After the grand celebration of Chhath Pooja, many travelers begin their return journey to work or other cities. However, this festive rush often leads to high flight fares and limited availability. With train seats booked months in advance, flights become the only option for many — but at steep prices. The good news? With a few smart travel hacks, you can book affordable flight tickets and save thousands of rupees. Here’s how.
Don’t rely solely on an airline’s official website to find the lowest fare. Visit multiple travel portals such as MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Skyscanner, and Google Flights to compare ticket prices. These sites often offer exclusive deals or discounts that are not available directly from the airlines. Use their filters to sort options by price, duration, or layovers for the best match.
When you repeatedly search for the same flight route, booking websites can track your activity using cookies and may inflate prices based on your browsing behavior. To avoid this, use your browser’s incognito or private mode when searching for flights. This ensures you see unbiased and genuine fares without hidden price hikes.
Flexibility with your travel dates can make a huge difference in airfare. Midweek flights — especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays — are usually much cheaper than weekend flights. Similarly, early morning or late-night “red-eye” flights tend to cost less. Use the calendar view on Google Flights to easily identify the cheapest dates for your return trip.
Direct flights are convenient, but they often come with higher fares. If you’re willing to spend a little extra time in transit, consider stopover or connecting flights. These options can sometimes be 20–40% cheaper than non-stop routes. Additionally, exploring flights from nearby airports can also result in better deals.
Travel websites such as Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo let you set up fare alerts that notify you whenever prices drop on your preferred routes. Stay connected with airlines on their Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) accounts — many airlines announce flash sales and limited-time discounts exclusively through social media posts.
Frequent flyers should definitely sign up for airline loyalty programs. Each time you fly, you earn reward points that can be redeemed for discounts on future tickets, free seat upgrades, or even lounge access. Over time, these points can significantly reduce your travel costs.
Apart from saving money, flying at off-peak hours (late night or early morning) helps you avoid airport crowds. It also saves a night’s hotel cost since you’re already traveling during rest hours — a bonus for budget-conscious travelers.
To handle the post-festival rush, Air India, Air India Express, and SpiceJet have introduced extra flights to Bihar’s major cities, including Patna and Darbhanga. This move has slightly eased the booking pressure and may provide more affordable options for last-minute travelers.
Booking a budget-friendly flight after Chhath Pooja is all about planning smartly and staying informed. Use comparison tools, browse privately, remain flexible with dates, and keep an eye on alerts. These simple yet effective strategies can help you save big while ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey back home.
