Airlines use mix of promotion offers to push ticket sales

International airlines are pushing sales through a mix of promotion offers, higher incentives to agents and new refund rules as travel from India to Europe and the US slows down in winter.

British Airways has launched new refund rules allowing passengers to claim full refund if their visas are rejected. Though each airline has its own rules for refund, usually the amount depends on the fare. Cancellation charges can vary from Rs 7,000 to Rs 10.000 depending on the fare type. Other than cancellation of the flight by the airline, full refund is given only in instances of death or hospitalisation of an immediate relative.

Last week, British Airways informed agents customers would get a full refund if the visa was rejected by an embassy of country that was part of the itinerary. Passengers must cancel the ticket before departure and give a letter from the embassy to claim full refund, the airline said.

"India continues to be one of our most strategic markets globally and we will continue to create products and initiatives dedicated towards the convenience of our travellers,'' said Christopher Fordyce, regional commercial manager, South Asia:

Manoj Gursahani, chairman, Travelmart India, said, "It is a welcome move."

Virgin Atlantic, which competes with British Airways on the London and US routes, is offering ticket agents additional incentives, including shopping vouchers and a boarding incentive of Rs 3,000 each time a passenger travels chooses its premium economy and upper class cabins.

Travel from India to Europe and the US in winter is low. While incoming flights are full, there are fewer outbound flights, especially in the economy class.

On Wednesday, Emirates announced a 20 per cent discount on tickets to couples travelling for honeymoon and Singapore Airlines is offering a 12.5 percent discount on first- and business-class travel to Singapore and Australia. Said Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, vice-president, India, "This is the wedding season in India and couples will be in the process of planning their honeymoon.''