A significant increase in air travel has been observed by a number of industry watchers and experts. As per International Air Transport Aviation (IATA) reports, over 900 million new people may enjoy this cost effective as well as time efficient mode of transportation in the coming years. Low air ticket prices offered by carriers like SpiceJet, GoAir and IndiGo have played an important role in making flying popular among all groups of the society in India. The scenario of the aviation industry has changed from 1980s, when only elites and a few social groups could take advantage of the services provided by airlines. Apart from this, the approach of people towards this mode of transportation has also undergone a revamping. Now business, work or important occasions are driving force behind usage of air travel instead of a leisure or vacation trip, which was the case a few decades back. This is the reason that low-cost carriers (LCCs) are leading the aviation markets in most of the countries.
SpiceJet is an Indian LCC topping the charts on the basis of flight occupancy. This Sun Group-owned company is listed in the top three carriers of the nation on the basis of passengers carried every year. It operates over 340 flights every day with a fleet size of more than 40 aircraft. Travellers can make SpiceJet booking to go to domestic as well as international cities. Top quality in-flight amenities and unhindered services are ensured by the airline throughout the journey. Most of its flights are operated from its primary base at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport of Hyderabad. The fleet of this airline consists of the latest offering from Boeing and Bombardier, which allows it to save on operations and maintenance. This in turn reduces the cost of making seat reservation with the carrier, without compromising with profits. However, people looking for even cheaper air fare can go through the cost trend, prepared after thorough analysis.
Changes from the Previous Trend
As per the data revealed by these reports, the least expensive tickets were bought by travellers around 24 weeks in advance for most of the international destinations. This research studied flight ticket prices from 2013 to 2014, and have arrived on the conclusion that despite of discounts and sales, booking in advance saves maximum. Fliers paid around 19 per cent below the average fare by reserving seats in advance. As far as domestic ticket is considered, the least expensive ticket was availed before six weeks of the travel date. However, average low cost was found eight weeks in advance, which equals to two and a half or three months. As per previous reports, ticket booking before six weeks of the journey date was the ideal time to make reservation.
Nguyen An Tra My
Martin Wynn
