Getting to Aurangabad (IXU) from BLR
 

I am thinking of a trip to Aurangabad (IXU) later this month while in Bangalore.

From flightstats.com, it appears a BLR-HYD-IXU and back on Kingfisher would be the easiest way. Outbound I see a 2 hr layover in HYD. On the return IXU-HYD-BLR, I have a choice of layover ranging from a minimum of 90 mins to 2 hrs.

1. Is there a better way to get to IXU from BLR?
2. How is the ontime performance of Kingfisher?
3. Do I need to allow more time at HYD for the connections to accomodate delays in Indian airports, baggage handling, weather etc.?
4. The HYD-IXU-HYD leg is on an ATR (turboprop presumably) - are those smaller than the CRJs and Embraers in the US?
5. Should I consider Jet (9W) with a connection in BOM instead? Better reliability, easier connection?

From BLR-IXU there are only 2 options BLR-BOM-IXU or BLR-HYD-IXU.
Even with Jet one leg of the flight (BOM-IXU) is on a ATR which is a turbo prop, the return IXU-BOM is in a 737. ATR72 is bigger than the smaller CRJ (CRJ200) both in terms of capacity as well as interior (in between Embraers are much bigger & nicer compared to CRJ's). In US Delta operates a few ATR's. Connecting in HYD should not be a big problem whereas BOM is a much more congested airport and prone for ATC delays. I would choose based on who offers the best schedule and price.

Jet offers some form of Trip Insurance - is that worth taking?

On Kingfisher, the roundtrip including layovers adds up to 9h50m, for a cost of 9866 INR.

On Jet, the roundtrip including layovers adds up to 8h30m, for a cost of 11766 INR. Trip Insurance is an addl 149 INR per pax.

It would appear Jet via BOM would be the better alternative considering time. However, that can easily be lost if BOM congestion is anything like JFK/LGA/EWR congestion.

One last note, the Jet fare is some kind of deeply discounted fare called "Special Fare (No Refund)". The other fare classes are titled "Check Fare (restricted)", "Check Fares" (am excluding the refundable/changeable fares - assuming that's something like a Y or B on UA).

You'll see the fare basis if you scroll down to where they display the total price. IXU is about 6 hours by train from BOM and that's also an option.

You dont need to buy trip insurance from 9W - uncheck that checkbox if you dont want it.