India Domestic Airline ticket taxes and fees

Taxes and Fees on Indian Airline Tickets

When booking a domestic flight in India, the final price you pay often includes various taxes and fees, which can significantly inflate the base fare. Understanding these additional charges can help you better appreciate the costs involved and possibly influence your travel planning and budgeting. Here's a breakdown of what typically constitutes the taxes and fees on an Indian domestic airline ticket.

Base Fare and Airline Charges

The base fare is the fundamental cost of the airline ticket, determined by the airline based on demand, route competition, and other commercial factors. On top of this, airlines may add charges for fuel, which although significantly lower than in the past due to deregulation, might still be listed separately on some tickets as a fuel surcharge.

Government Taxes and Fees

The Indian government levies several taxes and fees on air travel, which are automatically included in your ticket price:

GST on flight tickets in India

1. Goods and Services Tax (GST)

GST is applied to the base fare and substantially impacts the overall ticket price. The rate depends on the class of travel:

• Economy class is charged at 5%.
• Business class is charged at 12%.

2. Passenger Service Fee (PSF)

The PSF is charged by the airport to cover the security and passenger facilities provided. As of now, this fee generally stands at INR 150 per passenger for each sector.

3. User Development Fee (UDF)

UDF is levied by airports and varies widely depending on the airport you are flying from. This fee goes towards the development and maintenance of airport facilities. For example, passengers flying out of major metro airports like Delhi and Mumbai might pay more compared to those flying from smaller regional airports.

4. Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) Fee

To promote air connectivity to smaller cities, the government has initiated the RCS, under which a nominal fee is levied on each ticket. This fee is usually around INR 5,000 per flight and is aimed at subsidizing the cost of operations on less profitable routes.

Airline-Specific Charges

1. Meal and Seat Selection Fees

These are optional charges that passengers may incur if they choose added comforts or conveniences, such as meal preferences or specific seat selections. Airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and others typically offer these services at an additional cost which varies depending on the service and the duration of the flight.

2. Baggage Fees

Most airlines provide a standard baggage allowance, but charges for extra baggage can significantly increase the cost of travel. These fees are set by the airlines and can vary.

Understanding the components that make up the total cost of your flight ticket is key to becoming a savvy traveler. While the base fare often draws in customers with seemingly low prices, the additional taxes and fees can lead to a much higher total cost. Being aware of these charges not only helps in comparing prices more effectively but also in planning your travel budget more accurately. Always check the fare breakdown before booking to ensure there are no surprises, and consider these costs when planning your trips within India.

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Transporting Refrigerated Medication on India Flights

How To Travel With Medicine That Needs To Stay Cold

Traveling with medication that requires refrigeration adds an extra layer of complexity to your journey, especially when navigating India's diverse landscapes and bustling airports. Whether you're exploring the majestic Himalayas or soaking up the sun in Goa, here are essential tips for safely packing and transporting cold-chain medications for air travel, whether in your handbag or checked bags.

Affordable Eye and Ear Drops in India Attracting NRIs
Eye and ear drops are notably more affordable in India, prompting many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to bring them back home. Among these medications are Latanoprost, Azasite, and Chloramphenicol, which require refrigeration for proper storage.

Understanding Your Medication

Before embarking on your journey, it's crucial to understand the specific requirements of your medication. Some drugs, such as insulin, certain vaccines, eye drops, and biologics, need to be stored within a narrow temperature range to maintain their effectiveness. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance on proper storage and transportation.

Choose the Right Packaging

Invest in insulated containers or travel coolers designed to maintain cold temperatures for an extended period. These containers are typically equipped with gel packs or ice packs that help regulate the temperature inside, providing a safe environment for your medication during transit.

Can you take ice packs on a plane for medication?

Yes, you can take ice packs on a plane for medication. They are allowed in carry-on or checked bags to keep medication cool. Make sure to inform security and pack them properly to prevent leaks or spills.

How do you pack cold medicine for travel?

When traveling, pack cold medicine in your carry-on bag for safety. Keep medications in original containers and place them in a labeled plastic bag within a cooling container. This ensures security and ease of access during your journey.

Plan Ahead for Air Travel

When flying within India, plan your travel itinerary with your medication in mind. Opt for direct flights whenever possible to minimize the time your medication spends outside of refrigeration. Additionally, inform airline staff about your medical condition and the need to carry refrigerated medication to ensure smooth security checks and boarding procedures.

Handbag or Checked Bags: Know Your Options

Deciding whether to carry your medication in your handbag or checked bags depends on several factors, including the duration of your flight, the availability of in-flight refrigeration, and the size of your medication supply. As a general rule, it's recommended to keep your medication close at hand in your carry-on bag to maintain control over its temperature and accessibility.

Tips for Handbag Storage

If storing your medication in your handbag, use a compact insulated pouch or mini cooler to keep it secure and protected from temperature fluctuations. Place gel packs or frozen water bottles alongside your medication to maintain cold temperatures throughout your journey. Remember to inform security personnel about your refrigerated medication during screening processes.

Considerations for Checked Bags

If you must stow your medication in checked luggage, take extra precautions to ensure its safety. Pack your medication in a sturdy insulated container and place it in the center of your suitcase surrounded by clothing or towels for additional insulation. Label the container clearly with a "Medical Supplies" sticker to alert baggage handlers to its importance.

Monitor Temperature Throughout Your Journey

Stay vigilant about monitoring the temperature of your medication throughout your journey. Carry a portable thermometer to periodically check the temperature inside your insulated container and adjust as needed by adding or removing gel packs.

Emergency Preparedness

In case of unexpected delays or emergencies, carry extra medication doses and a backup cooling method, such as instant cold packs or a portable refrigerator. Familiarize yourself with local pharmacies and medical facilities at your destination in case you need assistance replenishing your medication supply.

Which drugs require cold storage?

Injections Requiring Pharmaceutical Cold Storage: Some pharmaceuticals are safe to store at room temperature for a limited time, typically around a month. However, beyond this period, refrigeration becomes essential to preserve their integrity. Here are some examples:

• Insulin
• Victoza
• Botox
• Humira
• Byetta
• All vaccines
• Caverject

Tablets Requiring Refrigeration: While tablets are often associated with room temperature storage, certain medications necessitate refrigeration to maintain their potency. These include:

• Alkeran
• VePesid
• Leukeran

Ear and Eye Drops Requiring Refrigeration: Even liquids for topical use like ear and eye drops require refrigeration in some cases to prevent degradation. Notable examples are:

• Azasite
• Chloramphenicol
• Latanoprost

Refrigeration Isn’t Just for Medicine: It's not only medications that require refrigeration; biological materials like blood, tissue, and organs also depend on it for preservation. For instance, clinical trials and biological samples must be stored at extremely low temperatures, such as -150 degrees Celsius, for a minimum of 10 days to maintain their viability.

Ensuring proper storage conditions for pharmaceuticals and biological materials is essential to uphold their efficacy and safety standards. Whether it's vaccines, tablets, or biological samples, maintaining the cold chain is crucial in the healthcare industry.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with medication that requires refrigeration requires careful planning and preparation, but with the right strategies in place, you can ensure the safety and efficacy of your treatment while exploring the wonders of India. By following these essential travel tips and taking proactive measures to protect your medication, you can embark on your journey with confidence and peace of mind. Safe travels!

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Can we claim GST on flight tickets in India?

Navigating GST on Flight Tickets in India: What You Need to Know

As travelers, we're often on the lookout for ways to make our journeys more cost-effective. One question that frequently arises is whether we can claim Goods and Services Tax (GST) on flight tickets in India.

What Does Your Airline Ticket Really Cost: The Breakdown
The total price of a flight ticket comprises the base fare, fees, and taxes. Beyond the base fare, additional fees and taxes are included in the total amount, ensuring transparency and providing travelers with a comprehensive understanding of the cost associated with their journey.

Let's delve into this topic to understand the ins and outs of GST and its applicability to air travel.

Understanding GST:

Goods and Services Tax, commonly known as GST, is an indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services. Introduced in India in 2017, GST replaced multiple indirect taxes to streamline the taxation system and promote ease of doing business.

GST on Flight Tickets:

When it comes to air travel, GST is applicable to the sale of flight tickets. The applicable GST rate on domestic and international flight tickets varies, with different rates for economy class, business class, and first class.

Can You Claim GST on Flight Tickets?

While GST is levied on the purchase of flight tickets, travelers typically cannot claim input tax credit (ITC) for the GST paid on these tickets. Input tax credit allows businesses to claim a credit for the GST they pay on their purchases, reducing their overall tax liability. However, since flight tickets are generally purchased for personal or non-business purposes, claiming ITC on them is not permissible.

What are the GST rates for international flights in India?

 Understanding the GST Rates for International Flight Tickets and Input Tax Credit: For travelers flying Economy class, a 5% GST rate applies to international travel. Meanwhile, Business and Premium Economy class passengers are subject to a 12% GST rate." 

Exceptions and Special Circumstances:

There are certain exceptions and special circumstances where GST on flight tickets may be eligible for input tax credit. For instance, if the flight tickets are purchased for business-related travel or by a company for its employees, input tax credit may be claimable, subject to compliance with GST regulations and documentation requirements.

In summary, while GST is applicable to the purchase of flight tickets in India, claiming input tax credit on these tickets is generally not permissible for individual travelers. However, businesses may be eligible to claim input tax credit in certain circumstances, such as for business-related travel expenses. It's essential to consult with a tax advisor or financial expert for personalized guidance regarding GST implications and compliance.

As you plan your travels and manage your finances, understanding the nuances of GST on flight tickets can help you make informed decisions and navigate the taxation landscape with confidence.

Indigo Refund 

In case of a missed flights/ no show, all statutory taxes and User Development Fee (UDF)/Airport Development Fee (ADF)/ Passenger Service Fee (PSF) will be refunded.

To claim No-Show taxes, please click on 'Edit Booking' and enter your booking reference number and email id.

Air India Ticket Refund 

Restrictions on Mercury-Filled Thermometers on Indian Flights

Ban on Mercury-Filled Thermometers on Indian Flights

Travelers heading to or from India with certain items need to be aware of specific restrictions that impact what can be brought aboard flights. A key restriction that often goes unnoticed until the last moment involves mercury-filled items like thermometers and barometers.

However, most modern liquid-filled thermometers now use alcohol instead of mercury, and thus are not subject to the restrictions.

Why the Restriction?

Mercury-filled thermometers and similar devices are prohibited on flights in India due to the inherent risks associated with mercury, a substance that can be highly dangerous. These instruments contain mercury that could potentially leak when subjected to the changes in pressure and temperature typical of air travel. Such a leak could pose serious safety hazards, including contamination and the risk of fire.

The Science Behind the Rule

The concern primarily lies with mercury’s properties and behavior under flight conditions. As an aircraft ascends or descends, significant changes in temperature and pressure occur. Mercury, being highly sensitive to such changes, can expand or contract, potentially leading to a breach in the containment of the thermometer or barometer. This could release mercury vapor into the cabin, a toxiac substance harmful to both passengers and the environment.

Mercury has a corrosive effect on aluminum, which is a primary material used in aircraft construction. Should a mercury thermometer break aboard an aircraft, the released mercury could start to corrode the aluminum components. This corrosion can be severe and, if not addressed promptly, could potentially compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft, leading to catastrophic outcomes. Therefore, the presence of mercury on aircraft is not only hazardous but could also be destructive if containment fails.

Alternative Solutions

Travelers needing to measure temperature or atmospheric pressure can opt for digital devices, which are safe and permissible on flights. These alternatives do not contain mercury and thus pose no risk in terms of leakage or toxicity.

Practical Tips for Compliance

• Check your devices: Before packing, ensure that none of your items contain mercury.
• Seek alternatives: Opt for digital or alcohol-filled thermometers.
• Stay informed: Regulations may update or change, so checking the latest travel guidelines from your airline or the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is prudent.

Thermometers requiring mercury have largely been phased out. None of the medical or culinary items in our home contain mercury anymore.

While the restrictions on mercury-filled thermometers and other such items might complicate preparations for some travelers, they are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers aboard. By opting for safer alternatives and staying informed about travel regulations, you can ensure a smooth and safe journey on Indian flights.

Which Indian Flights Have TV Screens?

In Flight Entertainment in India Flights

 

When flying, in-flight entertainment can be a major factor in the overall travel experience, especially on longer routes. Many passengers prefer airlines that provide individual TV screens, allowing them to enjoy movies, TV shows, and other multimedia content. Let's explore the availability of TV screens on some of India's major airlines: Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo.

Air India

Air India, the flag carrier airline of India, offers a relatively consistent in-flight entertainment experience across its long-haul fleet. Most of its international aircraft are equipped with personal TV screens in both Economy and Business class. Passengers can enjoy a variety of movies, TV shows, and music options. 

For domestic flights, the availability of personal screens varies, and passengers might find this feature primarily on newer or recently refurbished aircraft.

Vistara

Vistara, known for its premium service, provides personal TV screens on many of its aircraft. This feature is commonly available on its international flights, particularly those operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A321neo aircraft. On these flights, passengers can access a wide range of entertainment options on their personal screens. 

However, for domestic routes, especially on short-haul flights, the availability of personal screens is limited to certain aircraft types.

IndiGo

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by passenger numbers, operates primarily on a low-cost carrier model. This means that while it offers competitive fares, it generally does not provide personal TV screens across its fleet. Instead, IndiGo focuses on maintaining a lean cost structure and quick turnaround times, which typically preclude such amenities. 

However, IndiGo does offer a streaming service where passengers can access entertainment on their own devices via an onboard Wi-Fi network.

SpiceJet

SpiceJet, another prominent low-cost carrier in India, does not generally offer personal TV screens. Similar to IndiGo, SpiceJet provides a content streaming service where passengers can access entertainment through their own devices via an onboard Wi-Fi connection.

GoAir (now Go First) (insolvency)

GoAir, which has rebranded itself as Go First, operates under a low-cost model and does not include personal TV screens in its in-flight amenities. The airline focuses on economical fares and efficient operations, thus, personal screens are not part of their service offerings.

 The provision of personal TV screens on Indian flights varies by airline and often by the type of aircraft and the route being flown. Air India and Vistara offer a more traditional in-flight entertainment experience with personal screens on many of their longer and international routes. In contrast, IndiGo opts for a more modern approach by providing content streaming to personal devices, reflecting its low-cost business model. For travelers for whom in-flight entertainment is important, it is advisable to check the specific aircraft and services while booking their tickets.