What is the Cheapest Month to Fly in the Philippines?
When planning a trip to the Philippines, one of the most important things to consider is the cost of airfare. Booking at the right time can save you a lot of money, so you might be wondering: what is the cheapest month to fly in the Philippines? In this blog post, we will look at the data and provide you with some insights to help you find the best deal possible.
Factors that Affect Airfare Prices
Before revealing the cheapest month to fly, it’s essential to understand what factors affect airfare prices. There are several elements that can affect the cost of airfare, including the following:
Seasonality
One of the most significant factors in flight ticket pricing is seasonality. During peak season, which is usually around Christmas and New Year, prices are higher due to the increased demand. The summer months from March to May are also peak season months due to school holidays, and prices can be similarly high. Conversely, during off-peak months, prices are generally lower.
Flight Route
The route you take will also affect the cost of your airline ticket. Direct flights are usually more expensive than flights with layovers or stopovers. Fly from a major hub like Manila or Cebu to a less popular destination, and you will likely pay less for your ticket.
Airline Competition
The number of airlines serving a particular route and the level of competition between them can also affect airfare prices. Routes with more airlines typically have more competition and offer lower prices.
Advance Booking
The time between when you make your reservation and when you want to travel can also affect the price. Booking your flight months in advance can often result in significant savings as airlines offer early bird discounts. However, if you’re flexible with your travel dates, booking last-minute can also bring some great deals.
The Cheapest Month to Fly in the Philippines
After taking these factors into consideration, data from various sources, including Skyscanner, shows that the cheapest month to fly to the Philippines is generally in September. During this month, the demand for flights is low due to the wet season, which can lead to lowered prices on airfare. Additionally, flights in October and November can also be relatively affordable, as the peak tourist season has yet to start. However, one must bear in mind that September and October are typically the months with the highest amount of rainfall in the Philippines.Suppose you’re planning a trip during peak season, between December and May, looking for flight deals during the middle of the week (Tuesday-Thursday), when demand is usually lower, is also a smart strategy.
Other Money-Saving Tips for Booking Flights to the Philippines
Here are a few additional tips to help you save money on airfare to the Philippines:
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Flexibility is the key to finding the best airfare deals. If you can travel on weekdays instead of weekends, you might save a lot of money.
Use Fare Comparison Tools
There are several fare comparison tools you can use to help you find the cheapest prices. Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights will help you compare prices across different airlines and highlight which dates have the best deals.
Join Airline Loyalty Programs
If you fly regularly, enrolling in an airline loyalty program can help you earn points that can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other perks.
Avoid Peak Season Travel
As mentioned earlier, traveling during peak season can lead to higher prices across all travel-related expenses, including airfare, accommodations, and activities.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you’re looking to save money on your trip to the Philippines, September is the cheapest month to fly. However, keep in mind that the wet season is in full swing at this time, so plan your activities accordingly. Otherwise, try to be flexible with your travel dates and use fare comparison tools to locate the best prices. Finally, joining an airline loyalty program can also bring significant benefits to frequent fliers. With these tips in mind, you can book your trip and save money along the way.