Travelling within Bangladesh has never been easier thanks to digital booking platforms and competitive airline pricing. Whether you're flying from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar or Sylhet to Chattogram, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about booking domestic flights.

Why book online?

Online booking has transformed air travel in Bangladesh. You can compare prices, grab promotional deals and complete your purchase within minutes. Most importantly, booking two to four weeks in advance typically gives you the best rates.

Where to book your tickets

Official airline websites and apps

Each major airline operates its own booking platform. Biman Airlines can be accessed through biman-airlines.com, while US-Bangla uses usbair.com. Novoair operates through flynovoair.com and Air Astra through airastra.com. These platforms let you search routes, select your preferred dates and pay using bKash, credit cards or mobile wallets.

Online travel agencies (OTAs)

Shohoz.com stands out by comparing all airlines simultaneously and offering straightforward refund processes. ShareTrip.net provides special discounts for students and Umrah travellers. GoFLYBD.com delivers real-time deals across carriers. Promo codes can save you 12 per cent on Air Astra bookings.

Alternative options

Global platforms like AlternativeAirlines.com and Google Flights offer English interfaces and price alert features. Airport counters at Hazrat Shahjalal International and regional airports remain available, though they charge higher prices and rarely offer discounts. Travel agencies such as ITS Holidays and Tourist Mentor bundle flights with hotels at 5%-10% off. You can reach them over the phone.

Step-by-step booking process

Start by entering your origin, destination and travel dates on your chosen platform. Compare different airlines and flight times. Early morning flights typically cost less than afternoon or evening departures.

Select your seats during booking. Most airlines offer free seat selection, though preferred seats may cost TK 200-500 extra. Complete your payment through secure channels. Your e-ticket will arrive via email instantly. Download the airline's mobile app to receive real-time updates about your flight.

Getting the cheapest tickets

Timing matters

Fares jump 20%-50% within seven days of departure. Mid-week flights from Tuesday to Thursday cost 10 to 15 per cent less than weekend travel. Off-peak months from June to September, excluding holidays, can save you 20 per cent.

Hunt for promotions

Check airline websites weekly for flash sales. US-Bangla regularly offers limited-time deals, while Novoair packages tourist trips to Cox's Bazar. Shohoz provides bKash cashback reaching up to TK 4,000 on select bookings.

Stay flexible

Use Google Flights' explore feature to view price variations across different dates. Novoair often undercuts competitors on northern routes, so comparing airlines always pays off.

Loyalty programmes

Join SMILES from Novoair or Sky Star from US-Bangla to earn miles. These programmes offer five to 10 per cent off future flights based on accumulated points.

Avoid unnecessary extras

Stick to free baggage allowances and skip onboard meals, which add TK 200-400 to your fare. Set price alerts on Shohoz or Skyscanner, as fares often drop mid-week.

Check-in requirements

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes three hours prior for domestic flights. For airport check-in, arrive two to three hours early. Bring your NID or passport as identification.

Understanding refunds and cancellations

Most airlines offer free cancellations within 24 hours of booking. After this period, cancellation fees range from TK 500-1,000. Airlines provide full refunds if they cancel your flight or delay it beyond 30 minutes.

Travelling with children

Children aged two to 12 pay 75 per cent of the standard fare. Infants sitting on laps pay just 10 per cent. Family deals are available through Shohoz for group bookings.

Special assistance

Airlines accommodate wheelchair users and special meal requests when notified 48 hours in advance. Masks remain optional in 2025, and COVID tests are no longer required for domestic travel.

Final Tips

Compare prices across multiple platforms before booking. Airlines follow CAAB safety standards, ensuring consistent service quality. For real-time quotes and deals, visit Shohoz or ShareTrip regularly.

Bangladesh's domestic aviation sector offers convenient connections between major cities at competitive prices. With proper planning and smart booking strategies, you can save significantly while enjoying comfortable air travel across the country.