Buy in India or US?
 

I'm planning a side trip within India between DEL-VNS or DEL-GOI.... is it cheaper to buy before leaving the US or just buy it in India? Any suggestions on less expensive options/best carriers? Thanks!

A $ ticket purchase has more flexibility for changes etc. However it depends on what category you purchase. Cost wise india and US are very comparable.

Usually when I travel I buy online well before I travel and try and stay with Kingfisher air.
website: www.flykingfisher.com
For sectors that due to schedule or high price, then I try and book on the discount carriers goair or spicejet.
One can book online using a US Credit card - have seen Amex is pretty easy & convenient. With Visa ... due to higher fraud rates, sometimes it becomes difficult and one has to input bank details etc.

i don't think there will be much difference....

I do find tickets purchased in Rupees are cheaper. Ticket prices in USD shown on flykingfisher.com are more than what was quoted by indian travel agent websites for the same flights in Rs. This is as of last September. But you need to have an Indian credit card to purchase them.

As far as earning miles are concerned, it was the same in my case.

check yatra.com

Thanks to all, I think I'm just going to play it as it goes... I have found in the past that sometimes travel agents in India have good deals at the last minute too-- I'll justt use some rupees and see where it takes me.

I would just book on cleartrip.

try makemytrip.com. It is quite popular in India. beware of foreign transaction fees on credit cards though.

Last Dec I tried using sidestep.com and booking on Jet and Kingfisher.
Min cost 150-300$ range - Went to the Indian sites - 1800Rs = 40$!

Then I had to change -25$ charge. Still better than 150$

yeah, 9W and IT often sell lower fare buckets in Y on their India site, which they won't through the US site.