Booking a Flight from India to Canada might occasionally feel like setting out on a strange cross-cultural journey. The journey crosses continents, time zones, and delicious joys. So buckle up and wear your seat cushion because we’re about to take you on a tour through the process of booking a flight from the home of butter chicken to the sweet coasts of Canada!
Step 1: Decide on Your Travel Details for Booking Flight
It’s important to have a solid understanding of your travel plan before you start booking flight tickets. The following are some important factors to consider:
- The Indian city of departure (for instance Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Delhi, etc.)
- Arrival City in Canada (for instance, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, etc.)
- Dates of travel (departure and arrival)
- Passengers (adults, children, and newborns)
- Travel class (economy, business, or first-class)
My Scenario while Booking Flight:
- I embarked on a solo journey, flying in economy class from my departure city of Hyderabad, India, to my destination in Canada, Toronto. The travel itinerary commenced on December 20, 2023, with a departure time of 20:40 IST from Hyderabad.
- I will arrive in Delhi on the same day at 23:00 (IST), where I had a layover of approximately 4 hours. Subsequently, on the 21st of December 2023, my onward flight from Delhi took off at 02:55 (IST), ultimately leading me to my final destination, Toronto, at 07:45 (EST) on the same day.
- I hope, this journey will provide a unique blend of experiences and serve as a source of inspiration for my upcoming blog.
Step 2: Search for Flights
The time has come to look and book flight and now that you have your travel information prepared. There are various methods for doing this:
- Use online travel agencies (OTAs): You may look for flights across a variety of airlines and booking alternatives on websites like Expedia, Kayak, or Skyscanner. To get a list of accessible flights, just input your departure and arrival locations, travel dates, and the number of passengers.
- You can also look at the websites of the main airlines that run flights between India and Canada. Booking platforms for international airlines like Air India, Air Canada, and others are frequently simple to use.
My Scenario:
- To book my flight, I spent roughly 2 to 2.5 hours doing research and comparing prices. I looked at third-party websites like MakeMyTrip and Skyscanner in addition to the official airline websites for Air India, Air Canada, and Emirates. In the end, I made the choice to purchase a ticket directly from Air India’s website.
- I would always suggest to use the airline’s official website to book your flights. This is due to the fact that it is much simpler to obtain assistance and support from the airline directly if your flight is delayed or canceled.
- When you make a reservation via a third-party website, they frequently advise you to get in touch with the airline nonetheless if there’s a problem. So, booking your tickets directly through the airline’s website is easier and more trustworthy.
Step 3: Compare Prices and Options
To obtain the best deal while booking flight, it’s critical to compare costs and other factors after compiling a list of flight possibilities. Think about the following elements:
- Ticket cost
- Layover and overall journey time
- Arrival and departure times
- Services and amenities available in flights
- Baggage restriction
My Scenario:
- As I mentioned before, I conducted a thorough search for the most affordable flight. I spent around 2 to 2.5 hours on this, and at 2:30 (IST) on September 11, 2023, I finally booked my ticket. The base cost of my ticket was Rs. 95,835, and I opted for a window seat on the Delhi to Toronto leg of the journey, incurring an additional charge of Rs. 3,744. This brought the total cost of the ticket to Rs. 99,579. This was still a favorable deal than those offered by other airlines.
- I want to highlight that during the Hyderabad to Delhi part of the trip, I had the option of choosing a window seat without paying an additional fee. However, there was an extra charge for the window seat on the Delhi to Toronto portion as said before. What truly appealed to me was the absence of layovers outside India, eliminating the need for temporary or transit visas. I decided to book directly in an effort to save unnecessary stress.
- Air Canada, British Airways and Emirates all offered flights on September 11th, 2023, with tickets above Rs. 150,000 and layovers in places like Dubai, Poland and London. Notably, the cost of the Air India flight I booked was around Rs. 96,000 at 02:30 IST on that day, but it had risen to Rs. 112,000 by 07:00 IST.
- Even with the stopover in Delhi, my total travel will take just 21 hours. While the travel from Delhi to Toronto took 15 hours and 20 minutes, the flight from Hyderabad to Delhi lasted only 2 hours and 20 minutes. An additional 3 hours and 55 minutes were spent waiting in Delhi.
- In addition to an 8 kilogram cabin bag and an extra laptop bag, I was given a substantial baggage limit of 23+23 kg for two checked bags.
- My personal experience has taught me that flight costs can change. As a result, I advise doing some research before purchasing your tickets to find the greatest prices with better deals.
Step 4: Select your Flight
Choose the flight that best fits your interests and financial situation after giving it some thought. To prevent any booking errors, be sure to double-check all the information, including the travel dates and times, departure and arrival airports, and other relevant details.
Step 5: Enter Passenger Information while Booking Flight
To book your flight, you’ll need to provide the following passenger information:
- Full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Passport number and expiration date
- Contact information (email address and phone number)
- Any special requests or requirements (e.g., dietary restrictions, wheelchair assistance)
Step 6: Review and Confirm during Booking Flight
Make sure all the information you’ve entered is accurate before submitting your booking. Your trip dates, passenger information, and the schedule of your flight are all included. Read the booking terms and conditions, as well as the airline’s cancellation and refund policies, carefully.
Step 7: Payment
Go to the payment page when you’ve read everything and are satisfied with your selections. Normally, you can pay with a credit card or another type of accepted payment. To finish the transaction safely, adhere to the on-screen instructions.
Step 8: Receive Your E-Ticket
An e-ticket will be sent to you through email following a successful transaction. The information on this electronic ticket, which serves as your confirmation, includes your booking reference number, the schedule for your flight, and a receipt. Keep a printed copy of this e-ticket handy for your trip, and be sure to save it.
Step 9: Visa and Documentation
Remember that a valid visa and other documents are required for international travel to Canada. Make sure you have all required visas and travel permits, such as a work permit or a study a permit, well in advance of your scheduled departure.
Step 10: Pack and Prepare
Start packing as your departure date draws near and get ready for your trip. Utilize the airline’s website or mobile app to check the status of your flight and any last-minute changes.
Conclusion:
Purchasing airline tickets doesn’t have to be a difficult process from India to Canada. You may book your flights with confidence and look forward to an easy and delightful travel by carefully following these step-by-step guidelines and being thorough in your planning. Have a great time exploring Canada and don’t forget to check the most recent COVID-19 regulations and travel advisories before your trip!