Low Cost Airlines

Are “Low Cost Airlines” really Low Cost? Not always.

I had been traveling around India since days of “no option airline”, means there are no options available. You have to fly the only airline available for the sector at the fixed price they decided to charge!

Air Deccan brought in concept of Low Cost – No Frills airline to India, followed by few more such as SpiceJet, GoAir, IndiGo.. etc. Full Feature airlines such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Sahara Airlines .. etc had to change their policy over a period of time and introduce a model for discounted prices almost similar to low cost airlines. However, they still remained full features airlines. The lowest most fare offered by Full Feature airlines may not be as low as that offered by Low Cost airlines. The question is how many time one is able to get lower fare ticket??? If not, I suggest that look for prices offered by all airlines at that point of time. Don’t get surprised, if prices offered by Full Feature airlines are lower than that of Low Cost airlines!!! On many many occasions I have found prices offered by Jet Airways and Indian Airlines are much lower than that of SpiceJet or Air Deccan. Also, in addition to lower fare, you get host of other benefits and much better cancellation policy from full feature airlines. So, its double benefit!!!

For business travelers, change of sector, change of date and cancellation are regular features!!! For all these, Full Feature airlines are much better than Low Cost airlines. Recently, I wanted to travel Hyderabad – Delhi – Ahmedabad. I bought Air Deccan ticket for Hyderabad – Delhi and Air Sahara for Delhi – Ahmedabad. Air Deccan was kind enough to let me know day in advance about rescheduling of Hyderabad – Delhi flight. That meant for me to cancel by trip to Delhi, as not much time left between two flights. So, courtesy Air Deccan, I had to cancel Hyderabad – Delhi and Delhi – Ahmedabad tickets. Cancellation of Hyderabad – Delhi of Air Deccan cost me Approx. 1500, whereas cancellation of Delhi – Ahmedabad of Air Sahara cost me Rs. 500. Which one will you like? LOOK for Cancellation policy before you buy ticket!! Low Cost is not always Lowest Cost!

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Books with "Indian Connection"

My friend "Bhattu" was kind enough to let me borrow his books ( he probably had no options!!): "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma and "The World is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman. I must mention that I have finished reading "The Monk.." and have read only first few pages of "The World ..".

Strangely enough, I have felt that both the books has similarity by the way of "Indian Connection", however in a very different way. Both books have a backdrop or source of inspiration as "India". Backdrop for "The Monk.." is OLDEST Living Values of Indian Monks in Himalayas. Whereas, source of inspiration for "The World.." is LATEST Indian Software and Outsourcing Industry. So, India has lot to offer!!!

"The Monk.." : I recommend this book. I have read many books on self-improvement, such as "You Can Win", "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" etc.. Everyone ask you to practice The Best and achieve The Best. Whereas, Interestingly, "The Monk.." describes the extreme best, but suggest to practice with moderation. This particular aspect of this book makes it stand out. I found it very easy to read and understand, which makes it not very difficult to follow to an extend one can. READ IT.

"The World..." started with Indian Software and Outsourcing Industry. Source of insperation is "Infosys" the great Indian Software Solution organization. More to come on "The World..." as soon as I finish reading it.

I am off to a trip to Andhra Pradesh. I am sure, I shall get good opportunity to get my hands on the book.

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