Yatra

Yatra App Review: The Smart Traveler's Choice for Corporate and Leisure Travel

Yatra.com has been a household name in the Indian travel industry for nearly two decades. Known for its strong focus on corporate travel and its unique "eCash" loyalty program, the Yatra app offers a balanced mix of functionality and savings. Whether you are a business traveler booking a last-minute flight or a family planning a summer vacation, Yatra has tools tailored for you.

What is Yatra?

Yatra is a leading online travel agency (OTA) based in Gurugram, India. It provides a comprehensive platform for booking flights, hotels, trains, buses, and holiday packages. It is particularly renowned for its B2B (Business to Business) services, making it the preferred choice for many Indian corporations.

The Yatra Advantage: eCash

The standout feature of Yatra is its eCash system.

• Earn: Every time you book a flight, hotel, or bus, you earn eCash.
• Burn: You can use this eCash to get discounts on your future bookings. Unlike other loyalty points that are hard to redeem, Yatra's eCash is straightforward and can be applied to a wide range of services, effectively reducing the cost of your subsequent trips.

Key Features of the Yatra App

1. Talk & Book (Voice Search)

Yatra was one of the first apps to introduce a voice search feature. You can simply tap the microphone icon and say, "Flight from Delhi to Mumbai next Friday," and the app will pull up the results. This hands-free experience is a great convenience.

2. Fare Alerts

Planning a trip but waiting for prices to drop? Set a Fare Alert. The app will monitor flight prices for your route and notify you the moment the fare drops, helping you book at the lowest possible price.

3. Clean & Simple Train Booking

As an IRCTC authorized partner, Yatra offers a clutter-free interface for train bookings.

• Seat Availability: Easy-to-read calendar view of seat availability.
• Route Map: Visual representation of the train's route.
• Pantry Info: Information on whether the train has a pantry car or e-catering.

4. Monument Tickets

A unique feature of Yatra is the ability to book entry tickets for ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) monuments like the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and Red Fort. This lets you skip the long queues at the ticket counters.

Yatra for Business Travelers

If your company uses Yatra for corporate travel, the app becomes even more powerful:

• Corporate Rates: Access special negotiated rates for hotels and flights.
• Approval Workflows: Request approvals for trips directly from the app.
• Expense Management: Upload receipts and manage expenses on the go.

How to Maximize Savings on Yatra

1. Use Bank Offers: Yatra has frequent tie-ups with banks like SBI, ICICI, and HDFC for instant discounts.
2. Redeem eCash: Always check your eCash balance before paying. You can often use a percentage of it to lower your booking amount.
3. Book Combos: Look for "Flight + Hotel" deals which are often cheaper than booking separately.

Common FAQs

Q: Do eCash points expire? A: Yes, eCash usually has an expiry period (typically 90 days). It is best to use them for your next trip soon.

Q: Can I cancel my train ticket on Yatra? A: Yes, you can cancel directly through the app. The refund will be processed after deducting the IRCTC and Yatra service charges.

The Verdict

Yatra is a solid, reliable, and rewarding travel app. While it may not have the flashiest interface compared to some newer startups, its eCash program and Corporate Travel features make it a winner for frequent travelers and business professionals. If you travel often, the savings from eCash can be substantial.

Download Yatra and travel smarter with eCash!