Why advance planning your travel now is a great idea

Despite a large-scale lockdown with many borders closing gates and travel accommodations limited, people have been resorting to flights for domestic travelling. Much of the people who have been travelling across the country have only been doing the same to reach home from the city they have been living in. Governments have also announced that travel needs to be limited and should only be taken up when absolutely necessary. However, nowhere have the governing authorities mentioned that future bookings for travel need to be put to a halt. In fact, many airlines are actually encouraging people to make future flight bookings by providing attractive deals. Considering the unprecedented times that could continue to change even the following year, airlines have come up with extreme flexibility with respect to their bookings.

The airfare prices have been at their lowest in nearly 20 years, which is a great thing. The Indian government has charted out a specific airfare plan that all airlines need to adhere to. These include specific rates for certain distances without any additional charges or taxes. Further, there are many attractive deals concerning cancelling and refunds that have been introduced to enhance travelling or rather future ticket booking with the airlines. Currently, due to the global health situation, there are tremendous deals to look out for that would be perfect for you to take up. You can always cancel it or postpone it if it is too inconvenient.

Tip for when you plan to travel- Visit InterMiles to book your flights for yourself and your loved ones and earn miles. You can earn InterMiles when you book flights across multiple airlines not just in India but worldwide. These miles when accumulated can get you free flights or hotel stays, merchandise, fuel, gift vouchers and a lot more- hence more value!

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic has hit every sector, the aviation industry has also had to sit back and revaluate some of its punitive policies and changes that would help them bring back customers and loyal flyers. These include unfriendly fees for any changes and cancellations. With a whopping drop of about 90 per cent of booking revenue, carriers have now initiated a new free change and cancel waiver program to give customers the opportunity to be flexible with their travel plans and for the airlines to bring back its lost bucks. Another major reason for airlines taking up such a policy is to enhance future bookings.

Earlier the fee waivers were reserved for a specific time, somewhere in fall. However, with the way the governments around the world are functioning with respect to controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, the waiver policies have been extended all through 2020. In fact, many airlines have even announced that the waivers would be applicable till next year. The only catch here though is to ensure that you make your future travel bookings ahead of the date set by airlines. In India, many airlines have kept these offers available, provided the traveller makes future bookings by September 2020.

Here's another great perk that would make future travel plans smooth and easy to take up. Airlines have initiated an extension on the expiration of airline credits. Unlike the standard 12-months 'use by date' twofold that airlines would permit, with COVID-19, things have changed drastically. Airlines have now introduced permission of the credits to generously stretch up to 24 months from the date of issue. You are no longer under pressure to ensure that you use the ticket or airline credits and travel during inconvenient times.

The latest airline credit extension plan by airlines are tremendously beneficial to you. However, the only concern that you'll have to be certain of is to check the airlines you're choosing to purchase tickets from. If they are on the brink of ceasing flying in the near future, then it would be best to avoid them. Go for the mainline airlines that wouldn't run out of business anytime soon.

Airline companies would usually offer very limited insurance offers to the customer. But ever since COVID-19 pandemic, annual trip protection policies package that has better coverage has been introduced. This would include coverage for trip cancellation, interruptions as well as accident plans. They have further introduced emergency evacuation and rental car theft damages too as part of the industry-recommended amounts to the latest coverage schemes.

Customers who do undertake travel insurance will receive a 365-day worth of protection. With such enhanced deals on travel insurance, it would be quite ideal for taking up trip insurance and start planning for a future trip. You can further research more on the slew of insurance plans and policy schemes that travel companies are coming up with, keeping COVID-19's situation in mind.

COVID-19 might be around for a few more months so you'll probably have to stay indoors for some more time. However, the fact that you have a trip awaiting as soon as the lockdowns or COVID-19 pandemic is controlled, there's your gateway to wearing your wanderlust boots. It could be a domestic trip to meet your family or a proper travel plan that you've been aching to indulge in since 2020 kicked off but book yourself a flight ticket as soon as possible. The fact that there is something exciting worth looking forward to is enough to keep your spirits up through the coronavirus lockdown.

Another great idea is to use our hotels platform to book your preferred hotel stay. To book a hotel of your choice for your safety and stay visit our hotels platform and earn InterMiles for it! Choose from Luxury hotels, Homestays, BnBs, Budget stays and more.

For Flights, Hotel Booking, Shopping, and other lifestyle needs, download the InterMiles App on Google PlayStore and iTunes

Further, simply indulging in some travel planning has shown to enhance the release of endorphins from the brain. Besides, currently due to the situation and the major hit that COVID-19 has had on the tourism and aviation industry, the offers and fee waivers are up for grabs. Hence, it would be best if you didn't miss out on such an opportunity. In case things do not work out for you, there is always the option to cancel. But we suggest you don't because there's so much fun awaiting you!