Quick Answer
IndiGo is the most reliable choice for India domestic flights with on-time performance of 85%+. SpiceJet offers cheaper base fares but add-ons increase costs. Air India Express is best when connecting from international Air India flights with through-checked bags.
India's Domestic Airline Market
If your international flight lands in Delhi or Mumbai, you'll likely need a domestic connection to reach cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, or Kolkata. India's domestic market is dominated by low-cost carriers with IndiGo commanding over 55% market share.
Airline Comparison
| Factor | IndiGo | SpiceJet | Air India Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Time Performance | 85%+ | 75% | 80% |
| Base Fare (DEL-BLR) | INR 3,500 | INR 3,000 | INR 3,200 |
| With 15kg Bag | INR 4,500 | INR 4,200 | INR 4,000 |
| Network Size | Largest | Medium | Growing |
| Seat Pitch | 30 inches | 29 inches | 30 inches |
| Fleet Age | 5 years avg | 8 years | 6 years |
Baggage Rules (Critical!)
- IndiGo: 7kg cabin only; checked bags are extra (15kg from INR 700)
- SpiceJet: 7kg cabin; promotional fares often exclude bags
- Air India Express: 7kg cabin; 15kg checked included on many fares
- International-domestic connections: check if bags through-check
Our Recommendation
Choose IndiGo for reliability and largest network. Choose SpiceJet if price is the only factor and you travel light. Choose Air India Express when connecting from Air India international to simplify baggage handling.
Booking Tips
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for best prices
- Compare final prices including bags, not just base fares
- Leave 4+ hours between international arrival and domestic departure
- Consider IndiGo 6E Connect for smoother Air India connections
- Download airline apps for mobile boarding passes
IndiGoSpiceJetAir India ExpressDomesticIndiaLow-Cost