Hey there,
I'm about to go on a long trip abroad, and considering a few options. I would probably like to visit China, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand.
There are several ways to do this. I can simply book normal flights, or buy one of those RTW tickets. However, I read somewhere that buying "last minute" tickets at the airport is considerably cheaper than ordering everything in advance.
I'd like to ask fellow travelers here, what do you think about it? Should I book everything at home or book at the airport?
Thanks for all your help,
Yoav
Reply to this Hi Yoavbo
We have had a similar problem, we were unsure of whether to book a RTW ticket or do them seperately and as we go along.
We have finally decided on booking a one way flight to Malaysia, where we will be starting off (flying with Air Asia). The flight we have booked is only one way, as this can be a problem when flying into a lot of countries we have had to book a couple of flights up front so we have proof that we will be leaving.
Having a look at the RTW deals, I think they are a good idea, depending on where you want to go it seems.
We didnt want the ties of having flights already booked on specific dates, we wanted to free style a bit, so thats why we decided on booking them as and when we want. Air Asia also fly from Kuala Lumpur to a few places in Australia which they do for a very good price. We are planning on just travelling around S. E Asia, China and then over to Australia, so for us a RTW ticket wouldnt of been the best idea I dont think.
An example of how cheap the flights we have booked are, £200 one way from London to KL, £10 return from KL to Borneo, £7 one way from KL to Cambodia.....all taxes included.
I really think it comes down to how organised you want to be, I like the idea of having the first couple of months sorted out, but when it comes to booking all your flights for a year (not that you have to choose the dates straight away) Im a bit unsure as I dont think it gives you as much freedom.
😊
Toria & Phil
Reply to this Hello Yoav 😊
I dont know much about the last minute flights sold at the airport because I never bought one, but I get some good bargains by using an internet search engine to find the cheapest ones. I either buy them when they are on special offer, or else I search until I find a good priced on.
Mel
Reply to this
The question is, how can I save more money: by booking everything in advance or waiting for the last second?
I personally think that waiting until the last moment could backfire. It may not be cheaper than the bargain tickets you can buy in advance. I have a feeling that if last minute flights were really cheap, there would be lots of people talking about them on this site.
Reply to this I have a feeling that if last minute flights were really cheap, there would be lots of people talking about them on this site.
Sounds logical. I'll have to do more research 😊
Reply to this The flights I have booked already were so cheap, I dont think you'd find many cheaper than that no matter when you book! :-)
Reply to this Well, I did some research.
Luckily, Air Asia also has flights from Bangkok to various destinations. According to their website, you could get a flight from Bangkok to Shenzhen for 50$ - a very good deal, no doubt.
As for Australia, Tiger Airways has flights from Bangkok to Perth (the west coast) for about 80$.
Reply to this Yep, there are many budget airlines in Asia, check out www.attitudetravel.com/asia for details of airlines and where they fly from/to.
Jetstar Asia also fly from Asia to Australia.
Make sure one way flight fulfill your visa requirements though, for some countries you will need a flight ticket out of the country as well.
Reply to this A small correction - the Tiger Airways flight doesn't include taxes.
I'm currently looking for a cheap flight from somewhere in New Zealand to Bangkok. Any ideas?
Reply to this I just bought a couple of return plane tickets from a travel agent. I always thought they would be cheaper on the interenet. But, apparently there are tricks travel agents can use to get cheaper tickets. The agent explained how he got me a cheaper tickets. He said, what he does is book us a hotel room in Bangkok for a night, and then the airline give a cheaper ticket. He then cancels the hotel room. I payed 150 Euros less for the 2 return tickets to Bangkok from Munich, than I would have payed for the cheapest ones on the internet.
Mel
Reply to this In my experience, travel agencies are priced higher. They have service charges. I always buy my tickets online. It is easier and I don't have to worry about losing my ticket (I can always print another one).
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Reply to this Living in West Aus I generally always look out for the cheap online starting out fare to KL or BKK or Denpassar...Tiger air and Air Asia and Virgin cheap tickets are plentiful - I got Perth > KL for $49 return with Air Asia but have not booked connecting flights because Air Asia and I dont always get on with this point to point carrier thing and their planes dont always take off or land on time so connecting flights are an issue I have with Air Asia. Im going to land at KL and see what flight I can get on and buy that one at the airport. If I can make the 2.25 to phnom penh, then its cambodia, laos, thailand then Borneo before we come home..If I cant, I will grab the 4.30 to Kota Kinablu and just reverse the trip.
The rest of the flights i will book online at the hotel when I know which route im taking and when I am ready for the next place. Ive booked online with Air Vietnam and a whole heap of others from their website then called to change a flight. Just remember air asia wont do that. Also remember taxes and visa requirements. Ive also never gotten cheaper tickets last minute..and I do mean LAST minute..online 24 hours before is generally cheaper. Its cost me more to fly on the spur of the moment many times.
I will say though, every now and then I get a huge adrenaline buzz out of landing somewhere then running up to the departure boards and making a split second decision and ending up ??
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