HDFC Smartbuy - Flight booking hidden advantage

[Rishabh]

Hello,

Most of us are aware that flights/hotel prices on HDFC Smartbuy are generally higher/same(without scope of additional discounts) compare to travel sites like Makemytrip etc.

But based on my recent flight bookings, I noticed that flights booked via Smartbuy comes with added advantage of Free preferred seat selection and also complimentary meal.
I booked across Indigo & SpiceJet and both the bookings provided me free seat selection and a Veg meal

So I think if the discounts on travel sites are not more than 400-500 one side then Smartbuy will be better to book flights with above added combos
Again there is no guarantee if Seat Selection & Free meal will be provided on every ticket booked since it is no where mentioned whenever we book flight on Smartbuy.

Anyone else experienced the same as above please share your experience.

 

[satyamkaushik]

Have booked multiple air tickets in the past through Smart Buy but never got free seat selection or meal.

Which partner (EaseMyTrip/Yatra etc.) did you choose while making the booking?

 

[metro]

I did several bookings but only once i got this. So it is very rare occurrence imo.

 

[metal_heart]

I didn't get that option for FREE Seat or Meal. I booked 4 tickets in last 2 months via smart buy.
May b some on-going offer.

 

[Rishabh]

I think I selected EasemyTrip as partner while booking, cant recall exactly.

 

[manzb]

I think I selected EasemyTrip as partner while booking, cant recall exactly.

You can always go to the itinerary issued, and see whether it is from EMT, Yatra or CT

 

[Rishabh]

You can always go to the itinerary issued, and see whether it is from EMT, Yatra or CT

Yes, it was EasemyTrip just checked.

 

[gurubhai]

Can you share at what step in booking flight, you got an option of free meal ?
I am hoping seat selection part is at the time of Web Check in... right?

 

[manzb]

Can you share at what step in booking flight, you got an option of free meal ?
I am hoping seat selection part is at the time of Web Check in... right?

If it is prepaid or part of the booking pkg.. u can add anytime before as well.

 

[Rishabh]

Can you share at what step in booking flight, you got an option of free meal ?
I am hoping seat selection part is at the time of Web Check in... right?

When i checked Manage booking on Spicejet & Indigo, it was mentioned Meal included. And on Seat selection page i was not charged to select front seats.

 

[gurubhai]

When i checked Manage booking on Spicejet & Indigo

You mean after booking through Smartbuy, you checked the booking status on Indigo Website?"

 

[Harry1]

It's nothing related to Smartbuy. Just that sometimes corporate fare is cheaper than normal fare and then site offers us corporate fare, which includes seat selection and meal. You can get it even for direct bookings and purely dependent on luck ,as u can't know in advance if u r being offered corporate fare or normal fare.

 

[starlord]

Happened with me just once in 2 years time frame. I was unable to pinpoint how did I get those benefits. I think Harry's comment explains it now.

 

[gourab1109]

Can anyone please tell me that where can i select my seats post booking of flight tickets through smartbuy? I did it from goibibo. First of all, they are still saying that the ticket confirmation isn't yet done. My points are also redeemed already. If the tickets dont go through, do i get a refund of the points as well as the amount I paid by my CC? And if the tickets are confirmed, where do I get to select my seats and meal? I didn't get an option over here for the same.

 

[WhoU]

Can anyone please tell me that where can i select my seats post booking of flight tickets through smartbuy? I did it from goibibo. First of all, they are still saying that the ticket confirmation isn't yet done. My points are also redeemed already. If the tickets dont go through, do i get a refund of the points as well as the amount I paid by my CC? And if the tickets are confirmed, where do I get to select my seats and meal? I didn't get an option over here for the same.

Usually whenever I book I get a PNR on the number I shared during booking. If you have the PNR then you can easily check on the airline site for further steps.

 

[stech18]

How can we buy tickets with flexi fare(comes with cheap cancellation and free rescheduling)? I don’t see any option for that.
Another way is to buy MMT coupon using Infinia and use it.

 

[Enthusiast]

Today i booked a ticket in smartbuy through Easemytrip. I didn't get an option to book a seat. What should i do now? I tried to visit indigo site for web check in but the ticket is for June month. Any other alternative way to book a seat.

 

[sousnake]

Today i booked a ticket in smartbuy through Easemytrip. I didn't get an option to book a seat. What should i do now? I tried to visit indigo site for web check in but the ticket is for June month. Any other alternative way to book a seat.

Why you want to book a seat for flight which is in June . You can book seat once web check in starts.

 

[Enthusiast]

Why you want to book a seat for flight which is in June . You can book seat once web check in starts.

to get preferred seats....i have seen other platforms giving option to book seats during ticket booking only like Ibibo...

 

[coolguy1]

I have had similar random encounters where free seat/meal was offered booking from a normal site while it wasn't offered the next time.

The explanation of sites offering us the corporate fares when cheaper automatically seems like the most probable answer.
There are no other dots to connect as the process being followed for booking is always the same.