-time flight rate is high and the fares are reasonable, but in-flight meals and baggage are mostly paid options. Air India has been focusing on improving its services since the Tata Group acquired it from the Indian government in 2022, and in late 2024, it further expanded its domestic network by absorbing and merging with Vistara, which was also a Tata airline. The seat spacing is wide and checked baggage and in-flight meals are often included in the basic fare, so if you want to travel long distances or travel comfortably, Air India is more advantageous.

other options

• SpiceJet— Low-cost airline, route network is narrower than Indigo.
• Akasa Air— A relatively new low-cost airline that offers competitive fares on certain routes.
• Air India Express— It is a low-cost subsidiary of Air India, with strengths in Middle East and Southeast Asia routes and some regional domestic routes.

If you are planning to visit various cities in India while living in Delhi NCR,Complete guide to domestic travel in IndiaPlease also refer to this to help you choose a flight route for each destination.

Baggage regulations for domestic flights in India may seem a bit stricter than those for domestic flights in Korea. In actual experience, you will often be asked to pay an additional fee at the airport counter even if the weight is slightly overweight, so it is important to make it a habit to check the standards for each airline before packing.

General weight standards (varies depending on airline/rate plan)

The above figures vary depending on the airline and reservation plan (Saver, Flexi, etc.).It may also change as of 2026. After completing your reservation, be sure to check the exact baggage limit for your ticket on the airline's official app or email confirmation.

Restricted/cautioned items carried on board

• Liquids exceeding 100ml are restricted from being carried on board, and often must be placed in a transparent zipper bag.
• Auxiliary batteries (power banks) have a capacity limit in watt hours (Wh) and must be carried on board only and cannot be placed in checked baggage.
• Sharp items such as lighters, knives, scissors, etc. may have restrictions on checked baggage, so check the airline's instructions.

If you expect excess baggage, go to the airport counter.Purchase additional baggage in advance through the airline app or websiteIt is usually cheaper to do so. If you have a lot of luggage due to moving or a long-term business trip, we recommend calculating it in advance.

If you frequently use domestic flights based in DelhiIndira Gandhi International Airport (IGI, airport code DEL)It is a good idea to know the terminal structure of . IGI Airport consists of several terminals, and the departure and arrival terminals differ depending on the airline and route being used.

In general, IndiGo, a low-cost airline, mainly uses terminals operated exclusively for domestic flights, while airlines, including Air India, often use large terminals operated together with international flights. butTerminal allocation may change at any time depending on airline circumstances or airport relocation., Do not solely rely on the information in this article, but be sure to double-check the final terminal on your flight reservation confirmation (e-ticket) or the airline's official app.

Moving between terminals

• A free shuttle bus runs between terminals and usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
• If you have family to pick you up or see you off, it is a good idea to share in advance which terminal it is.
• If your connecting flight departs from another terminal, please allow ample travel time.

Flight numbers and terminals are displayed together on airport information signs and digital electronic displays, so if you get into the habit of checking once more after arriving at the airport, you can avoid frustration.

The Indian domestic boarding process has some unique practices that are different from those in Korea. It's easy to get confused the first time you experience it, so it's good to know in advance.

Web check-in and digiyatra

Most airlines departWeb check-in approximately 48 hours in advanceOpen it. You can cut down on airport counter lines by checking in in advance through the app or website. RecentlyDigiYatraA facial recognition-based boarding system called has been introduced at major airports, including Delhi, and if you pre-register, you can pass through each gate with just facial recognition without a boarding pass. It is optional, and if you do not wish to use it, you can use a paper or mobile boarding pass as usual.

Security screening — boarding pass and baggage tag stamp

At Indian domestic airport security screening (operated by CISF),Procedure for stamping the boarding passThere is. Paper tags are often attached to carry-on baggage and stamped each time it passes through security. If you do not have this tag, you may be stopped at the boarding gate, so be careful not to lose it.

Recommended arrival time at airport

• Departure based on domestic flightsArrived 2 hours agoThis is generally recommended.
• During peak seasons (holidays such as Diwali and Holi), the security line will be much longer, so arrive with plenty of time to spare.
• Checked baggage deadlines vary by airline, and usually close 45 minutes to 1 hour before departure.

Prices for domestic airline tickets in India tend to fluctuate widely, so there is a significant difference in perceived fare depending on when and through which channel you make the reservation.

Reservation Channel

• Airline official app/website— If you book directly through the Indigo app or Air India app, the change and refund process is relatively simple.
• Travel booking platform (OTA)— It is convenient to compare prices of multiple airlines at once at sites such as ixigo, Cleartrip, and MakeMyTrip.
• Google Flights— Useful for checking price trends and determining when prices are low.

Fee-saving tips

1. Prices rise significantly during major Indian holidays such as Diwali and Holi and during the summer vacation season, so we recommend making reservations at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
2. Saver-type low-cost rates often have high change and cancellation fees, so if there is a possibility of changing your schedule, compare flexible rate plans.
3. Flights early in the morning or late at night on weekdays are usually cheaper.

If you want to take a short weekend trip from Gurgaon or Noida to a nearby city, you can opt for a flight instead.Weekend excursions around Delhi NCRA good alternative is to look into it first.

If you are traveling from Delhi to a distant city like Mumbai or Bengaluru, flying is overwhelmingly faster, but it depends on the distance and budget.Train is a more reasonable choiceThis happens in many cases.

If you are curious about how to reserve train tickets, seat classes, and reservation tips,India train travel and IRCTC ticket reservation guidePlease refer to . Traveling within India becomes easier if you combine air and train as appropriate.