If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia and want to save on flights, you’re in the right place. Flying can be one of the biggest costs of travel, but getting a good deal isn’t as hard as you think. With a little know-how, it’s possible to find affordable flights that won’t break your budget.
Book at the Right Time
The timing of your flight booking can make a huge difference in the price. Generally speaking, the best time to book international flights is around 2-3 months before your departure date. If possible, avoid waiting until the last minute, as prices often go up closer to the travel date.
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!
However, don’t book too early either. Airlines often release their seats 10-12 months in advance, but the prices are usually not at their lowest during that time. If you’re looking for a specific time frame, aim to monitor prices regularly and act when you see a reasonable deal.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
One of the easiest ways to compare multiple airlines at once is by using flight comparison websites or apps. There are a few websites that I recommend:
- Google Flights
- Skyscanner
- Momondo
- Kayak
These platforms allow you to search through various airlines to find the best prices. They also have features that let you set price alerts so you’ll know when fares drop. Google Flights is particularly great because it offers a calendar view where you can easily see the cheapest days to fly.
Search for Flights in Incognito Mode
A common belief among travelers is that flight prices go up if you keep searching repeatedly. While there’s some debate on whether this is true, it’s still a good idea to browse for flights using incognito mode in your browser.
When you search in incognito mode, websites aren’t able to track your search history, and you’ll avoid any potential price inflation based on your search patterns.
Be Flexible with Dates
Flexibility will almost always save you money. If you’re able to be flexible with your departure or return dates, you’ll likely find better prices. Prices can vary based on demand, and mid-week flights are often cheaper than weekend flights.
Use the comparison tools mentioned earlier to experiment with different dates. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday is often cheaper, while flying on Fridays or Sundays tends to be more expensive.
Look for Layovers
Non-stop flights are more convenient, but they’re also more expensive. Consider booking a flight with a layover to save some money. Layovers in places like Singapore, Bangkok, or Hong Kong are common when flying to Malaysia and can cut the price significantly.
Make sure to check how long the layover is. If it’s just a few hours, it might be worth it for the savings. For longer layovers of 6-12 hours, consider leaving the airport to explore the layover city. Just ensure you have any necessary transit visas and enough time to get back through security to catch your next flight.
Use Local and Regional Airlines
Malaysia is connected with many regional airlines that offer competitive pricing. Consider flying in and out of Kuala Lumpur (KUL), as this is a major hub for budget carriers. Malaysia Airlines is the country’s main airline, but for budget travelers, AirAsia is the one to look at.
AirAsia often runs sales that offer incredibly low fares. Fly from nearby countries like Thailand, Singapore, or Indonesia on low-cost carriers. Besides AirAsia, also look out for carriers like Scoot, Malindo Air, and Firefly, which operate within Southeast Asia.
Sign Up for Airline Newsletters
Airlines frequently offer exclusive promotions and discounts, especially to their email subscribers. Sign up for newsletters from airlines you’re interested in or those flying the routes you’re targeting. This is the best way to stay informed about sales, flash offers, or special promos.
For budget airlines like AirAsia, these newsletters can sometimes give you access to deals you wouldn’t find by just searching online. The same applies for Malaysia Airlines and regional budget carriers.
Avoid Peak Travel Seasons
Traveling to Malaysia during peak seasons will almost certainly cost more. Peak months usually include July and August, as well as local holidays like Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. During these times, flights are in much higher demand and prices can skyrocket.
If you want to save money, avoid flying during these peak periods. Instead, look for flights during off-peak months, like February, March, or September. You’ll likely find better prices, plus fewer tourists when you arrive in Malaysia.
Consider Flying to Nearby Airports
If you’re traveling from Europe or the U.S., you might find cheaper flights if you consider nearby hubs before booking your final leg into Malaysia. For instance, flying to Bangkok, Singapore, or Jakarta first and then getting a low-cost flight to Malaysia with a regional airline could save you a lot of money.
Just be sure to calculate the total cost and any extra travel time to see if this option makes sense for you financially and logistically. If you’re flying domestically within Malaysia, airports like Penang (PEN) or Langkawi (LGK) are more affordable hubs compared to smaller, regional ones.
Look into Frequent Flyer Programs
If you’re a frequent traveler, don’t overlook the benefit of frequent flyer miles. While many booking tools and budget airlines won’t give you frequent flyer points, major international airlines will. Programs like Oneworld, SkyTeam, or Star Alliance can help you earn miles that you can eventually use for a flight to Malaysia.
Some credit cards also offer rewards miles for every purchase made – a great extra perk if you can take advantage of it. Even if you don’t have enough miles for a free trip, you might be able to save money using them for an upgrade or as part payment.
Book One-Way Tickets
Sometimes booking two one-way tickets can be cheaper than booking one round-trip ticket. This isn’t always the case, but it’s worth checking. It also gives you more flexibility if you want to explore other places on your return trip.
For example, you could fly into Kuala Lumpur and fly out of Singapore or Bangkok with a separate one-way ticket. It’s more flexible and you might score a cheaper flight overall.
Don’t Forget About Hidden Fees
One downside of flying budget airlines is the number of extra fees they might charge. While a ticket might look cheap at first glance, budget airlines often charge for things like checked bags, seat selection, food, and even carry-on baggage.
Make sure to read the fine print to avoid hidden fees. If a flight seems incredibly cheap, count the cost of extras before committing. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of the full cost of your trip.
Final Thoughts
Finding a cheap flight to Malaysia doesn’t have to be difficult. By booking at the right time, using comparison tools, and being flexible with your travel dates, you should be able to snag a great deal. Don’t forget to consider local airlines, look out for deals, and explore alternative options – like layovers or nearby airports. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to Malaysia without blowing your budget!
Leave a reply