Finding cheap flight tickets from India can feel confusing. Different apps show different prices, there are hidden fees, and offers keep changing. But with the right apps and a simple strategy, you can consistently save money on both domestic and international flights.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best apps for booking affordable flights from India, what makes each one useful, and how to use them smartly so you don’t end up overpaying.
Why You Should Use Apps (Not Just Airline Websites)
Before we jump into the list, here’s why flight booking apps are so useful for Indian travelers:
- Price comparison in one place – Most apps compare fares across multiple airlines and travel portals, helping you spot cheaper options quickly. Travel and Adventure Product Brand
- Exclusive app-only discounts – Many brands give extra offers or cashback if you book via the app instead of the website. App Store+1
- Fare alerts & price tracking – Get notified when the price drops for your preferred route or date. Google Play+1
- Easy refunds & rescheduling – Managing cancellations or date changes is usually simpler through the app. Google Play+1
- Reward points and loyalty – Apps offer wallets, points, and cashback that reduce your cost over time. MakeMyTrip+1
Now, let’s look at the top apps you should have on your phone.
1. MakeMyTrip – Full-Service Indian Travel Super App
Best for: Overall convenience + deals on flights, hotels, and holidays
MakeMyTrip is one of India’s most popular travel apps for booking domestic and international flights. You can compare prices across airlines, use filters for timings and stops, and grab regular coupon-based discounts. MakeMyTrip+1
Key money-saving features
- Coupons & promo codes (like “MMTDEAL”) for flight discounts
- MMT Black loyalty program for returning users with extra offers Google Play
- Price lock – lock ticket prices and confirm later in some cases Google Play
- Bundle bookings (flight + hotel) for higher overall savings
Why it’s great for Indians
MakeMyTrip is built for Indian users: Indian payment methods, Indian languages support through their new AI assistant, and offers tailored to Indian holidays and long weekends. The Economic Times+1
Use it when: You want a trusted big brand, combined bookings (flight + hotel), and strong customer support.
2. ixigo – Great for Cheap Flights & Smart Tools
Best for: Budget travelers who love smart hacks
ixigo started as a travel meta-search tool and has grown into a powerful booking app for flights, trains, buses, and hotels. It’s especially popular among price-sensitive travelers from India. Ixigo+1
Key money-saving features
- Cheapest fare finder – highlights low fares across airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet and more Google Play+1
- Fare alerts – get notified when the price for your chosen route drops Google Play+1
- UPI & bank offers – frequent promotions via UPI, EMI, and card payments Google Play+1
- Holiday calendar & status tracker – helps you shift dates to cheaper days and track your flight easily Google Play+1
Why it’s great for Indians
The app is made in India, tuned to Indian routes and travel patterns, with strong support for UPI and wallet-style offers – important if you’re trying to save every possible rupee. Ixigo+1
Use it when: You want aggressive discounts, smart alerts, and multi-modal travel (flights + trains/buses) in one app.
3. EaseMyTrip – No or Low Convenience Fees
Best for: Avoiding high convenience fees
EaseMyTrip is a popular choice because of its “no convenience fee” positioning on many bookings. While offers change over time, the brand often runs promotions like zero convenience fee and additional coupons on flights. EaseMyTrip+3EaseMyTrip+3EaseMyTrip+3
Key money-saving features
- No/low convenience fee offers on select flights via app and web
- Regular coupon codes (for example, “EASEFLY”) for extra discounts on flight tickets EaseMyTrip+1
- Additional hotel and holiday offers that can reduce trip cost overall
Why it’s great for Indians
Convenience fee can easily add ₹300–₹600+ per ticket for a family. By using an app that reduces or eliminates this fee on certain routes or offers, you save directly without changing your travel plan. Google Play+1
Use it when: You’ve already compared fares and want to minimize fees at checkout.
4. Skyscanner – Global Price Comparison from India
Best for: International trips and flexible dates
Skyscanner is an excellent fare comparison app for international routes from India. It aggregates prices from airlines and multiple OTAs (online travel agencies), helping you see which platform is offering the best deal. Skyscanner+1
Key money-saving features
- Whole month / cheapest month view – perfect if your dates are flexible Travel and Adventure Product Brand
- Multi-city search – useful for Europe, US, or Southeast Asia tours
- Price alerts – get notified when fares change
Why it’s great for Indians
When flying from India to destinations like Europe, the US, or the Middle East, Skyscanner helps you see combinations (e.g., via Dubai, via Istanbul) that may not show easily on a single Indian OTA. Travel and Adventure Product Brand+1
Use it when: You’re planning a big international trip and can be flexible with dates, routes, or layovers.
5. Google Flights – Research Tool Before You Book
Best for: Researching the best time and route before booking
Technically, Google Flights works more like a search and analysis tool than a classic “app,” but you can access it easily through your browser on mobile and desktop. It’s extremely powerful for price discovery. Travel and Adventure Product Brand
Key money-saving features
- Price graph & date grid – shows which dates are cheaper at a glance
- Price tracking – alerts when the price drops for your route
- “Explore” feature – find cheap destinations based on your budget and dates Travel and Adventure Product Brand
Why it’s great for Indians
You can use Google Flights to research and then decide where to book – directly with airlines or through Indian apps like MakeMyTrip, ixigo, or EaseMyTrip if they show better final prices.
Use it when: You’re in the planning stage and want a clear idea of what’s “cheap” or “expensive” for your route.
6. Other Helpful Apps & Platforms to Keep in Mind
Besides the main apps above, Indian travelers often save more by combining:
- Goibibo & Cleartrip – both frequently run card-based offers and cashback deals, especially with partner banks. Travel and Adventure Product Brand+1
- Meta search apps like “Flight Deals – Cheap Flights” – these compare multiple Indian OTAs like MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, EaseMyTrip, Goibibo, ixigo, and more in one place. Google Play
- Direct airline apps – sometimes airlines run app-only sales that are cheaper than OTAs for specific routes.
How to Choose the Best App for Your Flight
No single app is always the cheapest. Here’s a simple approach you can follow from India:
Step 1: Research prices
- Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to get a rough price range for your dates and route. Travel and Adventure Product Brand+1
Step 2: Compare on Indian OTAs
- Check MakeMyTrip, ixigo, EaseMyTrip, and maybe Goibibo/Cleartrip for:
- Base fare
- Convenience fee
- Final price after coupon
Step 3: Check payment offers
- Look for UPI offers, bank card promotions, EMI deals, and app-only coupons – ixigo and EaseMyTrip are especially active here. EaseMyTrip+3Google Play+3Ixigo+3
Step 4: Consider support & flexibility
- If your dates may change, booking on well-known OTAs like MakeMyTrip or directly with the airline may give smoother customer support and change policies. Google Play+2MakeMyTrip+2
Extra Tips to Get Cheaper Flights from India
Even with the best apps, your booking habits matter:
- Be flexible with dates – flying on weekdays or less popular times is often cheaper.
- Book 3–6 weeks in advance for domestic and 2–4 months ahead for international (in most cases).
- Use points and miles if you hold airline or credit card loyalty programs.
- Avoid last-minute rush – emergency bookings almost always cost more.
- Beware of scams – only use official app contact details; never download random APKs or share your OTP/bank PIN with “customer care” numbers from Google search