Air travel has become a part of everyday life. Whether you’re taking a quick trip from Trivandrum to Bangalore or planning a long journey from Kochi to Dubai, booking flights is now easier than ever. But while the process might look similar, domestic and international flight bookings are very different experiences.
If you’re someone who often looks for cheap flight tickets in Trivandrum or scrolls through apps for online airline ticket booking in India, it’s worth knowing the key differences and some money-saving tips.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about domestic and international bookings, especially if you’re flying from Kerala.
What is a domestic flight?
A domestic flight simply means traveling between two cities within India. For example:
- Trivandrum → Delhi
- Kochi → Bangalore
- Calicut → Mumbai
Why domestic flights are easy:
- No passport needed – a government ID (Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, driving license) is enough.
- Faster airport process – just check-in, security, and boarding.
- Cheaper fares – tickets often start as low as ₹2,500–₹4,000 if booked early.
- Frequent flights – most major cities are connected by multiple daily flights.
For someone in Kerala, a domestic flight is often the quickest way to reach India’s main hubs for work, study, or leisure.
What is an international flight?
International flights cross country borders. For example:
- Trivandrum → Dubai
- Kochi → Singapore
- Calicut → Kuala Lumpur
Why international flights are more complex:
- Passport required (valid for at least 6 months).
- Visa requirements – depending on your destination, you may need a pre-approved visa or a visa-on-arrival.
- Airport process is longer – immigration and customs checks take extra time.
- Higher costs – fares include additional taxes, surcharges, and baggage fees.
From Kerala, international flights are extremely common because of the strong Malayali community working in the Middle East. Routes to Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi are among the busiest.
Major airports in kerala
Kerala is one of the few states in India with four international airports, making travel easier:
- Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) – connects to the Middle East and major Indian cities.
- Cochin International Airport (COK) – one of India’s busiest, with direct flights to Asia, the Gulf, and Europe.
- Calicut International Airport (CCJ) – mainly used for Gulf routes.
- Kannur International Airport (CNN) – newer airport with growing domestic and international connectivity.
This gives travelers in Kerala flexibility — sometimes flying out of Kochi is cheaper than Trivandrum, or vice versa.
Key differences between domestic and international flight booking
Feature | Domestic Flights | International Flights |
Documents | Government ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License) | Passport + Visa |
Airport Arrival Time | 1.5–2 hours before | 3–4 hours before |
Baggage Allowance | 15–20 kg check-in (on average) | 23–30 kg (varies by airline) |
Security Process | Simple security screening | Immigration + customs checks |
Ticket Price | ₹2,500–₹7,000 (short haul) | ₹12,000–₹40,000+ (depending on destination) |
Flexibility | Easier rescheduling/cancellation | Stricter rules, more fees |
In short: Domestic = simple, cheaper, faster. International = requires planning, more costly.
When is the best time to book flights?
Domestic flights:
- Book 4–6 weeks in advance for the best rates.
- Mid-week flights (Tuesday or Wednesday) are usually cheaper.
- Early morning and late-night flights tend to cost less.
International flights:
- Book 2–3 months in advance for Gulf and Southeast Asia routes.
- For Europe or the US, book 4–6 months ahead.
- Avoid peak travel times like Christmas, Onam, and summer holidays when fares skyrocket.
Example: A Trivandrum to Delhi ticket may cost ₹3,500 if booked early but jump to ₹8,000 closer to departure. A Kochi to Dubai ticket may be ₹13,000 if booked three months in advance but ₹20,000 last minute.
Tips to find cheap flight tickets
Finding the lowest price isn’t always easy, but these strategies work well:
- Use flight comparison websites – Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak.
- Set price alerts – get notified when fares drop.
- Be flexible with dates – even a one-day shift can save thousands.
- Check multiple airports – sometimes Kochi is cheaper than Trivandrum.
- Book round trips – often cheaper than one-way tickets.
- Look out for offers – use credit card travel deals, loyalty points, or airline sales.
Hidden costs to watch out for
Low fares sometimes come with extra costs. Keep an eye on:
- Baggage fees – domestic limit is often 15kg, extra luggage costs more.
- Seat selection charges – window or aisle seats may cost extra.
- Meals – many budget airlines don’t include food.
- Currency conversion fees – for international bookings in foreign currency.
A ₹3,000 domestic ticket could easily become ₹4,500 with add-ons. Always check the final price before paying.
Domestic vs International – which is easier?
- Domestic bookings are straightforward — fewer documents, cheaper fares, quick process.
- International bookings involve more planning, higher costs, and stricter rules.
If you’re flying from Kerala:
- Choose domestic for quick work or leisure trips within India.
- Choose international for family visits, business abroad, or vacations outside India — but book early and prepare documents.
Conclusion
Whether you’re booking a domestic flight within India or an international journey from Kerala, the key is planning. Domestic flights are simple and convenient, while international travel requires more preparation and comes with additional costs.
If you want to save money, always compare fares, book in advance, and be flexible with dates. And if you’re in Kerala, remember — with four international airports, you have the advantage of choosing the best route at the best price.