I strongly advise against choosing Indigo Airlines if you have other options available. If you must fly with them, ensure you arrive at least two hours before your departure time. My recent experience at Vizag Airport was terrible, and I feel completely cheated.
I booked my tickets just one day before the journey, and the fare was already double the usual price. Despite completing web check-in, due to unforeseen circumstances, we arrived at the airport 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time, rather than the recommended one hour. Upon reaching the counter to collect our boarding passes, we were bluntly informed that the gate was closed and there was nothing they could do.
It became evident that this denial was intentional. I had booked a morning flight at 8:40 AM, and the next available flight was at 12:25 PM, with over 30 seats available. It felt like they purposely denied us boarding just to make more money by forcing us onto the later flight. We were charged an additional ₹2, 500 per ticket. To add to the frustration, we couldn’t even purchase these tickets immediately; we had to wait until 11:25 AM—just one hour before the flight’s departure—to secure them. This process was confusing and frustrating.
When we were initially denied boarding, the staff told us we were late and should have arrived at least an hour before, even with web check-in. However, after being forced to wait, we were suddenly allowed to proceed through the entire process, including security checks, within that same one-hour window. This inconsistency in their process was baffling.
My 10-year-old daughter was in tears after we were denied boarding, and the behavior of the Indigo staff was shockingly rude and insensitive. While we understand that we were late, they could have at least treated us with some courtesy.
It’s clear to me that this was a deliberate attempt to profit from us by filling up the 12:25 PM flight. I’ve seen different treatment from other airlines in similar situations—for example, SpiceJet staff at Chennai Airport helped passengers who arrived at the last minute by carrying their luggage and getting them onto the flight.
In the end, we’re all human beings. I urge Indigo Airlines to consider the feelings of their passengers and strive to treat people with respect and understanding, even in challenging situations.