Booking a flight to Mongolia can feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Thankfully, there are a few simple strategies to find great deals. Whether you’re planning to explore Ulaanbaatar or the Mongolian steppe, here’s how to snag the best flight to Mongolia without overpaying.
Book at the Right Time
Timing matters when you’re hunting for flight deals. For most destinations, there’s no “perfect” time to book, but a general rule of thumb is to book 1-3 months in advance for international flights, like going to Mongolia. Booking any later than that can lead to higher prices due to demand.
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That said, booking too early isn’t always ideal either. Don’t rush to buy a ticket six months ahead of time unless you come across a phenomenal deal. Airlines don’t always release their best prices that far out!
Travel Off-Peak
Mongolia’s peak travel season is during the summer months, typically from June to August. Flights during this time can be expensive due to increased demand. If you can handle cooler weather and would rather avoid crowds, consider traveling in the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall).
Besides less competition, you might also enjoy better rates and have a more relaxed trip. But remember: Mongolian winters can be brutally cold, so be mindful of the climate when timing your trip.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
Many sites and apps help you find the cheapest flights, and using multiple tools can make a big difference. Here are some popular picks:
- Google Flights: This is one of the easiest search tools. You can quickly compare dates using a calendar, filter by airline, and track price changes.
- Skyscanner: Known for finding budget airlines and less common routes, Skyscanner is great when you’re flexible on dates.
- Kayak: Kayak offers a feature called “Price Alerts” that notifies you when flight prices change. This allows you to book when prices drop.
- Momondo: If you’re looking for a good mix of both full-service airlines and budget carriers, Momondo has you covered. Its colorful price chart also helps visualize trends.
Make sure to compare different dates and routes before committing to a purchase. Flexibility can save you hundreds of dollars!
Don’t Forget Incognito Mode
Not many people know this, but airlines sometimes increase prices based on your browsing history. After multiple searches for the same route, you might see ticket prices mysteriously rising. To avoid this, search for flights in a private or “incognito” browser window.
Be Flexible with Your Dates and Routes
If your travel dates are flexible, you’ll have better luck finding a good deal. Flights midweek, especially on Tuesday or Wednesday, tend to be cheaper than weekend flights. Even moving your departure or return by a day or two can make a big difference in price.
Also, consider airports near Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) is the main hub, but flying into neighboring countries and taking a budget flight or train into Mongolia can sometimes offer savings. Keep an eye out for alternative routes when comparing flights.
Mix and Match Airlines
Another way to cut costs is by mixing and matching airlines. You don’t always have to book a round-trip flight with the same carrier. Try booking the outbound leg with one airline and the return with another. This combo is often cheaper and expands your options.
Know the Popular Airlines Flying to Mongolia
While Mongolia isn’t on every major airline’s route map, several airlines do provide service. Here are some of the popular options:
- MIAT Mongolian Airlines: MIAT is the national flag carrier and provides the most direct flight options to and from Ulaanbaatar.
- Turkish Airlines: Turkish Airlines flies from Istanbul to Mongolia and is known for decent service and competitive pricing.
- Korean Air: Offering connections via Seoul, Korean Air is another popular option to get to Mongolia.
- Aeroflot: For flights via Moscow, Aeroflot often has affordable options, especially for travelers coming from Europe.
- Air China: If you’re considering connecting through Beijing, Air China is a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Check the Smaller Airlines Too
Besides the big names, regional carriers can sometimes offer good deals. Connecting through nearby cities like Seoul, Beijing, or Moscow offers more options than going direct. Always compare both direct and connecting flights.
Consider Layover Options
When flying to Mongolia, layovers can either save or cost you money. Direct flights are usually more convenient but can also be pricier. Adding a stop can help lower the fare considerably, especially when flying from Europe or North America.
Free Stopovers
In some cases, you can even make the most of a long layover by choosing airlines that offer free stopovers. Turkish Airlines, for instance, provides an option for a free stopover in Istanbul if you don’t mind adding a few more hours to your journey. Korean Air offers similar perks for those connecting in Seoul. Check the airline’s website for details on these programs.
Set Alerts for Fare Drops
Flight prices can fluctuate quickly, but if you’re not in a hurry, setting up fare alerts is a smart way to keep an eye on changing prices. Many of the platforms I mentioned above, such as Google Flights and Kayak, have fare alert options where you receive notifications when prices drop for your selected route.
This is particularly useful if you start checking prices a few months before your trip. You won’t have to search every day, and you’ll get alerted when the best deals pop up.
Use Airline Points and Miles
If you’re a frequent flyer, redeeming airline points or miles is a great way to save on flights to Mongolia. Many credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses that can translate into free or heavily discounted flights.
Check if your miles program partners with any airlines that fly to Mongolia. For example, you can use American Airlines miles on Cathay Pacific or British Airways Avios on Qatar Airways, both of which can get you close to Mongolia before boarding a short regional flight.
Sometimes you’ll find higher award ticket availability for connecting flights rather than direct ones. If you’ve got points, don’t hesitate to get creative with your booking!
Search for Errors and Last-Minute Deals
You’ve probably heard of error fares before: these are rare but amazing to find. Occasionally, airlines make pricing mistakes, resulting in absurdly low airfare. You can catch these deals on platforms like Secret Flying or The Flight Deal.
While it’s not something to count on, these pricing mistakes can score you incredible discounts. Act fast if you see one since they often disappear in a matter of hours.
Look for Last-Minute Flights
If you haven’t booked yet and your trip is soon, it’s still possible to find decent prices with last-minute deals. Some airlines offer discounted seats just days before takeoff to fill empty flights. Apps like Hopper can also help you track last-minute fares.
Keep Baggage Fees in Mind
Cheap tickets are sometimes only cheap because they come with extra costs for luggage. Low-cost carriers often have cheaper base fares but charge heavily for checked bags. Always check the airline’s fee structure before you book to avoid any surprises at check-in.
If you don’t need to bring much, try to travel with just a carry-on. This will save you both time and money at the airport.
Final Thoughts
Scoring a flight deal to Mongolia is easier when you use the right tools and strategies. Flexibility, some research, and playing around with different flight comparison sites can save you hundreds of dollars.
Whether you’re booking three months in advance or hunting for that last-minute opportunity, follow these tips and you’ll be exploring Mongolia without breaking the bank.
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