How to Travel Smart

Air travel is fast emerging as the preferred choice of commuting for a large section of working Indians, mainly because it is faster, more convenient and much more affordable than it was in the past. This is reflected in the fact that Indian carriers flew nearly 100 million passengers on domestic routes in 2016, according to the DGCA data. Also, the growth in domestic air travel demand in India was the highest in the world in 2016, for the second consecutive year, according to the IATA. One major reason for the growing preference of Indians for air travel is the domestic flight booking offers from the various airlines that make the option of flying highly affordable.

Tips on Making Your Air Travel Smooth and Smart

Air travel is fast and smooth, and one can even make it more comfortable and cost effective by doing some good planning and taking some smart measures. Here are some tips and tricks that can make your air journey smooth and comfortable.

• Book Tickets in Advance: The first thing is to keep a lookout for the various domestic flight booking offers and check whether your destination city is included in the list. If yes, grab the opportunity and book domestic flight tickets. However, this tip works only if your trip is planned well in advance. Otherwise, you need to check an airline’s website or a travel website to get the best option available at the time of booking.

• Check Schedules: Once your travel date approaches, check the airline’s schedule to know if your flight is on time. Also, do not forget to take a printout of your tickets. You can even do a web check in 24 hours before your flight or go to the airport and do the formalities there.

• Check Baggage Rules: Remember to check the baggage rules. While some airlines allow you to carry 25 kg per person, others allow only 15 kg. So, pack your bags accordingly. Also, all airlines allow one cabin bag of up to 7 kg per person. Ensure that your baggage does not include any prohibited items like knives, scissors, etc. Always reach the airport around two hours before the time of departure for your domestic flight, so that you are able to complete all the necessary formalities in time and don’t have to rush.

• Carry All Documents: Always carry an original identity card during air travel. This is required to be shown at many places in the airport. Keep all your documents, tickets, ID cards, travel insurance, etc., in your hand baggage and ensure that its tag has been stamped after the security checks.

• Be Alert: Staying alert will not only help you know about your boarding gates or any other information about any delays in your flight, but also help you keep your things safe. Any doubts that you may have need to be resolved at your airline’s counter, rather than asking another passenger or random official at the airport.

• Follow Instructions of the Airline Staff: Once on the flight, do listen to the safety instructions carefully and follow them.

So, the next time you plan to travel by air, follow these tips for a hassle-free journey. And don’t forget to check for domestic flight booking offers before buying air tickets.

Next Time Your Flight Halts at Kolkata - Here's What You Can Do

You have reached Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, travelling on one of those flights from New Delhi to Kolkata, but have to catch another flight to your final destination again in a few hours? What do you do to spend the time? Do you sit around at the airport, endlessly waiting for the next flight or take a tour of Kolkata instead? You might be wondering how you could experience a city like Kolkata in a mere 5-6 hours. Well, here’s a list to help you do just that!

5 Things to do in Kolkata in 5 Hours

 

1.      Dakshineswar Kali Temple: If you like to visit temples, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, which is about 9 km from Netaji Subhas Chandra Airport, could be your first stop. It is a Hindu temple built in 1855, honouring the deity Bhavatarini, an aspect of Goddess Kali. The temple has the Hooghly River flowing on the west.  

2.      Howrah Bridge: Now it’s time for an awesome bridge that gives you a spectacular view of the Hooghly River. Located just 12.5 km from the airport, Howrah Bridge is a brilliant piece of architecture that connects Howrah to Kolkata. Although photography is not allowed here, you can take a boat ride from Princep Ghat to see the Howrah Bridge in all its glory.

3.      Kolkata Trams: Trams are the perfect way to connect yourself with the roots of Kolkata. Trams used to be a comfortable, inexpensive, eco-friendly and non-polluting mode of transportation in the city, but with time, the trams have lost their charm and given way to faster means of commuting. They are now almost obsolete and are categorized as endangered. You can get a tram ride just 5.0 km from the airport.

4.      Eden Gardens: The famous cricket ground of Kolkata, located around 15 km from Netaji Subhas Chandra Airport, Eden Gardens is the city’s pride. Many memorable matches have been played at this amazingly high capacity cricket stadium. This stadium is also the home venue of the Bengal cricket team and the Kolkata Knight Riders of the IPL.

5.      Victoria Memorial Hall: Located around 16 km from the airport, Victoria Memorial is a large marble building, dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. It was built between 1906 and 1921, and is now used as a museum, attracting tourists from across the globe.

Visiting the above mentioned famous tourist destinations can make give you good feel of the city and must just tempt you to book yourself on those domestic flights just to visit this city for a longer period of time.