For most Indian travelers, the first thing we search before planning a trip is cheap flight tickets. Airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Go First often promote unbelievably low fares on their websites and apps. But many passengers discover later that the actual amount they pay is far higher. Extra charges for baggage, seat selection, meals, or even check-in sometimes make the “cheap” ticket more expensive than a regular one.
According to a 2024 CAPA India report, around 15% of flight tickets carried hidden charges worth 20–30% of the base fare. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) also recorded more than 50,000 complaints from passengers in 2024 about unfair pricing and lack of transparency. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has even initiated probes into how budget airlines advertise their offers.
This article explores how low-cost airlines structure these hidden charges, how it impacts passengers, and what you can do to avoid falling into this trap.
The Promise of Cheap Flights
Airlines know that Indians are price-sensitive. A ticket from Delhi to Mumbai shown at ₹2,499 instantly grabs attention. These fares are promoted in ads, on booking apps, and during festival sales.
But here’s the catch:
- The base fare is often low, while taxes and surcharges are much higher.
- Free baggage allowance is minimal (sometimes just 7 kg cabin bag).
- Extra charges for window/aisle seats or even for checking in early.
- Food and water may not be complimentary.
In the end, that ₹2,499 flight can cost ₹3,500–₹4,000 or more, depending on add-ons.
Common Hidden Fees You Should Know
1. Baggage Charges
Low-cost airlines allow only one small cabin bag. Extra check-in baggage can cost ₹400–₹600 per kg. A family trip can easily see baggage charges crossing ₹3,000.
2. Seat Selection Fees
Want to sit with your family or get a window seat? Expect to pay ₹200–₹1,000 per seat. On busy routes, almost all “free seats” are middle seats at the back.
3. Meal and Snack Costs
Unlike full-service airlines, low-cost carriers charge for water, tea, and meals. A sandwich onboard may cost double its market price.
4. Web Check-In & Boarding Priority
Though web check-in is free, many airlines push passengers to pay for early check-in or “priority boarding.”
5. Rescheduling and Cancellation
Fees are extremely high – often equal to or more than the ticket itself. Refunds are delayed or partly deducted
Passenger Voices
Rohit Sharma, a young IT professional from Bengaluru, shared:
“I booked a Pune flight for just ₹1,999, but after adding baggage, seat, and taxes, I ended up paying ₹3,800. That’s double the cost!”
Meena Gupta, a homemaker from Delhi, said:
“Our family of four paid ₹8,000 extra just for luggage and seats. We could have booked a full-service airline for the same price.”
Government and DGCA Intervention
The growing number of complaints forced the DGCA to issue notices to airlines about unfair practices. The regulator has instructed airlines to display all-inclusive fares upfront. However, enforcement remains a challenge, and passengers still face hidden costs during checkout.
Consumer rights groups are demanding stricter rules similar to the EU, where airlines must show the final price including taxes and charges.
How to Save Yourself from This Trap
- Compare Final Prices – Always go to the final payment page before deciding.
- Travel Light – If possible, avoid carrying extra check-in bags. Use cabin-only deals.
- Check Airline Policies – Every airline has a different baggage and meal policy. Read carefully.
- Book Smartly – Sometimes full-service carriers like Air India or Vistara offer tickets only ₹500–₹1,000 more, but include baggage, meals, and better service.
- Raise Complaints – If you feel misled, file a complaint with MoCA’s AirSewa app or DGCA’s portal.
FAQs
Q1. Why do airlines show very cheap tickets online?
Airlines use cheap base fares as a marketing tool to attract customers. Once you start booking, they add taxes and optional services that increase the final cost.
Q2. What is the average hidden fee in India?
As per CAPA India, around 20–30% extra costs are commonly added to the advertised ticket price. For a ₹3,000 ticket, this means ₹600–₹900 more.
Q3. Are budget airlines still worth it?
Yes, if you travel light and don’t need extra services. But for families or long trips, full-service airlines may be more economical in the end.
Q4. Can DGCA stop hidden charges completely?
DGCA has guidelines for transparent pricing, but enforcement is tricky. Airlines often use “optional add-ons” as a loophole. Stronger consumer laws may help.
Q5. How can passengers avoid getting overcharged?
Compare all airlines before booking, read baggage and meal policies carefully, and use consumer complaint forums if charged unfairly.
