To package flights profitably, you must understand how airline pricing works. Airlines use a yield management system — prices change dynamically based on demand, booking window, seat availability, and competitor pricing.
Booking Classes and Fare Buckets
Airlines divide inventory into fare buckets, labeled by booking class (Y, B, M, K, etc.). Each class carries different rules on refunds, changes, upgrades, and earning potential for frequent flyer miles.
Domestic Routing Strategy
India's domestic aviation market is highly competitive, which creates great opportunities for smart packaging.
Common Hub-and-Spoke Routing for Packages
• Delhi (DEL) — Gateway to Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Uttarakhand.
• Mumbai (BOM) — Gateway to Goa, Maharashtra, connections to Lakshadweep.
• Chennai (MAA) / Bengaluru (BLR) — Gateway to Andamans, Kerala, Tamil Nadu temples.
• Kolkata (CCU) — Gateway to Sikkim, Darjeeling, Northeastern India, Bhutan.
International Flight Packaging Tips
1. Always check multi-city options — Delhi–Dubai–Maldives–Delhi can be cheaper than two separate round trips.
2. Use open-jaw routing: Fly into Bangkok, fly out of Phuket — reduces internal transfers and adds value.
3. Consider layover upsells: A 10-hour Dubai layover can be packaged as a half-day Dubai city tour for approx. INR 3,500 per person.
4. Budget airlines like Air Arabia, Flydubai, IndiGo international, and AirAsia are great for Southeast Asia packages.
Group Air Contracting
For groups of 10 or more passengers, negotiate directly with airline group desks. Most airlines offer:
• Hold without payment (HWP) for 7–14 days on group PNRs.
• Name-change flexibility up to departure.
• Reduced deposits versus individual bookings.
• Free seats (typically 1 free for every 10 or 15 paying passengers, depending on airline).
Agent Action: Group Air Negotiation Checklist
1. Minimum group size should be 10 pax on domestic, 8–10 pax on international
2. Request quote from airline group desk with your preferred dates ±3 days
3. Ask for Hold Without Payment (HWP) period
4. Confirm name-change policy and final name deadline
5. Confirm free seat policy and applicable fare class
6. Request written confirmation with PNR and fare basis