Cheap flights to and around Asia
by Su-Ann Mae Phillips
Flight fares in and around Asia are relatively lower compared to than flights in and around in Europe or the US. With a little insight about how airlines operate in Asia, travelers can pick up simple tips on how to get good flight deals to and around Asia.
Competition is the key. The air transport industry is very competitive in Asia, and many Asian airports compete intensely to offer the best international, regional and domestic flight connections. Make use of this intense competition to your benefit - if you are flying into Asia, select an international airport in Asia that is well connected to the rest of Asia. As far as possible, try to select an airport that is used as a hub by both international and budget airlines. Some international airports that offer low-cost carrier / budget terminals also attract more budget airlines. By doing so, you have expanded your choice of airlines, flight options and naturally, fares.
Some of the better-connected airports in Asia include:
- Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (national carrier Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Orient Thai and budget airlines Nok Air, AirAsia, PB Air)
- Hong Kong International Airport (hub for national carrier Cathay Pacific and budget airlines Jetstar / ValuAir, Hong Kong Airlines, AirAsia)
- Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur International Airport (national carrier Malaysian Airlines and budget airlines AirAsia and AirAsia X)
- Singapore’s Changi Airport (national carrier Singapore Airlines and budget airlines Tiger Airways, AirAsia, Jetstar / ValuAir, Lion Air)
Fly budget. The obvious source of cheap flights to and in Asia is budget airlines or low cost carriers. These carriers operate fuss-free or no frill flights (no meals, minimal in-flight entertainment, limited baggage allowance). There are many budget airlines offering a wide range of domestic, regional and international flights within and around their Asian hubs, and thus it is common to see budget airlines slash prices or offer extremely low flights fares that start as low as a dollar on popular tourist destination routes. The budget airlines operating in Southeast Asia (e.g. AirAsia, Tiger Airways, and Jetstar) are among the most competitive in Asia, and offer the widest range of airfares and destinations.
On flying budget, do note that flight fares advertised at $1 technically do not exist – additional surcharges such as fuel surcharges, airport departure taxes and other fees are not included. With the looming credit crisis, the unpredictability of budget airlines is on the rise: several budget airlines may stop operating certain flights, or stop operations altogether. Check to see what are the airlines’ policies regarding cancellations and termination of services.
Plan when to fly. Cheap flights to Asia coincide with popular traveling seasons – traditionally June and end of the year (November and December). Many airlines – both the international as well as the discount airlines – will offer discounts and packages. International airlines plying popular tourist routes sometimes offer airfare and hotel accommodation packages. For example, Cathay Pacific and Disneyland Hong Kong often bundle special deals during the school holidays. These packages are very competitively priced and can offer great overall value. It is also possible to get good discounts during the traditional off-peak travel season (July to October).
The more flexible you can be about your travel dates and times – the more options and discounts you are opening yourself up to.
Finally, select and cultivate a good relationship with a reliable travel agent. Many travel or flight agents have access to insider information and with their contacts; they can save you a lot of money and effort.