Mumbai: The discount in airfares offered by different airlines for a three-day period, it seems, is being grabbed by passengers, with travel agents and industry insiders claiming that ticket sales have increased by more than 400-500% in the past two days.
The discount war started after low-cost carriers, including SpiceJet, IndiGo and GoAir, announced their flash sales for those booking in advance. The battle became more intense when full-service carriers Jet Airways and Air India joined the competition.
The period between January and March is generally considered lean for leisure travelling. Airlines often come up with such discounts during this period to push up sales. However, unlike last year, airlines have been more disciplined in offering discounts, only on non-busy routes and advance bookings. Sources said about 70-80% bookings are still being done through travel agents and portals.
24/01/14 Shahkar Abidi/Daily News & Analysis
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The discount war started after low-cost carriers, including SpiceJet, IndiGo and GoAir, announced their flash sales for those booking in advance. The battle became more intense when full-service carriers Jet Airways and Air India joined the competition.
The period between January and March is generally considered lean for leisure travelling. Airlines often come up with such discounts during this period to push up sales. However, unlike last year, airlines have been more disciplined in offering discounts, only on non-busy routes and advance bookings. Sources said about 70-80% bookings are still being done through travel agents and portals.
24/01/14 Shahkar Abidi/Daily News & Analysis
