If you are thinking about traveling within your home country, India, from one city to another, air travel is the most convenient and quick way to cover long distances. However, this comes with a requirement to carry the needed documents to avoid any hassle at the airport.
Thus, the article below will provide a comprehensive guide on the essential documents, policies of the airline, security procedures, and travel tips for any of the domestic flights in India.
Domestic Air Travel in India
In recent years, the domestic aviation department of India has grown rapidly. Thus, several airlines offer frequent and reasonable flights between various cities and locations.
However, if you are traveling for the first time or are a frequent flyer, understanding the required documents, security norms, and check-in procedures is vital for a trouble-free journey.
Significance of Documents for Domestic Flights
Either traveling domestically or internationally, fulfilling the requirements by presenting or submitting the mandatory documents is a must for the passengers. Therefore, the BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) makes identity verification mandatory for everyone who is traveling within or outside the country.
The following are some of the common reasons for this.
- Presenting documents will let the passengers avoid ticket misuse because the name on the ticket should match the ID’s details.
- Moreover, it also prevents child trafficking and unaccompanied minors from traveling alone to ensure their safety.
- In addition, it also puts a stop to unauthorized travel, which may lead to security measures.
- Lastly, fulfilling the requirements is necessary to obey the airline policies because each carrier may have different specific rules.
What Documents are Required for Domestic Flights in India? A Detailed List of Valid ID Proofs
Depending on the age group to which you belong, the authorities have provided the passengers with the following detailed list of the needed documents.
Indian adults (18+ years)
The following are some of the typical documents accepted for domestic air travel in case an Indian adult above 18 years of age is traveling.
Moreover, as per the BCAS and DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) regulations, adults must present the following original ID proofs at the boarding gate and airport security check.
- Passport
- Aadhaar Card (UIDAI issued)
- Voter ID Card (issued by the Election Commission of India)
- PAN Card
- Driving license (issued by the Regional Transport Office)
- Official identity card (issued by the governmental institution)
- Student ID card (issued by a recognized educational institute)
- NPR (National Population Registration) smart card
- Armed forces ID card
- Pension card with photograph
- Furthermore, you also need to carry your boarding pass (either in print or soft form) during check-in at the airport.
- Besides, you also need to have a copy of your flight ticket or booking ID to avoid any mismatch. For this purpose, you can visit RFV Travels to get your ticket at a market-competitive price.
Children (2-12 years)
Children traveling within India have slightly relaxed rules as compared to adults and should fulfill the following ID requirements.
- School ID card
- Passport
- Aadhaar card
- Birth certificate
- ID card (not required if accompanied by parents)
- Boarding pass along with the e-ticket of the person accompanying them
Infants (below 2 years)
Since infants below two years do not need a separate seat, they can sit on the parent’s lap. However, they should also be included in the booking for air travel. For this purpose, they must have the following documents.
- A birth certificate to prove the age of the child
- A medical certificate is required if the infant is less than 7 days old
Important: Infants do not need a separate boarding pass but should be included on the parent’s ticket. Moreover, some airlines allow only one infant per adult.
Unaccompanied minors
As per the airline policies, children between 5 to 12 years old can travel alone under the UMNR service. But, they should have the following set of documents.
- Completed UMNR form
- ID proof of parents or guardian
- ID proof of the child
- Contact details of the person receiving the child at the destination
Foreign nationals
According to the Indian regulations, foreign nationals traveling domestically in India must carry the following valid identification documents.
- A valid passport, as it is mandatory
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card
- PIO Card (Person of Indian Origin)
- Valid visa
- Resident permit if they are a long-term foreign resident in India
Important: Foreign nationals are not allowed to use any other Indian IDs or Aadhaar Card for domestic flights. Moreover, their visa should be valid as overstaying may lead to deportation.
Additional Documents Required for Special Cases
If you are a passenger who falls into the category of special cases, you also need to have the following additional documents for domestic flights in India.
- Senior citizens
A senior citizen is not required to present any additional document, however, they must have an age-proof ID, such as a passport or Aadhaar Card, in case of a medical emergency.
- Pregnant women
Furthermore, a medical certificate is needed if a pregnant woman is traveling after 28 weeks. Besides, some airlines also require a fitness certificate. In case of a high-risk pregnancy or near the due date, you also have to show a doctor’s approval for travel.
- Travelers with disabilities
In addition, a disability certificate issued by a recognized medical authority should also be submitted. Moreover, you can also request wheelchair assistance when booking your ticket with the airline.
- Defense personnel
Passengers who have government jobs or are from the military department can submit their service-based ID cards for quick boarding in some cases.
- Emergency travel or bereavement
Lastly, in case of a family emergency or the death of a beloved one, you need to provide the death certificate. However, some airlines offer relaxation when booking your flight at the last minute.
Typical Mistakes that You Can Avoid When Traveling Domestically in India
Moreover, try to stay away from the following common mistakes that usually happen during domestic flights in India.
- Carrying expired IDs will not grant you access to the boarding counter. So, always check the validity of the documents before starting your journey.
- Another reason why the airline does not allow you to board your plane is the mismatched information on the ticket and the ID card. Thus, ensure that they are exactly similar to each other.
- Since infants do not need a ticket, missing their birth certificate will create problems for you at the check-in counter.
- Make sure that you are aware of the policies of the respective airport before embarking on your journey. This is because presenting digital copies may not be enough, as some airports demand physical documents as well.
- Lastly, always check the specific policies and regulations of the chosen airline, because some airlines, such as AirAsia and SpiceJet, may have additional requirements that you need to fulfill.
Conclusion
Domestic flights within India require you to provide original documents for a smooth travel experience. Indian adults and children have multiple ID options, from a passport, an ID card, to Aadhaar or a PAN card.
But, foreign nationals need to rely on their passport and valid visas only. Moreover, parents need to carry age-proof documents when traveling with infants or children. Besides, unaccompanied minors must present the additional documents needed.
So, always check the airline-specific policies and keep a backup of your documents in a digital format to avoid any obstacles.
FAQs
- Will I be denied boarding if my name/title on the booking does not match the details on the photo ID?
Yes. Airlines will not allow you to board the plane if there is a mismatch in the information. Therefore, make sure that the name on your booking/ticket matches the details on your photo or government ID.
- Is carrying a copy or original copy of the credit/debit card mandatory?
Carrying an original copy of the credit or debit card is mandatory for verification purposes during check-in. If the traveler has used someone else’s card for transaction purposes, then they must carry a copy of the credit/debit card.
- Is it allowed to use a soft copy of my ID when traveling within India?
Yes, most airlines and airports accept digital IDs in the form of m-Aadhaar or DigiLocker. But, some smaller airports may still demand that passengers present physical or hard copies.
- Can a minor (under 18) travel alone on a domestic flight in India?
Yes, a minor (under 18) can travel alone on a domestic flight in India. Nonetheless, this should be under the Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) service of the airline (usually for ages between 5 and 12). Moreover, parents need to submit their contact details and required forms in this regard.
- What would happen if I forgot my ID at home?
If your departure flight is through the Delhi or Mumbai airport, they offer alternative verification options via CISF. However, it is time-consuming and may require extra effort. So, always make sure to carry your valid ID if you want to avoid delays.
- Can I use photocopies of IDs for domestic flights?
No. When traveling domestically in India, you need to present original or digital copies (m-Aadhaar or DigiLocker) only. Photocopies are not accepted at security checks.
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