Find cheap IndiGo flights

IndiGo (6E) is India’s largest and most preferred passenger airline. Despite being a low-cost, primarily domestic carrier, it is the largest passenger airline in India by passengers carried and fleet size.

The airline concentrates its traffic flow from seven operating bases at Indian airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kochi. I’ve found IndiGo to be a pleasant and service-oriented airline in India, and a solid low-cost carrier globally.

Pre-flight experience

Here’s what you need to know about the airport experience when flying with IndiGo.

Baggage policy and fees

Many IndiGo fares include 15 kg / 33 lbs of checked baggage on domestic routes, though excess or additional baggage requires a fee. You can save money by booking online in advance, whether as part of a premium ticket package or by paying for bags à la carte. Rates are always more expensive at the airport, though this is relative since India is a very cheap country for most foreign travelers.

In theory, IndiGo strictly limits the size and weight of items you carry onboard, which like most airlines comprise a carry-on bag or suitcase and a small personal item like a purse or laptop bag.

However, I’ve personally found enforcement of this pretty lax, though you should read up on guidelines for your flight just in case. If you end up having to pay to check your bag, prices are pretty low by international standards.

Check-in

As a general rule, you’ll want to checkin online and get a mobile or printed boarding pass when flying IndiGo. Airport check-in is typically only possible if you have a special situation (such as needing wheelchair assistance), or if you’ve experienced a technical error during online check-in.

In most cases, the only services at the airport are bag check counters. This is another reason I recommend pre-paying for your bags. Travelers who’ve prepaid for bags can use self-service kiosks at available airports like Delhi and Mumbai to print baggage tags and use the automated Self Baggage Drop facility. If you need to pay at the airport, you’ll have to wait for an agent, and there are usually only a few on hand.

Cabin class, seats & legroom

IndiGo operates an all economy-class configuration across its A320, A321, and ATR fleet, though its leased Boeing 787-9 and 777 aircraft for long-haul routes feature dual-class cabins including business class. IndiGo’s standard economy seats are relatively generous compared to many low-cost carriers.

Like most budget airlines, IndiGo charges extra for preferred seats including those with additional legroom, window seats, and aisle seats. The fee amount varies by sector (domestic vs. international) and aircraft type rather than specific routes. I usually find this worth the cost on longer routes to Bangkok or Baku, but less important on short domestic sectors like Mumbai-Goa or Delhi-Chennai.

IndiGo designates certain seats as XL with extra legroom (bulkhead and exit rows), which may offer significantly more space to spread out.

6E Prime

IndiGo sells bundles under the name “6E Prime” that include limited standard seat selection, a snack combo, and Fast Forward service. If you plan to purchase these add-ons, you can often save money using 6E Prime instead of paying à la carte, with packages starting at ₹999 (and no, it has nothing to do with Amazon, though I can understand the confusion).

IndiGo Stretch

IndiGo has launched IndiGoStretch as its tailor-made business product on select routes and aircraft. Though marketed as business class, the product features the RECARO R5 seat in a 2-2 configuration with a 38-inch pitch, 21.3-inch width, and 5-inch recline, along with a six-way adjustable headrest, electronic device holder, 60W USB-C charging, and universal power outlet.

It’s more comparable to domestic US first class. Importantly, IndiGoStretch is available on select Airbus A321neo aircraft and also on leased Boeing 787-9 long-haul services. You won’t be able to select IndiGoStretch if you’re flying on an A320, which continues to offer all-economy seating.

IndiGo Stretch appears designed to complement the carrier’s long-haul growth plans with deliveries of the Airbus A350-900 fleet expected in the coming years. The theory is that business class travelers from Europe, North America, Asia or Australia could connect to a domestic business class product on select Indian domestic or short-haul regional routes. However, the airline hasn’t shared full details on this yet.

Food and drink on IndiGo

Food and beverage on IndiGo aren’t complimentary on most flights, except for IndiGoStretch passengers who get curated meals included on select routes. Some specific long-haul routes may include complimentary meals as announced. The easiest approach is pre-purchasing your food and drink at booking or online before travel through bundles like 6E Seat & Eat, which offers savings compared to buying separately.

You can also buy food onboard using a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or Indian rupee (INR) cash. However, while pre-booked items are prioritized, availability isn’t guaranteed (IndiGo may substitute items or provide refunds if your selection is unavailable).

IndiGo’s food service varies by flight duration. Routes under 30 minutes have limited items available. Routes under 60 minutes offer most items except hot food and beverages. Flights over 60 minutes include the full menu with hot items. If you’re flying a shorter route, I highly recommend eating before you go to the airport or buying something in the terminal once you’ve cleared security.

I’m a huge fan of Indian food, and find that IndiGo’s inflight snacks tend to be delicious by inflight food standards. The airline has recently revamped its menu with new regional favorites and “IndiGo Classics.” I’ve enjoyed the vegetable samosas and the chickpea curry wrap, though menus do change over time. IndiGo’s flight attendants are kind and attentive. Very few things are free on IndiGo, but a smile always is.

Onboard experience

Here’s what you can expect once you’re on an IndiGo flight.

Wi-Fi & entertainment

IndiGo currently offers wireless, device-based inflight entertainment through its Hello6E network on selected routes and fleets, accessible via the IndiGo app.

While IndiGo’s A320, A321 and ATR aircraft don’t feature seatback entertainment monitors, the leased Boeing 787-9 aircraft used for long-haul services include personal entertainment systems for passengers.

Amenities

IndiGo sells comfort items like neck pillows, eye masks and blankets as add-ons, either online when you book or onboard (if available). On Norse-operated long-haul flights, pillows and blankets are complimentary for IndiGoStretch and Stretch+ customers.

Since IndiGo primarily flies domestic and short-haul regional routes, I don’t usually bother with these. However, if you’re flying a longer route to a destination like Bali (DPS) or Istanbul (IST), it might make sense to buy a pillow or blanket.

6E Rewards loyalty program

IndiGo’s frequent flyer program 6E Rewards has a unique business model: it’s exclusively available through co-branded credit cards which require both a joining fee and an annual renewal fee (typically INR 500-2500 depending on the card variant). I personally find this an unappealing way to achieve passenger loyalty.

If you do end up joining the program through a credit card, you’ll receive a complimentary IndiGo air ticket voucher as a welcome benefit (valid for base fare after completing three transactions in each of the first three months). Additional perks include complimentary domestic airport lounge access (up to eight visits annually on XL variants), discounted convenience fees on IndiGo bookings, and 6E Rewards points earned on spending.

Lounges

IndiGo doesn’t operate any of its own lounges, though that may change when it launches longhaul flights. For now, there are a few ways IndiGo passengers can get lounge access.

The most direct way is to purchase access through IndiGo, which sells “Lounge Services” passes to partner facilities like Encalm Lounges at select airports including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa. These lounges tend to be basic by international standards, with buffet-style dining and a limited selection of soft drinks. Still, if you want to stretch your legs in a less crowded space, they might be worth the splurge.

Another option? If you have a Priority Pass membership and are flying from an airport with a participating lounge, you can access it before your IndiGo flight.

IndiGo credit card

If you’re a resident of India, you may be able to get an IndiGo credit card through HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, or IDFC FIRST Bank. In addition to earning IndiGo BluChips on spending, these cards offer discounted convenience fees on IndiGo flight bookings (typically ₹150 per passenger) and accelerated reward earnings (up to 5-6% or more) on IndiGo channels. Additional benefits often include complimentary flight tickets as welcome or milestone rewards and dining vouchers.

However, the benefits aren’t substantial, so you aren’t missing out on much if you can’t get one. You’re better off paying cash for IndiGo tickets and saving your points for flights on more global airlines, though that could change once IndiGo’s long-haul network is up and running.