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How to Find the Best Flight Deals to Bhutan

Bhutan is one of those awe-inspiring places that travelers dream of visiting. However, finding an affordable flight can be tricky. Don’t worry though—there are ways to make the search easier, get the best deals, and keep your travel budget in check.

Book Your Flights at the Right Time

First thing first: Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights to Bhutan. Flights tend to be more expensive if you’re traveling during peak tourist seasons. In Bhutan, those times are usually spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). If you’re flexible with your dates, try to avoid these months.

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Avoid booking your flights last minute. The best window for finding cheaper airfare is typically 2 to 3 months before your trip. Any closer to that and prices can rise quickly. Setting alerts on flight comparison websites will help you monitor prices and notify you when fares drop.

Use Flight Comparison Tools

Don’t just rely on a single website for your flight search. Use multiple tools and compare results. Some of the best flight comparison tools include Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo. These sites allow you to see a wide range of options across several airlines and give you the chance to discover some routes you may not have considered.

If you use these tools, keep your search results in incognito mode to avoid rising prices due to cookies tracking. This can sometimes make a significant difference for frequent searches.

Popular Airlines That Fly to Bhutan

There are currently two major airlines that operate flights into Bhutan: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. Both fly to Paro, which is Bhutan’s only international airport. These airlines operate from major airports in nearby countries, including India, Thailand, Singapore, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

If you’re flying from Europe or North America, you’ll most likely need to book flights that involve layovers in hubs like New Delhi, Bangkok, or Kathmandu before connecting to a direct flight to Bhutan. Try to book these layovers strategically to avoid long waiting times.

Choosing Between Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines

Druk Air is the national carrier of Bhutan and typically has more route options and flights into the country. Bhutan Airlines has fewer flights but sometimes offers slightly cheaper prices. Both airlines provide excellent service, and since they’re the only options, it’s worth checking both to compare fare differences.

Consider Regional Flights

If you’re based in South Asia or Southeast Asia, there can be some good regional routes that might significantly lower your flight costs. For example, flights from Kathmandu or Bangkok to Paro are more frequent, and sometimes airlines run promotions on these routes.

If you’re already traveling in the region, consider booking a low-cost airline to one of these nearby hubs and then securing a cheap flight to Bhutan from there.

Layover Tips for Cheaper Flights

If you’re coming from North America or Europe, you’ll most likely have at least one layover before reaching Bhutan. Sometimes having a longer layover (like 12-24 hours) saves you quite a bit of money on the overall fare.

Try to use this layover opportunity to explore a new city like New Delhi or Bangkok. Both cities have affordable hotels near their airports. Some airlines even provide free layover tours for travelers with extended waiting times, so ask around.

Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates

Being flexible with your departure dates can save you a lot of money. Often, flying midweek (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) is cheaper than flying on weekends. Use flight comparison tools to check the ‘cheapest date’ feature, which shows the best days to fly at lower rates.

If you’re unsure of the ideal time to book, consider setting price alerts on sites like Google Flights or Hopper. These alerts notify you when prices drop, letting you jump on a deal before it’s too late.

Join Frequent Flyer Programs

Frequent flyer programs are an excellent way to save on flights to Bhutan, especially if you fly regularly with any airline alliances like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld. Points can add up quickly and, in some cases, cover a significant portion of the fare.

Even if it’s your first long-haul flight, sign up for a frequent flyer account—you might be eligible for perks like free seat selection, priority boarding, or extra baggage allowance. Some credit cards also offer bonus miles that you can use towards booking flights with specific airlines.

Book Flights Directly With the Airlines

It’s tempting to book through third-party websites like Expedia or Booking.com because they sometimes offer bundled deals, but booking directly with the airline is often more secure and flexible. If something goes wrong like a canceled flight or schedule change, dealing with the airline directly makes resolving issues easier.

Also, airlines sometimes offer special discounts and promotional fares that aren’t available on comparison sites. It doesn’t hurt to cross-check fares on the airline’s official websites.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Flight prices to Bhutan can be a big investment, and things can always change last minute. That’s why it’s important to buy travel insurance to protect you against trip cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies during your trip.

Not only will travel insurance cover you in case of flight cancellations, but it’s also essential for general traveling in a country like Bhutan, where altitude and hiking can lead to unexpected situations.

Check Visa Requirements Before Booking

Bhutan requires all international visitors, other than those from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, to obtain a visa before entering the country. You must also book your trip through a registered tour operator in Bhutan. This visa application process is usually handled by your tour operator, but it’s still important to have everything prepared before booking flights.

It’s an extra step, but don’t let this discourage you. Just make sure everything is squared away before paying for any non-refundable flights!

How to Save on Your Bhutan Flights

If you really want to save as much money as possible, these additional tips could help you score extra discounts:

  • Keep an eye out for sales on airlines like Thai Airways, IndiGo, or Cathay Pacific, which connect to Bhutan’s flight routes.
  • Consider flying economy class for the shorter regional legs of your journey, but upgrade to business class for longer flights, if it’s within budget.
  • Use flight search across multiple devices: sometimes, prices may vary if you’re booking from your phone versus your desktop computer.

Final Thoughts on Finding Cheap Flights to Bhutan

Flying to Bhutan might take a bit more effort compared to other destinations, but with careful planning and savvy searches, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Start early, use the right tools, and be flexible with your travel dates. It’s all about timing and the right research.

Happy travels, and enjoy your adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan!

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