With some efforts in looking up the various online booking sites (and the individual airline sites), you can actually get a good fare on the 'Full-service airlines'. Also, currently there's an offer - if you hold (or know anyone holding and can use it) either a Indian-issued visa or a mastercard - credit card - you get further discounts ranging from 5% to 30% on the basic fare depending upon the type of card.
Notwithstanding the complaints against online booking services, I personally am happy that such services are now available in India - gives me the freedom of choice (with discounts thrown in - occasionally) and I do not have to depend upon the travel agent whose degree of attention to my requirements depended upon the business I give them; its the same with the introduction of direct-to-home (DTH) television channel services, thereby eliminating the monopolistic cablewalla. Of course, the online fares are good if your travel schedules are fixed. Any changes will attract additional costs - also watch out for different set of terms and conditions for e-ticket and paper tickets. Anil KUMAR
