Information on IndiGo Flights

IndiGo, based in Gurugram, Haryana, is India’s largest and most popular airline. Known for its efficiency, punctuality and affordability, the low-cost carrier operates more than 2,000 daily flights to 122 destinations, including 88 domestic and 34 international locations. Over the years, IndiGo has become the go-to choice for many travelers in the region.

IndiGo is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who value punctuality and don’t mind sacrificing some comforts for a lower fare. My personal experiences with the airline have mostly been positive, so I keep coming back. Whether you’re flying within India or internationally to the Middle East, Europe, or even the United States through codeshare partners, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your IndiGo experience.

IndiGo economy fare classes

IndiGo operates on a low-cost model, offering primarily economy seats with three fare classes available: Standard, Flexi Plus and Super 6E.

Standard

This is the most basic and budget-friendly option on IndiGo. It’s non-refundable and comes with a 75% change fee. Passengers are entitled to a 15.4-pound (7-kilogram) cabin bag and a check-in baggage allowance of 33.1 pounds (15 kilograms).

Seat selection charges are extra and any changes to bookings come with penalties. If you’re looking to stretch your travel budget, this is the way to go, but I recommend booking this only if your travel plans are set in stone, as changes can be costly.

Flexi Plus

A step up from Standard, the Flexi Plus fare offers more flexibility with lower change fees. It also includes free seat selection and complimentary meals, though the baggage allowances remain the same as Standard. This option is great if your schedule is a bit uncertain – I’ve found it much easier to adjust my travel plans without breaking the bank by choosing Flexi Plus.

Super 6E

If you prefer a little more comfort without splurging on business class, Super 6E is a great choice. It offers wider seats with more legroom, priority boarding and additional in-flight services. I’d suggest booking Super 6E on longer flights when the extra space and perks will definitely make a difference.

IndiGo business class

IndiGo recently launched business class fares, marking a shift towards offering more premium services. Branded as IndiGo Stretch, I find the service quite good for a low-cost carrier, and it’s still a little cheaper than the existing business class options available in the domestic Indian market. IndiGo is planning to launch this on a limited number of flight routes and business class passengers enjoy priority check-in, additional baggage allowance and lounge access at select airports.

Loyalty program

6E Rewards is the current loyalty membership program offered by IndiGo. Every time you book through IndiGo’s website or app as a 6E Rewards member, you earn points that can be redeemed for future flights, making it a valuable option for frequent flyers. While the rewards are modest, they’re a nice bonus if you’re already booking with IndiGo.

IndiGo has announced that it will overhaul 6E Rewards and will rebrand the program as BluChip. Current 6E Rewards members will be migrated to the new program.

IndiGo check-in process

Online check-in is the easiest way to secure your preferred seat, though be prepared to pay extra for window seats or additional legroom. You can select from a limited number of free seats. I usually go for online check-in to avoid the airport rush, and it’s always been smooth sailing.

At the airport, domestic check-in counters close 60 minutes before departure, while international check-in closes 75 minutes before. The airline advises passengers to arrive at the airport two hours before domestic flights and four hours before international flights. Priority check-in is available for a small fee, which can be worthwhile for those looking to expedite the process.

I advise coming to the airport three hours before a flight with IndiGo. Check-in counters are easy to navigate, and there are multiple counters at busy airports, but lines can still be lengthy, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

IndiGo is one of the most on-time airlines and you should not face any serious travel hiccups when flying an IndiGo itinerary. Sometimes your flight may be delayed due to weather or technical problems, as with any airline, but the crews and airport staff are very kind and helpful. They will always talk with you respectfully and never raise their voices, so be kind to them in return.

Inflight experience on IndiGo

IndiGo maintains a no-frills approach to its in-flight services, consistent with its low-cost model.

Seating in economy class is standard with minimal recline and legroom, typical of budget airlines. On longer flights, I’ve found it worthwhile to upgrade to Super 6E for the extra space. It’s not luxury, but it makes a difference on those longer hauls.

In keeping with its low-cost model, IndiGo mainly serves cold meals and pre-packaged snacks. The airline does not have in-flight ovens, so hot meals are not available. As IndiGo expands its premium offerings, particularly with the introduction of business class, it may consider adding hot meal options. The Airbus A321XLR, expected to be part of the IndiGo fleet in the future, might also come equipped with ovens and enhanced amenities.

IndiGo does not provide seatback screens but has recently started trialing an in-flight entertainment system accessible via the IndiGo app. Available on select domestic routes, this service offers around 200 hours of content, including popular movies, blockbuster TV Shows and more. For now, passengers are advised to bring their own devices and chargers, as USB ports are not available on all aircraft.

IndiGo partners and alliances

IndiGo is not part of any major airline alliance, such as Star Alliance, oneworld or SkyTeam. However, it has codeshare agreements with several airlines, allowing passengers to book flights to Europe, the Middle East and beyond under a single reservation. This arrangement simplifies travel by ensuring that luggage is checked through to the final destination and by providing some protection against missed connections.

I use this to my advantage for flights to Europe via Istanbul. It’s not exactly seamless but far better than checking in again with another airline during connections.

IndiGo credit cards

IndiGo has partnered with HDFC Bank and Kotak Bank to offer co-branded credit cards under the 6E Rewards program. Both these cards come with annual fees in two classes: 6E Rewards and 6E Rewards XL.

The 6E Rewards card is a basic card with an annual fee with either HDFC or Kotak. Cardholders receive a free air ticket as a joining bonus, along with rewards on IndiGo purchases. It’s decent if you fly frequently with IndiGo, but I’ve found better value in broader travel rewards cards.

The 6E Rewards XL Card comes with more perks, including lounge access, and is better suited to those who travel a lot. The annual fee is higher with both banks, but it could be worthwhile for you if you value lounge access and would otherwise pay for that.

All these cards come with the one-time joining reward of a free air ticket. If you choose 6E Rewards XL you can get 8 complimentary domestic lounge access passes with either bank and 12 golf lessons with HDFC bank.

While these cards may offer some benefits for frequent IndiGo travelers, I would choose other premium travel cards over these specific co-branded cards. General travel cards offer better perks and rewards and include a wider variety of earning opportunities.

IndiGo pet policy

Unfortunately, IndiGo doesn’t allow any pets in the cabin or cargo hold, so you can’t fly with a furry friend on this airline. The only animal exception on IndiGo is for certain service animals, like guide dogs. However, even for these, you will need to meet a series of requirements noted by the airline.

To be sure you will be able to fly with a service animal, if needed, and not miss your flight for being denied boarding, I recommend checking with the airline directly before booking any flight if this applies to you.