This Article was fact checked and last updated for accuracy on November 18, 2025 by Mani Karthik
When I moved my family back from the USA in 2017, I thought I had the Indian travel booking game figured out.
Wrong.
My first booking disaster happened three weeks after landing in Bangalore. I needed flights to Delhi for a family emergency. My mom needed me urgently.
Booked through one of these platforms. Payment went through instantly. Confirmation never came.
Spent two hours on customer service calls while my mom waited at home worried. That experience taught me the importance of choosing reliable travel platforms in India.
Here’s what I learned from three years of extensive travel booking across both business trips and family vacations.
Personal Context: Why Reliability Matters for NRI Families
Let me give you context about our travel needs after returning to India.
Frequent Family Emergencies: When you have aging parents, reliable booking becomes crucial.
Complex International Travel: We still travel to USA regularly to visit friends and maintain connections.
Business Travel Requirements: Building a career back in India means constant domestic travel.
US Born Son Considerations: Our younger son needs specific documentation that some platforms handle better.
My wife initially struggled with the numerous Indian booking platforms. The interfaces looked different from Expedia or Kayak that we were used to.
What this really means is that reliability becomes more important than just price when you’re managing complex family situations.
Platform Overview: Very Different Philosophies
Cleartrip’s Clean Approach: Founded in 2006 by Hrush Bhatt, Cleartrip built its reputation on simplicity and clean user interface.
They focused on no frills booking experience. Clean design. Transparent pricing. Minimal complexity.
Think of it like the Apple of travel booking platforms.
EaseMyTrip’s Volume Strategy: Launched in 2008 by the Pitti brothers, EaseMyTrip targeted price conscious Indian travelers.
They built the largest travel agent network in India. Over 59,000 registered agents across major cities.
Their approach was simple. Offer the lowest prices. Build massive distribution.
The Current Reality: One Platform Struggling
Here’s what most people don’t realize about these platforms in 2025.
EaseMyTrip is in serious financial trouble.
Their stock has dropped 96% since listing in 2021. Net profit fell 99% in Q1 2025. Market share declined from 8.2% to 7.1% in FY24.
Cleartrip got acquired by Flipkart in 2021. This brought stability and better funding. Their market share actually grew to 8.7% in FY24.
What this really means is that one platform has become significantly more reliable than the other.
Personal Experience: Real Bookings, Real Issues
My Cleartrip Experience: Last year, I booked a family trip to Goa through Cleartrip.
Total cost: Rs 45,000 for 4 people for 4 days.
Booking process was smooth. Clean interface. No hidden charges appeared during checkout.
When our flight got delayed, Cleartrip proactively sent SMS updates. Customer service was reachable through their app.
My EaseMyTrip Experience: Two months earlier, I tried booking Delhi flights for a business trip through EaseMyTrip.
The initial price looked attractive. Rs 2,000 cheaper than Cleartrip.
But during checkout, multiple fees appeared. Convenience charges. Payment gateway fees. Insurance charges I hadn’t selected.
Final price ended up being similar to Cleartrip. But the experience felt deceptive.
For more insights on managing finances while traveling frequently, check out my guide on how to manage investments after moving back to India.
Financial Stability Analysis
Here’s where the numbers tell a concerning story about EaseMyTrip:
| Financial Metric | Cleartrip | EaseMyTrip | Industry Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth 2024 | 3x growth reported | 19% decline in air ticketing | Cleartrip gaining |
| Market Share FY24 | 8.7% | 7.1% | Cleartrip ahead |
| Ownership Backing | Flipkart/Walmart | Public company struggling | Cleartrip stable |
| Customer Complaints | 1.2/5 on Trustpilot | 3.7/5 on Trustpilot | Mixed signals |
The numbers show Cleartrip gaining ground while EaseMyTrip struggles financially.
Customer Service Reality Check
This is where personal experience becomes crucial for NRI families.
Cleartrip Customer Service:
- Chat support available during Indian business hours
- Phone support for complex international booking issues
- Flipkart backing provides better infrastructure
- Response time: Usually within 2-4 hours
EaseMyTrip Customer Service:
- Primarily email and chat based support
- Phone support exists but often busy
- Financial troubles affecting service quality
- Response time: 6-12 hours typically
My Personal Customer Service Experience:
Last December, my flight from Bangalore to USA got cancelled due to airline issues.
Cleartrip’s customer service helped me rebook on a different airline within 3 hours. They waived rebooking fees on their end.
Earlier this year, I had a hotel booking issue in Mumbai through EaseMyTrip. It took 2 days and multiple calls to get resolution.
For complex international travel scenarios that NRI families face, Cleartrip currently provides better support.
Pricing Strategy Comparison
Both platforms claim to offer competitive pricing. Here’s the reality:
Cleartrip Pricing:
- Clean, upfront pricing
- Fewer hidden fees during checkout
- Premium pricing for better service
- Flipkart partnership sometimes offers additional discounts
EaseMyTrip Pricing:
- Initially attractive pricing
- Multiple fees added during checkout
- Volume strategy still shows in pricing
- Financial pressure affecting discount capabilities
Real Price Comparison (Based on My 2024 Bookings):
| Route/Service | Cleartrip Final Price | EaseMyTrip Final Price | Actual Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangalore-Delhi Flight | Rs 8,200 | Rs 8,450 (after fees) | Cleartrip |
| Mumbai Hotel 3-Star | Rs 3,500/night | Rs 3,200/night | EaseMyTrip |
| International Flight Support | Better service | Limited options | Cleartrip |
Cleartrip generally wins on transparency. EaseMyTrip sometimes wins on final price for domestic hotels.
User Experience: The Daily Reality
Cleartrip Interface:
- Clean, minimal design
- Easy to navigate
- Fast loading times
- Mobile app works reliably
EaseMyTrip Interface:
- Busy, promotional heavy design
- Multiple pop ups and offers
- Slower performance
- Mobile app has improved but still cluttered
Coming from American travel sites, Cleartrip feels more familiar and professional.
EaseMyTrip feels more like traditional Indian e commerce. Lots of information. Multiple choices. Can be overwhelming.
For guidance on adapting to Indian digital platforms effectively, read my detailed article on converting your finances after returning from USA.
Technology and Reliability
Cleartrip Technology:
- Flipkart’s tech infrastructure support
- Better uptime and reliability
- Cleaner API integrations
- Faster booking confirmation
EaseMyTrip Technology:
- Older platform architecture
- Occasional booking confirmation delays
- Heavy promotional layer affecting performance
- Financial constraints impacting tech upgrades
The technology gap has become more apparent as EaseMyTrip faces financial pressure.
International Travel Considerations
This matters significantly for NRI families maintaining USA connections.
Cleartrip International:
- Better airline partnerships for international routes
- Cleaner documentation for visa applications
- Support for complex routing
- Understanding of NRI documentation needs
EaseMyTrip International:
- Limited international flight options
- Basic documentation support
- Focus primarily on domestic market
- Struggling to maintain international partnerships
For our family’s USA trips, Cleartrip consistently provides better options and service.
Payment Options and Security
Cleartrip Payments:
- All major credit and debit cards
- UPI and digital wallets
- International payment methods accepted
- Flipkart’s payment security infrastructure
EaseMyTrip Payments:
- Credit and debit cards
- UPI payments
- Some international cards accepted
- Basic payment security measures
Both platforms handle Indian payment methods well. Cleartrip has better international payment support.
The Reliability Factor
Here’s what really matters for NRI families who can’t afford booking disasters:
Cleartrip Reliability Factors:
- Flipkart backing provides financial stability
- Growing market share indicates customer satisfaction
- Better customer service infrastructure
- Cleaner, more transparent processes
EaseMyTrip Reliability Concerns:
- Significant financial troubles affecting operations
- Declining market share
- Leadership changes and uncertainties
- Customer service quality declining
Think of it like this: Would you prefer banking with a stable institution or one facing financial difficulties?
Current Market Position (2025 Update)
The Indian travel market dynamics have shifted significantly.
Cleartrip Growth Metrics:
- 3x revenue growth in 2022
- Market share increased to 8.7%
- Flipkart ecosystem integration
- Stable management and funding
EaseMyTrip Decline Metrics:
- 96% stock price decline since listing
- 99% profit drop in Q1 2025
- Market share decreased to 7.1%
- Multiple management changes
The trend clearly favors Cleartrip’s stability over EaseMyTrip’s current struggles.
Business Traveler Perspective
For those of us building careers back in India, business travel features matter.
Cleartrip Business Features:
- Corporate travel solutions
- Flipkart enterprise integrations
- GST compliant invoicing
- Reliable booking confirmations
EaseMyTrip Business Features:
- Large travel agent network
- Corporate account options
- GST invoicing available
- Network reach in smaller cities
EaseMyTrip still leads in reach through their agent network. Cleartrip provides better digital business solutions.
Regional Coverage Analysis
Cleartrip Coverage:
- Strong in metro cities
- Limited in tier 2/tier 3 cities
- Focus on digital savvy customers
- International route expertise
EaseMyTrip Coverage:
- Largest agent network in India
- Strong presence in smaller cities
- Traditional distribution strength
- Domestic market focus
EaseMyTrip still wins on reach. Cleartrip wins on service quality in covered areas.
For insights on choosing the right financial services while traveling across India, check out my comparison of best banks for NRIs.
The Trust Factor
What builds trust in travel platforms:
- Financial Stability: Can they handle refunds during crises?
- Customer Service Quality: Will they help when things go wrong?
- Transparent Pricing: Are there hidden surprises?
- Technical Reliability: Does the platform work when you need it?
Based on current metrics, Cleartrip scores better on all four factors.
Common Mistakes NRIs Make
Based on discussions in our returning NRI Facebook group:
Mistake 1: Choosing platforms based only on initial price Hidden fees and poor service can cost more than price savings.
Mistake 2: Not considering customer service quality When international flights get cancelled, good support becomes crucial.
Mistake 3: Ignoring platform financial health Struggling companies provide struggling service.
Mistake 4: Not reading recent customer reviews Financial troubles show up in customer experience first.
Special Considerations for US Born Children
My younger son was born in the USA. This creates unique booking requirements.
Documentation Needs:
- OCI card validation
- Passport verification
- Visa requirements for certain routes
- Age proof for child fares
Cleartrip handles these requirements better. Their customer service understands NRI documentation complexities.
EaseMyTrip’s agent network sometimes lacks this specialized knowledge.
Making the Right Choice: My Framework
After three years of extensive use and financial analysis:
Choose Cleartrip if:
- Reliability matters more than small price differences
- You frequently travel internationally
- You value clean, transparent processes
- You need dependable customer service
Choose EaseMyTrip if:
- You only travel domestically in India
- Price is your absolute priority
- You prefer working with local travel agents
- You’re comfortable with traditional Indian e commerce
My Family’s Current Strategy: We primarily use Cleartrip for all bookings. Their reliability and service quality justify any small price premium.
We occasionally check EaseMyTrip prices for domestic hotels. But we book through Cleartrip for peace of mind.
Industry Expert Opinions
Recent industry analysis supports the reliability concerns around EaseMyTrip:
- Stock analysts recommend caution due to financial performance
- Travel industry experts note the impact of leadership changes
- Customer satisfaction surveys show declining EaseMyTrip ratings
- Financial stability rankings favor Flipkart backed Cleartrip
Think of it like this: When booking expensive family travel, stability matters more than saving a few hundred rupees.
The Bottom Line
The choice between Cleartrip and EaseMyTrip has become clearer in 2025.
Cleartrip offers better reliability, stability, and service quality. Their Flipkart backing provides confidence during uncertain times.
EaseMyTrip faces significant financial and operational challenges. While they still offer competitive prices occasionally, reliability concerns are growing.
For NRI families who need dependable travel booking, Cleartrip is the safer choice in the current market environment.
Here’s what this really means: Pay slightly more for reliability rather than risk booking disasters during important family travel.
Travel booking should reduce stress, not add to it. Choose platforms that prioritize your peace of mind.
Practical Booking Tips
From our family’s travel experience over the past three years:
Before Booking:
- Check recent customer reviews for both platforms
- Compare total prices including all fees
- Verify customer service availability for your travel dates
- Consider platform financial stability for refund scenarios
During Booking:
- Screenshot all price quotes before proceeding
- Read cancellation policies carefully
- Verify passenger details match passport information
- Save all booking confirmations immediately
After Booking:
- Confirm tickets directly with airlines/hotels
- Set up alerts for any schedule changes
- Keep customer service contact information handy
- Download offline copies of tickets and vouchers
For more guidance on managing your finances while traveling frequently between India and USA, read my comprehensive guide on best ways to transfer money between countries.
Technology Integration Tips
Cleartrip Integration:
- Works well with Google Pay for payments
- Flipkart SuperCoins can sometimes be used
- Clean API for corporate booking integrations
- Mobile app notifications are reliable
EaseMyTrip Integration:
- Multiple payment gateway options
- Travel agent network provides offline backup
- Corporate solutions available
- Mobile app performance varies
Crisis Management Experience
During COVID cancellations:
Cleartrip handled our international flight cancellations professionally. Refunds were processed within the airline timelines. Customer service stayed accessible throughout.
EaseMyTrip took longer to process refunds. Customer service was overwhelmed. Communication was inconsistent.
This crisis experience reinforced our preference for Cleartrip’s reliability.
Future Outlook
Cleartrip Future Prospects:
- Flipkart ecosystem expansion
- Better technology investments
- Growing market share
- Stable financial backing
EaseMyTrip Challenges:
- Significant financial restructuring needed
- Market share erosion continuing
- Customer satisfaction declining
- Management stability concerns
The trajectory suggests Cleartrip will become increasingly reliable while EaseMyTrip faces ongoing challenges.
Final Recommendation
Based on comprehensive analysis of financial stability, customer service, user experience, and personal usage:
Cleartrip emerges as the more reliable choice for NRI families in 2025.
Their Flipkart backing provides stability. Their service quality justifies slightly higher prices. Their technology platform works consistently.
EaseMyTrip remains a viable option for price sensitive domestic travel.
But reliability concerns make them risky for important family trips or international travel.
Start with Cleartrip for your important bookings.
Test EaseMyTrip for less critical domestic travel if price sensitivity matters.
The Indian travel market will continue evolving. Choose platforms that prioritize long term sustainability over short term price wars.
What matters most is stress free travel booking that lets you focus on enjoying incredible India and maintaining your global connections.
That’s what the successful NRI journey really requires.
Quick Reliability Summary
| Reliability Factor | Cleartrip Winner | EaseMyTrip Winner | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Stability | Yes | No | Flipkart backing vs financial troubles |
| Customer Service | Yes | No | Better support infrastructure |
| Platform Stability | Yes | No | Fewer technical issues |
| Pricing Transparency | Yes | No | Cleaner checkout process |
| International Travel | Yes | No | Better airline partnerships |
| Refund Processing | Yes | No | More reliable during crises |
| Mobile App Performance | Yes | Partial | Smoother user experience |
| Market Share Growth | Yes | No | Growing vs declining |
| Corporate Trust | Yes | No | Flipkart backing advantage |
| Overall Reliability | Cleartrip | None | Clear winner |
Sources and References:
- Trustpilot Reviews – Cleartrip Customer Feedback and EaseMyTrip Customer Reviews
- Stocks Mantra – Market Share Analysis of Indian OTAs
- MediaNama – EaseMyTrip Financial Decline Analysis
- Simply Wall St – EaseMyTrip Stock Performance
- Business Standard – Cleartrip Growth Strategy
- Entrackr – Financial Performance Comparison
- Similarweb – Platform Traffic Analysis
- Personal travel booking data and experiences from 2021-2024
Note: Financial data and market share information based on publicly available reports as of 2025. Travel platform performance can change rapidly based on market conditions and company strategies. Always verify current platform status before making bookings.