AMD -> BLR, First flight in long time, need suggestions

[nayra]

Im planning to book a flight from Ahmedabad to Bangalore for 1st weekend of December.

Its technically my first flight booking experience, and will be second time Im boarding one since more than 8 years when I was a kid, so totally bumpkin in this case. (Have some trauma of security making fun of me for various reasons during checking...)

Please help me in following areas
- Layover vs Direct
I'm getting around 1.2k difference in both of these, as long as there is no major inconvenience I don't mind layover but in this case it's Dabolim, Goa. Not sure of lounge options and other issues.

- Arrival time
What time is best to arrival at BLR? Arrival lounge access wise as well travel - Cab prices, traffic, etc.

- General things to keep in mind
Like rules of flying, baggage, security checking, etc and would be great if anyone could link to a decent blog or tf post regarding same.

- Flight booking
I have RPs on HDFC DCP so will be using Payzapp smartbuy to book, but any advice to use a particular site - Yatra, Cleartrip, Easemytrip, Goibibo if particular advantages.

(Most flights are 200ish more than Google flights so don't mind that
But seeing some > 1k difference for a flight with kiwi.com, never heard of that, but if its legible, looks tempting but I have very less usecases of collected RP so mostly Payzapp.)

- Lounge
Have hdfc platinum and millenia but doesn't seem like they're useful anywhere in this trip based on their lounge list
HDFC DCP
- if time permits departure lounge in Ahmedabad
- Arrival lounge Care by Blr, but doesn't seem to have food which is my main requirement
- T2 arrival seems good but Air India flights are expensive 😭 Indigo for layover and Akasa for direct seem best options but T1.

Most likely will receive tata neu infinity soon so will map them exactly after deciding on flight.

Any other things Im missing?

P.S. Am I overthinking?

 

[okotoki]

Hey there!

First off, it's completely okay to feel a bit anxious about your flight booking, especially since it's been a while for you. Let's try to simplify things step by step.

1. Layover vs Direct: Direct flights are always more convenient as they save time and the hassle of switching planes. Since the price different is not that much, you can opt for the direct flight.
   
   
2. Arrival Time in BLR: Arriving in the morning or early afternoon is generally the best when you factor in cab availability and lesser traffic. There's a good arrival lounge in BLR T2, do check if you've cards which are accepted there. Not sure if there's any arrival lounge in T1.
   
   
3. General Tips: Make sure to check the baggage allowance on your ticket and measure/weight your baggage before leaving to avoid any last-minute hassles. Follow the security instructions provided at the airport and arrive 2-3 hours before your flight. This will give you time to go for a quick lunch at the AMD Lounge.
   
   
4. Flight Booking: Using HDFC Smartbuy is a smart move if you're looking to redeem RPs. Check on Skyscanner OR Wego for best rates.
   
   
5. Lounge Access: HDFC DCP should mostly work in Ahmedabad Lounge.

Hope this helps! Have a great trip to Bangalore! 🌟✈️

 

[nayra]

Hey there!

First off, it's completely okay to feel a bit anxious about your flight booking, especially since it's been a while for you. Let's try to simplify things step by step.

1. Layover vs Direct: Direct flights are always more convenient as they save time and the hassle of switching planes. Since the price different is not that much, you can opt for the direct flight.
   
   
2. Arrival Time in BLR: Arriving in the morning or early afternoon is generally the best when you factor in cab availability and lesser traffic. There's a good arrival lounge in BLR T2, do check if you've cards which are accepted there. Not sure if there's any arrival lounge in T1.
   
   
3. General Tips: Make sure to check the baggage allowance on your ticket and measure/weight your baggage before leaving to avoid any last-minute hassles. Follow the security instructions provided at the airport and arrive 2-3 hours before your flight. This will give you time to go for a quick lunch at the AMD Lounge.
   
   
4. Flight Booking: Using HDFC Smartbuy is a smart move if you're looking to redeem RPs. Check on Skyscanner OR Wego for best rates.
   
   
5. Lounge Access: HDFC DCP should mostly work in Ahmedabad Lounge.

Hope this helps! Have a great trip to Bangalore! 🌟✈️

If it's small inconvenience with layover, I don't mind, as long as there are no possibility of major mishaps. Im not in hurry.

I can see Care by Blr arrival lounge in T1 in Diners Travel app, but doesn't seem to have food.. which is my main motive. Air India flights which land in T2 are > 2k expensive, might as well go to a restaurant...