1. Book a Transfer That Tracks Your Flight
A good airport transfer service links your pickup time to your actual flight number, not just a fixed clock time — so if your flight is delayed, the pickup shifts with it instead of leaving a driver waiting (or worse, leaving before you land). Always share your flight number at booking, not just an estimated arrival time.
2. Build In Real Buffer Time
For departures, arrive at the airport at least 2.5–3 hours before a domestic flight and 3–3.5 hours before an international one, factoring in city traffic — Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore in particular can add an unpredictable hour at peak times. Book your cab pickup with this buffer already included, not against your flight time directly.
3. Know Your Terminal Before You Book
Major Indian airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad) have multiple terminals serving different airlines, and pickup/drop points can be a genuine 15-20 minute walk or shuttle ride apart. Confirm your exact terminal when booking so your driver waits at the right spot — this alone prevents a large share of airport-transfer mix-ups.
4. Match the Cab to Your Luggage, Not Just Passenger Count
A sedan comfortably seats 4 but struggles with more than 2-3 large check-in bags. If you're travelling with a family and full-size luggage, an Ertiga or Innova Crysta is usually worth the extra cost — arriving at check-in without a luggage scramble is worth more than the fare difference.
5. Have a Direct Contact Number for Delays
Whatever the booking platform, make sure you have a direct phone number for your driver or the operator — not just an app notification — for both flight delays and any last-minute pickup point changes. This matters especially late at night or at less digitally set-up airports.