Why did that flight cost ₹3,000 yesterday but ₹7,000 today? Here's how airline pricing actually works — and how to use it to your advantage.
The Bucket System
Airlines don't have one price. They have 7-15 fare buckets per flight. As each bucket sells out, the next (more expensive) one opens.
- Bucket 1-3: Best Fares — first 30-40 seats
- Bucket 4-7: Mid-range — next 60-80 seats
- Bucket 8+: Premium/last-minute — final 40-60 seats
That's why booking early gets you lower bucket prices.
What Changes the Price
Myths Busted
- ❌ "Airlines track your cookies" — Not true for Indian domestic. Prices are the same whether you search 1 time or 100 times.
- ❌ "Incognito mode gets cheaper flights" — Makes zero difference for domestic flights in India.
- ❌ "Prices drop if you wait" — For domestic flights, prices almost always go UP closer to departure.
How to Beat the System
- Book 2-3 weeks ahead (sweet spot for domestic)
- Fly Tuesday/Wednesday
- Choose mid-afternoon flights
- Compare 3+ platforms — same flight, different markup
- Use cabin-only fares when you don't need baggage