Flying internationally on a low-cost carrier after years of full-service luxury is certainly a reality check. Having flown international routes exclusively on full-service carriers like Air India, Cathay Pacific, Oman Air, Kuwait Airways, Uzbekistan Airways, and SriLankan Airlines, I decided to test out IndiGo for my latest trip from Pune to Bangkok via Kolkata.
My return ticket cost approximately ₹28,500 per person. Here is my complete breakdown of the experience, including a secret booking hack, lounge visits using the Amex Platinum Charge Card, and what it’s actually like to fly budget across borders.
The WhatsApp Booking Hack: Saving on Convenience Fees
When booking tickets online, adding extra convenience fees right at the final payment step can be frustrating. That is precisely what happened during my booking—seeing the added fee made me cancel the process on the website altogether.
Within minutes of abandoning the transaction, I received a message on WhatsApp from IndiGo’s official account prompting me to complete the booking via chat. By continuing through their official WhatsApp channel, I secured a major discount on the convenience fee. While it might seem like a modest saving for a solo traveler, these savings quickly compound if you are booking for a family or group.
Pro-Tip on Seat Selection: I opted out of paid seat selection and let the system auto-assign my seats. Right before check-in, only middle seats showed up as free. I took the gamble, skipped paying for seats, and surprisingly got auto-assigned window seats on both legs of the journey without paying extra!
Pune Airport’s New Integrated Terminal (NITB)
Departing from Pune is a vastly upgraded experience thanks to the operational New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB).
Space & Ambience: The new terminal solves the cramped conditions of the old terminal, offering lofty ceilings, modern aesthetics, improved seating layouts, and faster security processing.
Navigation: Clear signage and streamlined check-in counters make international transfers and domestic departures far more seamless than before.
Airport Lounge Reviews via Amex Platinum Charge Card
1. Elysian Lounge – Pune Airport (NITB)
Before boarding the domestic leg, I visited the Elysian Lounge located airside in the new terminal.
Access: Complimentary access via the American Express Platinum Charge Card.
Experience: Modern interior decor, comfortable seating, fast Wi-Fi, and clean rest areas. The buffet spread provided hot food options, refreshing beverages, and quick bites, making it a peaceful refuge before boarding.
2. Travel Club Lounge – Kolkata Airport (CCU)
During the layover in Kolkata, I accessed the Travel Club Lounge in Terminal 2 (International Departures) near Gate 10.
Access: Complimentary entry using the Amex Platinum Charge Card.
Experience: Well-lit mezzanine space featuring comfortable recliner-style seating, dining tables, and dedicated work stations. The buffet featured a selection of hot Indian entrees, cold snacks, desserts, and non-alcoholic drinks—perfect to relax before an overnight flight.
Leg 1: Pune (PNQ) to Kolkata (CCU)
Schedule: Departs around 5:30 PM.
Flight Performance: Boarding was structured, departure was strictly on time, and the aircraft landed in Kolkata right on schedule.
Onboard Experience: As expected on a budget airline, there were no complimentary meals, drinks, or seatback screens. The cabin was clean, and the flight was smooth for a 2.5-hour domestic hop.
Leg 2: Kolkata (CCU) to Bangkok (BKK)
Flight Performance: Punctuality remained top-notch with an on-time departure from Kolkata and an on-time arrival in Bangkok.
Onboard Experience: The international leg offered the standard no-frills A320/A321 cabin layout. There was no inflight entertainment (IFE) system, no free meals, and no complimentary beverages. Pre-buying meals or downloading offline entertainment onto personal mobile devices is essential for this leg.
Double-Dipping Rewards: Axis Atlas 5x Miles + IndiGo BluChips
Direct app/web bookings unlock a channel bonus.
Arrival at Bangkok: Quick Immigration & Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) Experience
Final Verdict: Is Flying LCC Internationally Worth It?
Moving from full-service international carriers—with complimentary dining, free-flowing drinks, and personal seatback screens—to a low-cost carrier like IndiGo is certainly a transition.
IndiGo delivers precisely what it promises: punctual, safe, and efficient point-to-point transportation. If you prioritize budget and strict timelines over inflight luxury, it gets the job done reliably well.
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