IXI GOooo.....

I was shown before it was launched – courtesy Vibhu. And I found it pretty amazing and certainly ‘different’ from many other sites which thousands of people use everyday, fuelling the boom called aviation industry of the country. This boom has lead to a number of travel sites popping up. So when Vibhu told me that he is working on such a travel site called www.ixigo.com , I asked what’s different. Then he gave me a sneak peek at it.
Using the latest JSON technology, which incidentally is also being used by Google for Gmail, this is arguably the fastest site available around for booking your airline tickets. Considering my learning curve had become more or less flat, I was inclined to learn more about this JSON, but a look at the front end caught and didn’t leave my attention.
The speed factor was of course there. Once loaded, it was super fast (an indication of major use of client side programming). Within seconds, it browsed through all the airlines and brought out the comparative rates – of course the cheapest at the top.
A distinct feature I loved was the slider. You just move the slider and change the different timings on which you want the flight. And as you keep on moving slider, the right pane keeps on updating with the required timings
One of the best things is that the prices shown are including taxes. That is the exact amount you need to shell out. I have suffered at many other sites. They cause you heart break. You are so happy to see a ticket for 1000 bucks and think “ Yes. I have made it. I have something to boast about to friends. 2000 mein return”. Its such a nice feeling. And then when as you near the payment time, some strange taxes appear spoiling your party. That is why I liked the approach in this site. They don't take you to the dream world.
Moreover, unlike others, you are taken directly to the check out page, where you just have to pay. In many others, you see a 500 Rs ticket. With experience of additional taxes behind you, you add up everything mentally. “chalo 1700 rupees. Not bad” and then you reach the site and Woosh.. no tickets available any more. So guess it is much better in this case where they skip many intermediate steps for the user.
I really enjoyed just browsing the site. May be because my friend had a hand in its making it. But nevertheless you enjoy something which has a fresh feel to it.