Cheap flight tickets do not always depend on a big sale. With some planning, you can compare prices, stay flexible on dates and find a flight that is better value for your trip.
Whether you are travelling for a holiday, work, study or a trip back to your kampung, here are 7 ways to get cheaper flight tickets.
1. Avoid peak periods if you can
Flight prices follow demand. During school holidays, public holidays and festive seasons, more people travel and fares on popular routes can go up.
If your dates are flexible, compare a few options before you book. Peak seasons differ by destination, so there is no single “cheap month” for every trip. Check the prices for several days or weeks, then pick the dates that give the best value.
Travelling off-peak can also help you avoid crowded tourist spots.
2. Do not rely only on Monday or Tuesday
Many tips online say flights on Mondays or Tuesdays are always cheaper. In reality, no single day is guaranteed to be the cheapest for every route.
Prices depend on the destination, travel date, demand, seats left and any promotions running at that time. Instead of fixing on one weekday, use a flexible date search and compare several options.
For example, if you plan to leave on a Saturday, also check Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday. Moving by just one day can sometimes change the price noticeably.
3. Compare flight prices
Do not buy the first fare you see. Flight comparison tools such as Google Flights, Skyscanner and Trip.com show options from different airlines and booking platforms in one place.
You can compare:
- Ticket price
- Departure and arrival times
- Direct or transit flights
- Baggage allowance
- Airports
- Total travel time
- One-way and return fares
Comparison sites do not always include baggage, seat selection or other fees in the price they show. Before you pay, check the final price and baggage rules on the airline’s own website.
You also do not need to use incognito mode to “stop prices from rising”. Fares mainly depend on seat supply, demand, travel dates and airline pricing, and there is no reliable evidence that opening a private window gets you a cheaper ticket.
4. Check the airline’s own website and app
After comparing, visit the airline’s official website or app. Airlines often run limited-time promotions with specific booking periods, travel periods and conditions. For example, AirAsia lists its current flight promotions on its promotions page, and the offers change from time to time. Check the terms of each promotion, because seats are limited and conditions apply.
Also check these before you pay:
- Final price after taxes and fees
- Checked baggage
- Seat selection
- In-flight meals
- Change or cancellation policy
- Payment method
In Malaysia, advertised air fares are expected to show the full price. The Malaysian Aviation Commission’s Guidance on Advertisement of Air Fare says advertised fares must include the base fare, airline charges, government taxes and fees, and fuel surcharges. Even so, optional extras such as baggage and seats can still add to your total, so always compare the amount you actually pay.
Some banks and credit cards offer flight promotions, reward points or travel benefits. If you already use a credit card, check the current offers before you book.
You can also see whether your points can be used for:
- Flight tickets
- Flight upgrades
- Baggage
- Accommodation
- Other travel expenses
Do not spend more just to earn points. Make sure the real cost after the promotion is still worth it.
6. Try nearby airports and open-jaw trips
If you are flexible, do not check only one airport. If you live in the Klang Valley, for example, you can compare flights from different airports when that suits your destination and schedule. For overseas trips, you can also look at airports near your main destination.
Another option is an open-jaw trip, where you fly into one city and out of another. For example, you could fly from Kuala Lumpur to Osaka and return from Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur. This can suit a multi-city route better than a return flight to a single city.
Add the extra costs before you decide:
- Transport to the airport
- Tolls
- Parking
- Accommodation, if needed
- Train, bus or domestic flight between cities
- Extra travel time
A ticket that costs slightly more from a nearby airport may turn out cheaper once all costs are counted. The reverse can also be true.
7. Do not rely only on “book 3 to 6 months ahead” or “last minute”
Tips such as “book 3 to 6 months early” or “wait until two weeks before the flight” do not suit every route. Prices change with demand, seats left, season and promotions, so no single booking window guarantees the lowest fare.
A more practical approach is to:
- Decide your destination and rough travel dates.
- Check prices a few weeks or months ahead if possible.
- Compare several travel dates.
- Set price alerts to track changes.
- Check the final price, including baggage and extra charges.
- Book when you find a price that fits your budget.
Avoid waiting too long in the hope of a lower price, especially during school holidays and public holidays.
Do not forget travel insurance
Cheap tickets are great, but your trip should be protected too. Depending on the plan, travel insurance can help cover certain losses during your trip, such as medical expenses, trip cancellation, flight delays and lost or delayed baggage.
Benefits and limits differ by plan, so read the policy before you buy. If you are new to it, this guide explains how to buy travel insurance in Malaysia. You can also compare travel insurance plans on BJAK once your ticket is booked.
Conclusion
Cheap flight tickets do not depend on one magic day or month. What matters more is staying flexible with dates, comparing several options, tracking price changes and checking the real price after all extra charges.
Use comparison tools, check official airline promotions, consider nearby airports and book when the price suits your budget. Once your ticket is confirmed, arrange suitable travel insurance for your trip.
Nabil Farhan· · 5 min read
