Air Deccan is India?s First NO-FRILLS AIRLINE .
Its very remarkable that Mr.C.R.Gopinath could pioneer such an airline with no additional fringe attached.
Daughter, my husband & myself traveled by Air Deccan from Bangalore To Chennai this February 2004 when it had just launched. Normally we prefer Shatabdi or Mail, but due to emergency purpose we opted for this. I was apprehensive initially as none of our family members or friends had traveled in this. But to my surprise, it was very comfortable and gives value for money.
For Adults they charged 1000rs to Chennai and for my 3-year-old kid Rs 500. (She needs a separate seat, as airlines don?t allow children above 2 years to be seated in parent?s lap).
The booking was extremely simple. We just have to log on their site i.e. https://airdeccan.net
All the details of flight schedule are mentioned. Once we are sure of which flight to take, we can book through Internet. We have to mention our credit card number along with other specified details like name of the passenger, date of travel, flight number etc. Once that is done, processing begins and the confirmation is immediate. Air Deccan issues e-ticket, which is very simple and extremely convenient. We have to take a PRINT OUT of the ticket and THAT?S IT.
This is indeed revolution as far as domestic air travel is concerned.
The aircraft in which we traveled was a small aircraft (ATR-42-320) and not the usual airbus. It took 45minutes to reach Chennai. The flight was full with passengers. There was only one airhostess. Since, they operate on cost-cutting ideology, they serve only water. Other snacks like sandwiches, peanuts, cakes etc have to be purchased if needed by the passenger. Again the menu card printout is passed to all the passengers.
It?s a boon as we can travel in time without paying unnecessarily.
Air Deccan connects to all the southern cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Hubli, Mangalore etc.Recently it flies to Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati.
Now a days, when other airlines like Jet Airways, Indian Airlines, Sahara Airlines have started the APEX & SUPER-APEX SCHEME, Air Deccan has managed to stay in the competition by offering DYNAMIC DATES SCHEME.
This is the BEST PART as the rates of the flight to the same destination change according to date we book the tickets. For e.g. I have booked a ticket for my forthcoming trip to Mumbai on 23rd Dec 2004 (I had to as there is vacation rush). I have paid Rs 2450 and for my kid Rs 2160. I was offered a ticket on 18 Dec at a price of Rs 1800 only and much lesser for my child. The REASON is WINTER VACATION has not yet begun. But my daughter?s School (studying in pre-nursery only) holidays begin only from 22nd December.
I did not want her to miss exams for this sake. So I settled for the date of my choice. Also I was told that on 25 December being Christmas EVE , not many people travel and so l would get a discounted fare of Rs 2000 only. But I just want to be with my family in Mumbai and the 2 days are very precious for me as the school reopens on 2nd January 2005.
Up till 72 hrs of traveling, 10% of basic fare + transaction fee is cut if cancellation has to be made. Also to re-schedule (postpone/advance) a journey, you will have to cancel your current booking and make fresh booking.
Since it offers flexibility in rates according to the dates, one can travel by this airline comfortably. I AM ALL FOR IT.