Budget airlines in Southeast Asia can be a cost-effective way for traveling around the region. Besides affordable fares, you can expect an extensive network of routes. But we are all too familiar with the no-frills approach of low-cost carriers, and Southeast Asia's airlines are no exception.
Here are some valuable tips for traveling with the region's budget airlines. While there's no foolproof formula or guarantee to ensure a hassle-free journey, the following tips can certainly ease any potential discomfort associated with budget travel in the region.
Research & Compare Several Budget Airlines
Before you book your ticket, invest some time in research. Southeast Asia is home to the largest budget airline sector, with over 20 low-cost carriers operating in the region. So research your various options. Compare the airlines' routes, schedules, services, and prices to find the best fit for your travel plans.
Double-Check the Airport Location
There can be more than one airport serving the major cities. Budget airlines sometimes operate from secondary airports that may be some distance from the main city. So double-check the airport's location when booking a flight, as this can affect your overall travel time and transportation costs to your final destination.
Look Out for Promotions
Budget flights in Southeast Asia are generally cheaper than their European and American cousins. If you're hunting for more budget-friendly deals, check their websites and apps for special promotions and discounts. They are worth keeping an eye on with the significant savings.
Many budget airlines use social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They often announce special deals through social media. Additionally, sign up for their email newsletters. Following them on social media and email will give you access to more promotions and discounts.
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| Vietnam's VetJet Air | Anna Zvereva |
Book in Advance for Savings
Like all budget airlines, the region's low-cost carriers have a tiered pricing structure. This means fares increase as the departure date gets nearer, especially when available seats become scarce. If you're looking for even cheaper fares, plan your travels and book your flights as early as possible.
Booking early increases your chances of securing much cheaper tickets. The difference in cost between early bookings and last-minute purchases can be staggering. There's also a wider selection of flight dates and times before booked by others.
Being Flexible Can Save You Money
Like all budget airlines, the region's low-cost carriers have a tiered pricing structure. This means fares increase as the departure date gets nearer, especially when available seats become scarce. If you're looking for even cheaper fares, plan your travels and book your flights as early as possible.
Booking early increases your chances of securing much cheaper tickets. The difference in cost between early bookings and last-minute purchases can be staggering. There's also a wider selection of flight dates and times before booked by others.
Travel Outside Peak Hours for Cheaper Fares
Budget airlines make money by keeping their planes flying as much as possible. On popular routes in Southeast Asia, there are frequent daily flights. Fares are not always the same throughout the day. Tickets cost more during peak hours when there's high demand and much cheaper during off-peak hours.
Off-peak hours are usually flights in the early mornings and late evenings. It's not always the case in the region. It all depends on the demand for the flight on the route operated by the airline. The peak hour flight could be in the morning, and the midday flight could be the off-peak hours.
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| Indonesia's Lion Air | Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon |
Look for Promo Codes for Extra Savings
Here's another tip for flying with budget airlines in Southeast Asia. Some budget airlines like AirAsia, Firefly, and Cebu Pacific have promo codes. Using the promo codes will get you additional discounts on the promoted fare. It's only for the base fare and excludes taxes, fees, surcharges, and add-ons.
Where can you find these promo codes? Do a simple web search and enter keywords like "AirAsia promo code," "Cebu Pacific promo code," and so forth. You can find several websites offering these promo codes from participating airlines.
Beware of Hidden Fees
Budget airline fares may seem enticingly low at first. Be prepared for additional fees that can quickly add up. Budget airlines are well-known for charging add-on services like seat selection, priority boarding, in-flight meals, and so forth.
Be aware of these potential costs, and some fees can be avoided or minimized. You may find priority seat selection and boarding unnecessary for your trip. So read the fine print carefully before booking to avoid any unexpected expenses.
Check the Baggage Allowance to Avoid Hefty Fees
Budget airlines are known for their strict baggage policies. Be mindful of the baggage size and weight limits. Exceeding them can result in hefty fees. Many charge extra as an add-on service for checked bags. So be sure to review the baggage allowances and the add-on fees before booking.
Pack smart and light to avoid the additional cost and time at the airport. Opt for a compact carry-on bag that meets the airline's size requirements. Pack clothing items that can be mixed and matched to reduce the number of outfits you need to bring. Roll your clothes to save space and utilize packing cubes for organization.
Besides packing smartly, consider investing in a lightweight suitcase or backpack. This reduces the weight when you check-in your baggage with the airline at the airport. A lighter load can save you from excess baggage fees.
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| Malaysia's AirAsia | Darren Koch |
Plan Ahead for Meals and Snacks
On budget airlines, the base fare usually doesn't include complimentary meals or snacks. You may have read from other travel sites suggesting to bring your food and drinks on board to save money. Budget airlines in the region have a no-outside food policy. The only food and drinks allowed are those purchased from the airline.
Compared to budget airlines in Europe and America, prices for food and drinks are much lower than budget airlines in Southeast Asia. If you order before the flight, non-alcoholic drinks typically cost USD1-2, snacks USD1-2, light meals USD2-4, and hot meals USD5-6. Exceptions are Singapore-based Jetstar Asia and Scoot, where you pay 2-3 times the prices mentioned.
It's cheaper to book online before the flight. You can expect to pay 20-40 percent more if you order during the flight. Another plus if you pre-book. You can choose the food and drinks you want. If you order during the flight, you have limited choices. Most airlines require you to pre-book at least 24 hours before the flight.
Arrive Early to Avoid Missing the Flight
It's best to arrive at the airport early, especially when flying with low-cost carriers. These airlines often have smaller check-in counters, which can lead to long queues and increased waiting times. At some airports, the low-cost carrier counters are farther from the main counters used by full-service airlines
Arriving early also gives you ample time navigating pass check-in and security, ensuring you'll be on time for your flight. Remember, budget airlines may close their check-in counters very early before departure. So don't cut it too close before departure and risk missing your flight.
Many budget airlines in the region offer an online check-in option, saving time and avoiding long lines at the airport. Make sure to print out your boarding pass or have it ready on your mobile device. If you check in online and arrive early, you can breeze through the airport procedures before the flight.
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| Scoot | Maksym Kozlenko |
Download the Airline's App
Budget airlines in Southeast Asia have fully embraced the digital age. It's never been more convenient to search, compare, and book flights through an airline's website with a computer from the comfort of your home. But not everyone carries a computer when traveling. Many find it too much to carry when on the move.
But nearly everyone carries a smartphone since they are easy to carry around. So download the airline's app to your mobile device. There are several benefits to using the apps.
- Convenient Booking: Most of all, you make your booking while you're on the move. Apps make it easy to check flight availability, prices, and schedules. You can even add extra services like baggage allowance and book your in-flight meals in advance.
- Exclusive Deals and Discounts: Many budget airlines offer special discounts and promotions exclusively through mobile apps. This includes discounts on flights, baggage fees, and even in-flight services like meals.
- Mobile Boarding Passes: Most airline apps allow you to download their boarding passes directly to your smartphone. The mobile passes save you time at the airport and also take away the need for printed boarding passes.
- Contact and Support: The apps often include easy access to customer support and contact information. If you encounter any issues or have questions during your journey, you can reach out to the airline directly through the app.
- Travel Itinerary Management: Many apps allow you to store your travel itineraries. This makes it easy for you to access important information like flight details, seat assignments, and booking references.
- Language Support: Many apps offer multiple language options, with English being the most common. This is extremely helpful for travelers who are not fluent in the local language.
