Understanding the Lock Price Feature on MakeMyTrip: A Comprehensive Guide

MakeMyTrip, one of the leading online travel agencies, offers a variety of customer-friendly features to ensure a hassle-free booking process. One such feature that has been a topic of discussion is the Lock Price. Often misunderstood, the Lock Price feature is not a way to cheat customers, but rather a convenient tool to secure your flight booking with minimal commitment. This article will delve into the workings of the Lock Price feature, dispelling any confusion and answering common queries.

What is a Lock Price on MakeMyTrip?

The Lock Price feature on MakeMyTrip is designed to secure your seat on a flight without committing fully. It allows you to lock in the current ticket price at the time of reservation. This means, if the ticket price drops before the booking's completion, you get the lower price. Conversely, if the ticket price goes up, you still pay the originally locked-in price. This feature is particularly beneficial for last-minute bookings or for travelers who are unsure about the future price fluctuation of a particular flight.

How Does the Lock Price Feature Work?

To use the Lock Price feature, you can choose this option at the time of booking. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to utilize it:

Select the flight you want to book on MakeMyTrip's website or mobile application.

Choose the Lock Price Pay Later option during the booking process. This requires you to pay a minimal token amount to reserve your seat.

Review the terms and conditions, which stipulate that the booking must be completed within 7 days. This feature is currently only available for one-way tickets.

If the ticket price drops within the locked period, you will be charged the lower price.

If the ticket price increases, you will still pay the original price you locked in.

Common Misconceptions Clarified

Some travelers have misconceptions about the Lock Price feature, thinking it might be a scam or a way for the company to benefit at their expense. It is important to clarify that the Lock Price is a genuine feature designed to protect the interests of the customer. Here are some common misconceptions debunked:

Myth: The Lock Price is a way to cheat customers.

Factually, the Lock Price is a protective measure for the customer. It ensures that you are not forced to pay a higher price than you were originally prepared to pay. This is beneficial, especially during peak travel seasons when prices can fluctuate frequently.

Myth: The 2500 protection only covers partial inconvenience.

MakeMyTrip does offer a 2500 INR protection per passenger, which is not the primary function of the Lock Price. The Lock Price allows you to lock in a price, and you do not need to pay the full amount when initially reserving your seat. The 2500 protection is an additional service that can help mitigate the inconvenience of price increases if the trip is cancelled within the booking period.

Why Use the Lock Price Feature?

The Lock Price feature on MakeMyTrip is particularly useful in several scenarios:

Market Fluctuations: If the price of your chosen flight is expected to fluctuate (typically due to demand and supply dynamics), the Lock Price feature ensures you do not have to pay a higher price.

Waiting for Lower Prices: If the flight you want is currently expensive, but you think the price might drop, the Lock Price feature allows you to lock in the current price and wait for the best deal.

Force Majeure: In case of unforeseen circumstances such as cancellations, delays, or changes due to unforeseen events (like weather), the Lock Price feature provides security and flexibility.

Conclusion

Understanding the workings of the Lock Price feature on MakeMyTrip is essential for utilizing this service effectively. It is a beneficial tool to secure your seat and avoid overpaying when flight prices fluctuate. Whether you are booking for a last-minute need or planning a future trip, the Lock Price feature can be a reassuring addition to your travel planning toolkit. Use it wisely and consider it an ally in navigating the often unpredictable world of air travel pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lock Price feature available for all flights? Currently, the Lock Price feature is only available for one-way tickets.

Do I need to pay the full ticket price at the time of locking? No, you only need to pay a minimal token amount to reserve your seat. The full price is paid later if you complete the booking within the specified period.

What happens if the price of the flight I locked increases? You still pay the originally locked-in price, ensuring you do not have to pay more than anticipated.