Flipkart Joins Forces With MakeMyTrip, Jumps Into Online Travel Niche!

It seems that the transformation of Flipkart post-Walmart deal has already started, with a big bang.

Flipkart has announced that their 100 million users can now book air tickets via their platform.

However, there is a catch: This travel related services are only available for Flipkart’s Android users.

The only question is: Will Amazon India join the online travel race now too?

Flipkart’s Newest Gamble: Online Travel

Flipkart has decided to jump into the lucrative, high-margin niche of online travel, and more specifically, air tickets.

In their first salvo, they have announced a major partnership with MakeMyTrip, wherein their backend would be used to power Flipkart’s air ticketing services.

In their blog post, Flipkart said,

“Powered by MakeMyTrip, the travel booking facility on Flipkart enable you to book any flight in India in a matter of seconds.”

In their on-going summer sales, Flipkart will give discounts and cashback offers to their online air ticket customers.

As of now, this facility to book air tickets is only available to Flipkart’s Android app users, and payments via these options are not available: EMI, electronic gift vouchers (EGVs) or PhonePe.

Flipkart’s Air Tickets: How Will It Work?

No need to download any additional app: Flipkart has included the option to book air tickets right into their main app, under a category called ‘Travel’.

As of now, there are two offers present there:

1. 10% Discount for HDFC Debit and Credit Card users
2. 5% Discount on selected cards (debit/credit)

As soon as you select any one of these offers, you will be directed to a new window, which has MakeMyTrip’s look. Technically, you are still within Flipkart’s platform, but in the backend, you will be using MakeMyTrip’s interface.

Search the flights, book the tickets and get your order in the ‘Order’ section of Flipkart. Users can pay via credit cards, debit cards or net-banking as of now.

When we cross-checked the fare shown on Flipkart and MakeMyTrip, then they appeared perfectly same.

Recently, Flipkart won the best app for Billion users at Google’s ranking for the best apps.

It is not clear whether this partnership with MakeMyTrip was planned before Walmart deal or after that.

Nonetheless, the inclination of Flipkart towards travel is clearly inspired by Paytm, which has also launched online travel section since last few months.

All eyes are now set on Amazon India, and their next steps now.

Will you use Flipkart to book your air tickets? Do let us know, by commenting right here!