Yes, GST is charged on flight tickets in India, with rates split by class and updated as of September 22, 2025. Economy class attracts a 5% GST, while premium economy, business, and first-class tickets are taxed at 18%. These rates apply to both domestic and international flights, with GST usually included in the total fare.
In India, the GST (Goods and Services Tax) on flight tickets varies based on the class of travel. For economy class tickets, the GST rate is 5%, while for business class tickets, it is 12%. These rates apply to both domestic and international flights.
GST applies to domestic air travel, other than where: a domestic flight forms part of a ticket for international travel or is cross-referenced to an international ticket and is purchased at any time up to and including the date of international travel, or.
The GST rate on flight tickets depends on the travel class: 5% for economy class and 18% for business or premium class, applicable to both domestic and international travel.
Tickets up to Rs. 100 attract 5% GST, while those above Rs. 100 attract 18%. Convenience fees charged by ticketing platforms are subject to GST as a separate component.
Can I claim GST on flight tickets for personal travel? No, GST cannot be claimed for booking tickets for personal travel. Input Tax Credit (ITC) is given only for flight tickets booked under the company GSTIN with correct invoicing for business purposes.
Notably, most online ticketing platforms, such as BookMyShow or PayTM, already include the applicable GST in the displayed ticket prices. This means that consumers do not have to worry about calculating the GST separately while making their bookings.
Whether you're purchasing from an overseas supplier or shipping items yourself, you're likely responsible for reporting and paying the GST to the Australian Border Force or through your customs broker. In some cases, freight forwarders may pay on your behalf and invoice you accordingly.
To avoid these extra costs, consider booking directly through the airline's official website or contacting customer service for assistance. But there is good news: Airline Loyalty Programs can help offset some of the hidden taxes and fees. Earning and redeeming miles can lead to discounted fees or even free flights.
You can claim a GST refund in the following situations, when additional tax is paid or deposited due to errors or omissions. When dealers and deemed export goods or services are subject to refund or refund. Refunds can also be made for purchases made by UN agencies or embassies.
Subtracting GST from Price
To calculate how much GST was included in the price, divide the total price by 11 ($1000∕11=$90.91). To calculate the price without GST, divide the price by 1.1 ($1000∕1.1=$909.09).
What is the GST for tours and travels in India? 5% GST applies on tour packages without ITC. If services are itemized, rates vary from 5% to 18%.
AIR TRAVEL
Here are the charges you will see on your ticket, and their explanations: Base Fare - our ticket price plus U.S. excise and departure/arrival taxes when they apply. Taxes and carrier-imposed Fees - airport charges, government taxes and fees, and carrier-imposed surcharges.
Required documents to claim GST return: Invoice: Original or copy of invoice. Bill of export: Bill for exported goods. Bank realisation certificate: Original copy issued by bank or evidence of foreign currency payments.
How to save money on your airfare. Book in advance: Flight tickets tend to be cheaper when bought well ahead of time. Fly to a different airport: Flights to certain airports tend to cost less than others. For instance, fares to airports slightly further away from the city center are often cheaper.
Additional mandatory government fees quickly add to the cost:
International transport is GST-free if you sell it to passengers travelling to or from Australia (by air or sea) and: their last place of departure in Australia is to a destination outside Australia. it's from a place outside Australia to the first place of arrival in Australia.
How to Avoid GST on Overseas Purchases Legally
GST at 18% is applicable for such services. RBI allows up to $3,000 that can be carried as physical cash. Any amount over $3,000 must be carried through digital mode. As per the slab rate method, the value of supply will be calculated as 1% of currency exchanged in INR.
Premium Classes: The GST rate has risen from 12% to 18% for Business and First-class tickets, making fares higher. However, businesses may benefit slightly from the full Input Tax Credit (ITC) available on these tickets.
Calculating GST from the Amount Including GST
The GST is already included in the price that the consumer pays for the good or service purchased. Therefore, the final end user/consumer ultimately pays the tax. Businesses then collect GST from the consumers and pass on that money to the government.