How to Book Flights and Hotels Smartly: Fares, Baggage and Cancellation Rules

The cheapest flight or room is not always the best one: what matters is the baggage you can carry, how easily you can change or cancel, and what is charged on top. Reading a few lines of the fare and cancellation terms before you pay saves most of the common surprises.

Flights: what to check before paying

Traveller names and details

Enter each traveller's name exactly as it appears on the passport (international) or government ID (domestic). Mistakes in the name, date of birth or passport number are the most common reason for correction fees and problems at the airport.

Baggage allowance

Fares differ in cabin and check-in baggage. A low fare may include only a small cabin bag. Check the allowance for each sector, because a trip with two airlines can have two different allowances.

Change and cancellation rules

Every fare has its own rules for date changes and refunds, and the airline's charge applies on top of any service fee. If your plans may change, a more flexible fare can cost less in total than a cheap fare with heavy change charges.

Layovers and airports

A short layover is risky, especially if you must collect baggage and check in again or change airports. Allow comfortable time between flights, particularly on separate tickets.

Check-in and timings

Use web check-in where available and reach the airport with enough buffer. For international trips, many travellers aim to arrive about three hours before departure; follow the timing advised by your airline.

Hotels: what to check before paying

Item	What to look at
Cancellation policy	Free until which date and time, and the charge after that
Meal plan	Room only, breakfast, half board or full board
Total price	Whether it is inclusive of taxes
Payable at the property	Any resort, city or other fee collected at check-in
Room and bed type	Twin or double, and the number of guests allowed
Check-in and check-out time	Early check-in is subject to availability

For many hotels, the policy shown at the final step before payment is the one that applies to your booking, so read that screen and not only the search results. Identity and tax details such as PAN may be needed for some bookings, so keep them ready.

Choosing between airlines and fares

Compare fares on the same basis: same date, same baggage and the same number of stops. A cheaper fare with a long layover can cost you a hotel night or a meal, and an early-morning departure from a far airport can add transport costs. For families and groups, check that seats can be selected together and whether seat selection is paid.

Domestic and international flights: small differences that matter

Item	Domestic	International
Name proof	Government photo ID	Passport
Visa	Not needed	Check the destination and transit countries
Check-in window	Shorter	Usually longer; follow the airline's advice
Baggage allowance	Often lower	Often higher; check each sector

If you connect through another country, find out whether you need a transit visa, even when you will not leave the airport.

Hotels: location beats stars

A well-located three-star property can save a lot of time and transport compared with a larger hotel far from the places you want to visit. Open the hotel's map, check the distance to the airport, station or main attractions and read what the room description says about bed type and number of guests. Photos show the property at its best, so also read the facilities list and the check-in terms.

Travelling with children, seniors or a group

• Check the child age rules for airline fares and for hotel rooms, as they differ.
• For seniors, prefer fewer connections and hotels with a lift and a nearby pharmacy.
• For groups, ask about group rates and a common deadline for names and payment.

Keep your booking records organised

After booking, save the confirmation email, e-ticket and hotel voucher in one folder on your phone and also offline. Note the booking reference, the cancellation deadline and the support number. If something changes, contact the support team early, because options usually reduce as the date comes closer.

Free cancellation versus non-refundable

A non-refundable room is usually cheaper but you lose the amount if plans change. A room with free cancellation costs a little more but protects you until the stated deadline. If your visa is still pending, prefer free cancellation until it is approved.

If something goes wrong

• Airline problems such as cancellations and long delays: passenger rights and the grievance process are explained on the official AirSewa and DGCA websites.
• Hotel problems such as a room that does not match the booking: contact the property and our support team with your booking reference immediately.
• Changes after booking: contact us as early as possible, because many charges rise as the travel date comes closer.

A quick pre-payment checklist

1. Names match the passport or ID.
2. Baggage allowance is enough for everyone.
3. You have read the change and cancellation rules.
4. The hotel cancellation deadline is noted in your calendar.
5. You know what is payable at the property.
6. Tickets, vouchers and visa copies are saved offline.

Book with us

Search and book flights and hotels online, or read our cancellation policy and refund policy before you pay. If you travel with a group or run a travel business, see how series fare flights work.