If you’re looking to fly to Bangladesh, finding budget-friendly flights can often be a challenge. It’s a bit of a journey, especially from the U.S. or Europe, but with the right tools and strategies, you can definitely save some money. Here’s how you can find the best flight deals.
Book at the Right Time
Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights. Studies have shown that booking around 2-3 months in advance for international flights can help you get a better deal. It’s also good to keep an eye on prices about 4-6 months ahead of time for any dramatic fluctuations.
Did you know that you can get up to 40% cheaper prices on flight and hotel bookings by using a VPN? Try NordVPN today! They offer a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Avoid booking within two weeks of your departure date. Prices usually increase as the departure date gets closer unless it’s a last-minute sale, which is rare.
The day you book matters too. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to book flights, with weekends being the most expensive. Also, flying mid-week (usually Tuesday or Wednesday) is generally cheaper than flying on weekends.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
The best way to track multiple airlines and find the cheapest fares is through flight comparison websites. Here are some popular options:
- Google Flights: Google Flights lets you track fare changes and explore a calendar of prices. It’s one of the easiest tools to use.
- Skyscanner: A great website for searching a wide range of airlines, especially for international travel. You can search for the cheapest month too.
- Momondo: A solid alternative to Skyscanner that often shows hidden gems from smaller travel agencies and carriers.
- KAYAK: Known for its price alerts and flexible search options, KAYAK can help you compare flights from different regions.
Set up price alerts on these platforms so they can notify you when fares drop for your searched route.
Check for Local Airlines
Popular international airlines that fly into Bangladesh include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Singapore Airlines. These offer comfortable flights with options for layovers in hubs like Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, or Singapore.
However, don’t overlook local and regional airlines. Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the country’s national carrier and often offers the best connections and reasonable prices to Dhaka. Other regional airlines like AirAsia or Indigo can also offer low-cost alternatives, particularly if you’re flying in from Southeast Asia or India.
Consider Layover Options
Non-stop flights to Bangladesh will almost always be more expensive than ones with layovers. If you’re comfortable with longer travel times, consider flights with layovers. Not only can this cut down your flight costs, but you may also be able to make a mini-trip out of your layover destination.
For instance, connecting through cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok could save you money, and you could even plan a short stay if you want to explore another country on the way.
Look for Airline Sales and Coupons
Many airlines, both international and local, run regular sales, and some even have special promotions targeting specific routes. Sign up for their newsletters to be automatically informed of sales.
There are also sites like Secret Flying or Airfarewatchdog that often round up the latest deals and error fares. Keep an eye on these for a chance to snag ridiculously cheap tickets.
Be Flexible with Your Dates and Airports
If you’re flexible with your schedule, you’ll have a better chance of finding a cheaper flight. As mentioned earlier, mid-week travel tends to be cheaper, so try flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Also, avoid peak travel times like major holidays or summer months.
Try looking at alternative airports too. If Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) is showing high fares, you can check Chittagong’s Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) or Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport (ZYL). Sometimes flying into one of these airports can end up being much cheaper with a short local flight or bus journey to your next destination in Bangladesh.
Consider Using Miles or Points
Don’t forget about frequent flyer miles or credit card points. If you accumulate points with an airline or through travel credit cards, now might be the perfect time to redeem them.
Check if your miles can be used on partner airlines, as many carriers share alliances. You might be able to save hundreds of dollars by using miles for part of the leg.
Search for One-Way Tickets
Sometimes booking two one-way tickets can be cheaper than booking a round-trip ticket. Mix and match airlines to find the cheapest combination. Fly one airline into Bangladesh and another out.
Don’t assume round-trip tickets are always cheaper; sometimes, airlines have different pricing strategies.
Avoid Peak Travel Times
Bangladesh has peak travel seasons too. If you’re flying around Eid, during the Bangla New Year (Pohela Boishakh), or over the winter festive season, prices are generally much higher. Try avoiding these holidays and high-traffic periods if you can.
If you need to travel during a busy period, book as far ahead as possible to get the best possible price.
Try Searching in Incognito Mode
Some people claim that airlines raise prices if you repeatedly search for the same route. A way around this is to use your browser in incognito mode or to clear your cookies before searching.
While not proven 100%, it doesn’t hurt to try. I’ve personally done this a few times and noticed slightly lower fares.
Consider Stopovers in Nearby Countries
If you can’t find direct affordable flights to Bangladesh, one option is to fly into a nearby country, such as India, Thailand, or Malaysia. From there, you can take a budget airline to Bangladesh. This method is a little more work but can save you a lot of money depending on the route.
This strategy works well due to Bangladesh’s proximity to major transport hubs in South Asia. Be sure to research any visa requirements if you choose to stay over in your transit country.
Check for Luggage Fees
When comparing prices, always factor in extra luggage fees, especially if you’re flying with low-cost carriers. Budget airlines often offer cheap base fares but will charge for checked luggage, assigned seating, and even meals.
Double-check the baggage policies of your chosen airline. Sometimes a slightly more expensive option that includes luggage might save you money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Booking a flight to Bangladesh doesn’t have to break the bank. By being flexible, using comparison sites, and considering layovers, you can score a great deal.
Keep these tips in mind when you’re planning your trip. With a little planning and some patience, you’ll be well on your way to finding an affordable flight to Bangladesh.
Leave a reply