Money Saving

How to Avoid Hidden Charges on Flights — Save ₹2,000+ Per Booking

Updated June 25, 2026 | 5 min read

That ₹3,000 fare you saw? By the time you checkout, it's ₹5,500. Here's where the extra charges come from — and which ones you can skip.

Common Hidden Charges Breakdown

Charge Typical Amount Can You Avoid It?
Convenience fee₹100-₹500Yes ✓
Seat selection₹200-₹600Yes ✓
Travel insurance₹200-₹500Yes ✓
Pre-booked meal₹300-₹600Yes ✓
SMS/email notification₹50-₹99Yes ✓
Priority boarding₹300-₹500Yes ✓
Taxes & airport charges₹500-₹1,500No ✗

How to Skip Each Charge

  1. Convenience fee: Book on platforms with zero convenience fee like TheBookFlight or book directly on the airline website
  2. Seat selection: Skip it during booking. Get auto-assigned at check-in (free!). Or select during web check-in 48 hours before
  3. Travel insurance: Uncheck the pre-selected insurance box during checkout. Most people don't need it for domestic flights
  4. Meals: Carry your own food. Buy at the airport if needed. Carry an empty water bottle
  5. SMS notifications: You'll get the PNR via email anyway — uncheck the SMS option
  6. Priority boarding: Doesn't save time. All passengers reach the same destination at the same time

The "Total Price" Trick

Some platforms show a low base fare to grab attention, then add charges at checkout. Always look at the final checkout price before comparing platforms. TheBookFlight shows transparent all-inclusive pricing from the start.

No Hidden Charges on TheBookFlight

Search Flights — We show the real price, no surprises at checkout.