Planning a December vacation but worried about high airfares? You’re not alone! December is one of the busiest travel months in India — with Christmas, New Year, and winter vacations driving up ticket prices. But the good news is, you can still save big if you know how to book cheap flights for December India travel the right way.
In this detailed guide, we’ll reveal insider booking hacks, smart timing tricks, and top flight search tools that help travelers find the lowest airfares across Indian destinations. From comparing fares on trusted travel apps to using flexible date filters, these proven methods will ensure you get the best value for your trip. Whether you’re flying to Goa, Jaipur, Kerala, or the Northeast, our practical tips will help you book your dream December getaway without burning your wallet.
Stay tuned till the end for bonus travel hacks and FAQs that make your December flight booking in India smoother and cheaper than ever!
Why December Flights Are Expensive in India
- High demand: Holiday season, school vacations, and weddings drive up bookings.
- Limited inventory: Airlines often reduce frequency on certain routes to optimize profits.
- Last-minute rush: Many travelers book late, pushing prices higher.
But don’t worry—smart planning can help you beat the surge.
10 Proven Strategies to Book Cheap Flights in December
1. Book Early—Ideally Before October Ends
Airlines release tickets 6–12 months in advance. Booking by October gives you access to base fares before dynamic pricing kicks in.
2. Use Fare Comparison Tools
Platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and ixigo let you compare fares across airlines and dates. Use filters for budget carriers and flexible dates.
3. Set Fare Alerts – How to Book Cheap Flights for December India Travel
Enable price alerts on apps like MakeMyTrip or EaseMyTrip. You’ll get notified when fares drop for your preferred route.
4. Fly Midweek or Off-Peak Hours
Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares. Early morning or late-night flights are cheaper than prime-time slots.
5. Consider Nearby Airports
Flying into Kochi instead of Trivandrum, or Jaipur instead of Delhi, can save you thousands. Use multi-city search options.
6. Use Airline Offers & Bank Discounts
Many airlines offer festive deals in November. Combine these with bank card offers for extra savings.
7. Leverage Student, Senior, or Armed Forces Discounts
If eligible, use special fare categories on platforms like ixigo or Indigo.
8. Avoid Booking on Weekends
Flight searches spike on weekends, leading to inflated prices. Book midweek for better deals.
9. Try Budget Airlines
IndiGo, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet offer competitive fares. Just be mindful of baggage and seat selection fees.
10. Use Incognito Mode While Searching
Flight websites track your searches. Incognito mode prevents price manipulation based on repeated queries.
Flight Booking Platform Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison of India’s top flight booking platforms to help you choose the best one:
| Platform | Key Features | Best For | Discounts Available | App Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skyscanner | Global fare comparison, flexible dates | International + Domestic | Alerts, multi-airline deals | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ixigo | Student/senior fares, fare lock, cashback | Budget travelers | Bank offers, promo codes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| MakeMyTrip | Loyalty program, bundled hotel deals | Luxury + family travel | MMTBLACK, card discounts | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| EaseMyTrip | No convenience fee, UPI discounts | Frequent flyers | UPI, new user offers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| GoIndiGo | Direct airline booking, 6E rewards | IndiGo routes | Seat + baggage combos | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Bonus Tips for December Travel in India
- Bundle with hotels: Some platforms offer flight + hotel combos at discounted rates.
- Check baggage policies: Budget airlines often charge extra.
- Download airline apps: For real-time updates and mobile-only deals.
- Use travel credit cards: Earn miles and cashback on bookings.
Conclusion
Finding affordable flight tickets during the festive month of December in India can seem challenging, but it’s absolutely possible with the right strategy. By booking early, using incognito mode, comparing fares on multiple apps, and leveraging reward points, you can easily master how to book cheap flights for December India travel. Remember — flexibility with dates and destinations often results in the biggest savings.
Whether you’re planning a beach escape to Goa, a winter adventure in Himachal, or a family trip to Kerala, applying these budget travel hacks can make your journey enjoyable and cost-effective. Stay smart, stay flexible, and make your December trip memorable — without overspending on airfare.
FAQs
1. When is the best time to book December flights in India?
- Book your tickets at least 6–8 weeks before your December travel dates to grab the lowest fares.
2. Which website is best for finding cheap flights in India?
- Popular platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, MakeMyTrip, and IXIGO are great for comparing airfares.
3. Do flight prices increase closer to December?
- Yes, fares usually rise in late November and early December as demand spikes for holiday travel.
4. Is it cheaper to book one-way or round-trip flights in India?
- Round-trip bookings are often cheaper, especially during peak travel seasons like December.
5. What time of day is best to book flights online?
- Try booking flights early morning or late night — many airlines refresh discounted fares around these hours.
6. Can using incognito mode really lower flight prices?
- Yes, browsing in incognito/private mode prevents price hikes based on your search history.
7. Are budget airlines in India reliable for December travel?
- Yes, airlines like IndiGo, Akasa Air, and AirAsia India offer good service and affordable fares.
8. Which airports in India have the cheapest December flights?
- Metro hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru often have competitive fares due to multiple flight options.
9. Do flight fares differ between weekdays and weekends?
- Yes — flights booked for Tuesdays or Wednesdays are usually cheaper than weekend departures.
10. What is the best credit card for flight discounts in India?
- Cards like SBI Card PRIME, HDFC Diners Club Privilege, and Axis Bank Vistara Card offer flight-related discounts.
11. Are there any flight deals exclusive to December travelers?
- Yes, many airlines and travel portals offer holiday and year-end sales with special coupon codes.
12. Does booking directly from the airline’s website save money?
- Sometimes. Always compare prices on aggregator sites before checking the final fare on the airline’s own website.
13. Can travel reward points help in booking cheap flights?
- Absolutely! Redeeming accumulated miles or points from previous trips can reduce ticket costs significantly.
14. Are connecting flights cheaper than direct ones in December?
- Yes, connecting or layover flights can often cost 20–30% less than nonstop routes.
15. When should I avoid booking December flights?
- Avoid booking during Christmas week (Dec 22–27) when fares hit their peak.
16. How can I get notified about flight price drops?
- Use tools like Skyscanner Alerts or Google Flights Tracker to receive instant notifications.
17. Is booking last-minute December flights ever cheap?
- Rarely. Prices generally rise closer to departure dates, so last-minute deals are uncommon in December.
18. Do student or military discounts apply for December travel?
- Yes, several airlines in India offer special student and defense personnel discounts even during peak months.
19. What are the best budget-friendly destinations for December in India?
- Places like Pondicherry, Jaipur, Gokarna, and Coorg offer affordable flights and budget stays.
20. What’s the ultimate trick for how to book cheap flights for December India travel?
- Combine early booking, flexible travel dates, flight comparison tools, and promo codes — that’s the winning formula!