Latest news with #SeatAvailabilityForecast
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
MakeMyTrip adds 'seat availability forecast' feature to ease train bookings
Travel booking major MakeMyTrip on Monday launched Seat Availability Forecast, providing a predictive view of when seats on a selected train are likely to sell out. The Gurugram-headquartered firm said its data shows that nearly 40 per cent of users book train tickets across multiple sessions, often over several days. Among these users, close to 70 per cent end up booking waitlisted tickets, simply because confirmed seats are no longer available by the time their plans firm up. Reserved train tickets in India open for booking 60 days ahead of departure. However, most travellers only finalise their plans much closer to the date, MakeMyTrip stated. "With demand patterns varying significantly from week to week, the window for confirmed bookings keeps shifting. In April, most high-speed trains were sold out around 13 days before the departure date. By May, due to rising demand, they were typically booked out more than 20 days before departure," the NASDAQ-listed company said. For travellers, this means that even when they know which train they want, they often don't have a reliable sense of how long seats will remain available, making timely planning harder, it stated. The new feature is now live on both the MakeMyTrip app and website, embedded within the train booking flow. "We are focused on our mission to anticipate and address the nuanced needs of Indian rail passengers. Seat Availability Forecast is a result of that effort, rooted in data science, built to be seamless, and designed to solve a real planning challenge for millions of users. It is a strong addition to our rail stack, which helps make train travel more predictable and less stressful across the board," Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, said.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
MakeMyTrip rolls out ‘Seat Availability Forecast' feature to help train travellers
Online travel aggregator , MakeMyTrip has introduced a new 'seat availability forecast' feature for train new Seat Availability Forecast feature, now live on MakeMyTrip's app and website, predicts when seats on a chosen train are likely to sell out, allowing travellers to make informed booking decisions. The feature is built using advanced data models that analyse historical booking patterns alongside real-time demand signals . According to MakeMyTrip, nearly 40% of users book train tickets over multiple sessions, with 70% eventually securing only waitlisted tickets due to availability issues. With fluctuating demand, the timeline for confirmed bookings varies—from 13 days before departure in April to over 20 days in May. The new prediction tool aims to eliminate this uncertainty. 'We are focussed on our mission to anticipate and address the nuanced needs of Indian rail passengers . Seat Availability Forecast is a result of that effort, rooted in data science, built to be seamless, and designed to solve a real planning challenge for millions of users. It is a strong addition to our rail stack which helps make train travel more predictable and less stressful across the board.' said Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip. Along with this, the online travel booking platform has also introduced Sold-out Alerts feature , designed for travellers who are not ready to book the tickers immediately. The Sold-out Alert feature prompts timely action as seat availability begins to drop. Once activated, it notifies users when tickets on their selected train fall below a defined threshold, allowing them to book before confirmed seats run out. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
MakeMyTrip launches train seat availability feature and sold-out alerts
Travel company MakeMyTrip announced the launch of a new Seat Availability Forecast feature and Sold-out Alerts feature to help travellers track the status of their train seats and make their booking before they lose confirmed seats. For those looking to get a better idea of the available train seats while finalising their travel plans, MakeMyTrip's Seat Availability Forecast feature uses advanced models to offer a predictive view of when seats are likely to sell out. The models use a combination of years of historical booking data along with real-time demand signals, per the company. 'MakeMyTrip's data shows that nearly 40% of users book train tickets across multiple sessions, often over several days. Among these users, close to 70% end up booking waitlisted tickets, simply because confirmed seats are no longer available by the time their plans firm up,' said the company. Meanwhile, the Sold-out Alerts notify users when the number of available seats on the train of their choice begins to drop, so that travellers can make their booking while confirmed seats are still available. MakeMyTrip noted that the new feature was live on both the MakeMyTrip app and website. 'We are focussed on our mission to anticipate and address the nuanced needs of Indian rail passengers. Seat Availability Forecast is a result of that effort, rooted in data science, built to be seamless, and designed to solve a real planning challenge for millions of users. It is a strong addition to our rail stack which helps make train travel more predictable and less stressful across the board.' said Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Train tickets sold out? These new MakeMyTrip hacks could get you a seat fast
MakeMyTrip has introduced two new features aimed at improving the train ticket booking experience for Indian travellers : Seat Availability Forecast and Sold-out Alerts . These tools are designed to help users navigate unpredictable booking patterns and secure confirmed tickets more efficiently. Though, Indian railway rules allow passengers to book their tickets 60 days before their intended day of travel. MakeMyTrip's booking data indicates that nearly 40% of users complete their bookings across multiple sessions, often spread over several days. Among this group, close to 70% end up booking waitlisted tickets due to the non-availability of confirmed seats by the time their travel plans are finalized. Booking patterns vary significantly depending on demand. In April, most high-speed trains were sold out around 13 days prior to departure. By May, due to increased demand, tickets were sold out for at least 20 days in advance. This fluctuation has made it challenging for travellers to accurately gauge when to book. To address this issue, MakeMyTrip's new Seat Availability Forecast uses predictive models based on historical booking data and real-time demand. The feature estimates when seats on a selected train are likely to sell out, providing greater clarity to users during the planning phase. The feature is now available on both the MakeMyTrip mobile application and website, integrated into the train booking process. 'We are focused on our mission to anticipate and address the nuanced needs of Indian rail passengers,' said Rajesh Magow , Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip. 'Seat Availability Forecast is a result of that effort, rooted in data science, built to be seamless, and designed to solve a real planning challenge for millions of users.' Live Events In addition, the platform has launched Sold-out Alerts, which notify users when ticket availability on a selected train falls below a specified threshold. This feature aims to prompt timely bookings, reducing the risk of missing out on confirmed seats.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Planning train travel? How to avoid waitlisted tickets and book smarter
If you've ever tried booking a train ticket in India, you've likely faced the frustration of seeing 'WL' (Waitlisted) beside your chosen train — especially if you booked closer to your travel date. Although Indian Railways opens bookings 60 days in advance, most travellers wait until plans are firmed up — often too late for confirmed seats. But missing out on train seats doesn't just disrupt plans — it can also lead to more expensive, last-minute alternatives like flights or private taxis, stretching your travel budget. Here's how you can save money, reduce stress, and stay in control of your travel spend. Why tickets get waitlisted so often: Data from MakeMyTrip shows that nearly 40% of users take multiple sessions over several days to book their tickets. By then, most confirmed seats are already gone. In April 2025, high-speed trains were sold out around 13 days in advance. By May, this window had shrunk further — most were booked more than 20 days ahead of departure. If you're not planning proactively, you're risking being forced into: Buying more expensive Tatkal tickets. Spending on alternate travel modes. Losing out on early-bird discounts for return travel or hotel bookings. New took to book smarter MakeMyTrip has launched two key features aimed at empowering train travellers to make faster, more informed decisions — which can ultimately save both time and money: 1. Seat Availability Forecast This predictive tool shows when seats on your selected train are likely to sell out. It uses: Historical booking patterns Real-time demand data How it helps you: You'll get a clear idea of how many days in advance you need to book, helping you avoid the dreaded 'waitlist' status. " Seat Availability Forecast, a new feature provides a predictive view of when seats on a selected train are likely to sell out. Built using advanced models that combine years of historical booking data with real-time demand signals, the feature enables travellers to plan and book with greater clarity. It is now live on both the MakeMyTrip app and website, embedded within the train booking flow," said MakeMyTrip in a statement. 2. Sold-out Alerts Not ready to book right away? This tool sends you a real-time alert when seats on your chosen train fall below a certain threshold. How it helps you: It gives you a second chance to secure a confirmed seat before it's too late — without constantly rechecking the app. "MakeMyTrip has also introduced Sold-out Alerts, a feature that prompts timely action as seat availability begins to drop. Once activated, it notifies users when tickets on their selected train fall below a defined threshold, allowing them to book before confirmed seats run out. Paired with the Seat Availability Forecast, it adds another layer of visibility and control to the planning experience," the company said in a statement. 'We are focussed on our mission to anticipate and address the nuanced needs of Indian rail passengers. Seat Availability Forecast is a result of that effort, rooted in data science, built to be seamless, and designed to solve a real planning challenge for millions of users. It is a strong addition to our rail stack which helps make train travel more predictable and less stressful across the board.' said Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip. Tips you could use: Set a travel budget that includes a buffer in case you need to switch modes of transport. Use forecast tools early, even if your plans aren't final — this keeps you informed. Sign up for alerts on your commonly used routes so you're always one step ahead. Compare costs with alternate routes or train classes — sometimes AC 3-tier availability can be better value than 2-tier when waitlists build up. Book return journeys together — if you know your return date, you can save money by booking both legs early.
