Finding the best flight deals to Taiwan doesn’t have to be hard. Whether you’re visiting Taipei, Kaohsiung, or smaller cities on the island, there are plenty of ways to save. The key is knowing when, where, and how to book your flights.
Book at the Right Time
When it comes to booking flights, timing is everything. Airlines often release their cheapest seats about three to six months before the flight date. If you’re booking earlier than that, prices might be higher. If you wait too long, the last-minute fares might also increase once cheap seats fill up. The sweet spot is around two to three months before you plan to fly. These are usually the times you’re most likely to grab a deal.
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If you’re planning to travel during peak vacation periods like Chinese New Year or summer vacations, book as early as possible. Prices during these times skyrocket, so the sooner you grab your flight tickets, the better!
Use Flight Comparison Tools
One of the best tricks to getting cheap flights is using flight comparison tools. These sites scour the internet, showing a range of airlines, flight times, and prices.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is one of the most popular flight comparison sites. Just enter your travel dates and destination, and Skyscanner will pull together the best deals. You can also use their “Everywhere” feature if your dates are flexible, showing you regional flight deals in and around Taiwan.
Google Flights
Google Flights is another top choice. You can track prices, see fare differences on alternate days, and even try out different airports to see which option is cheaper. Google’s price tracking feature will also alert you when fares drop.
Momondo
Momondo excels in finding lesser-known airlines and budget carriers that might not show up on other tools. For travel to Taiwan, they display a huge range of options, including local airlines and connecting flights from neighboring countries.
Set Price Alerts
Price alerts are a super useful way of getting notified when flight prices drop. You can set these on most comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper. Whenever there’s a price change, you’ll get a notification.
This is especially helpful if you don’t need to book your ticket right away and you have time to monitor prices. It can save you hundreds of dollars, especially for international flights.
Popular Airlines to Taiwan
Several airlines fly to Taiwan, ranging from full-service to budget carriers. It’s important to know which airlines offer the best value depending on where you’re flying from.
China Airlines
China Airlines is Taiwan’s national airline and often has great deals on long-haul flights, especially if you’re flying from the U.S. or Europe. They offer good services and the occasional double miles deals if you’re a member of their frequent flyer program.
EVA Air
EVA Air is another top-notch airline based in Taiwan. Their international routes provide excellent service, and if you catch a sale, you can find pretty reasonable prices. EVA is known for its safety and comfort, and they often have great promotions.
Tigerair Taiwan
For budget-friendly regional flights, consider Tigerair Taiwan. They are a low-cost carrier well-suited for shorter routes in Asia. While the services might be basic compared to full-service airlines, you’ll often find cheaper fares if you’re flying from nearby countries like Japan or the Philippines.
Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific
Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific also offer routes to Taiwan and may give you a good deal if you’re departing from Southeast Asia. Both are considered premium airlines with exceptional service, but you’ll occasionally find discounted fares, especially during off-peak seasons.
Airline Hubs and Layovers
Sometimes flying direct is expensive. You can save a lot by choosing a flight with a layover. Airports like Hong Kong International and Incheon International in South Korea are common layover points when flying to Taiwan.
Layovers can be a blessing if you get to explore another destination without any extra cost. Just make sure to check the layover length: a couple of hours is manageable, but more than 12 hours can be exhausting unless you’re planning to leave the airport for some sightseeing.
Be Mindful of Visa Requirements
Keep in mind that stopping in some countries might require a transit visa, even if you’re just passing through for a few hours. Always double-check visa rules for layover countries.
Check Regional Airports
Taiwan’s main international airport is in Taipei, but don’t forget that Kaohsiung in the south also serves international flights. Kaohsiung may have cheaper flights from certain locations, especially in Southeast Asia or if you’re flying domestically within Taiwan or from neighboring countries.
Smaller airports like Taichung also sometimes offer flights that connect to hub airports in Japan, China, or South Korea. If you’re flexible with your final destination, these smaller airports could help you save a bit of money.
Use Local Currency to Book Flights
Sometimes booking your flight in Taiwanese currency (New Taiwan Dollar – TWD) or the airline’s home currency can offer better deals. This trick works because airlines sometimes price tickets lower for local residents, and you can benefit from favorable exchange rates.
Make sure to check if your credit card has no foreign transaction fees before booking.
Check Alternate Airports
If you’re flying from North America or Europe, consider checking flights out of nearby cities. For example, if you live close to the U.S.-Canada border, flights from Vancouver or Seattle might be cheaper than from major U.S. hubs. Similarly, in Europe, flights from smaller hubs like Amsterdam or Vienna might offer better rates compared to London or Paris.
Sometimes it’s all about trial-and-error: check different airport combinations to see what prices come up!
Popular Times to Visit Taiwan
Taiwan is a year-round destination. However, the fall (September-November) and spring (March-May) are considered the best times to visit since the weather is mild, and flights tend to be cheaper.
If you travel during Taiwan’s typhoon season (July-August), flights may be more affordable, but you risk possible delays or cancellations. Just weigh the pros and cons of flying during off-peak seasons. Off-season is cheaper but can come with some frustrations.
Utilize Frequent Flyer Programs
If you’re a frequent flyer, don’t forget to leverage your miles to get even cheaper flights to Taiwan. Airlines such as China Airlines and EVA Air are part of major alliances like SkyTeam and Star Alliance—this means you can easily accrue miles on sister airlines like Delta, KLM, Lufthansa, etc.
Also, you might find industry-wide promotions, such as double-mile earnings or discounted flights for frequent flyers, during your search. Keep an eye out for them!
Be Flexible with Dates
Flexibility is your best friend when it comes to finding cheap flights. If you can adjust your travel dates even by a few days, it can make a huge difference in the price. Use those date search tools on Skyscanner or Google Flights to find out how small changes in dates can save you money.
Flights during weekdays are often less expensive than weekend flights, and mid-week departures tend to have lower demand.
Summary of Key Tips
- Book flights around 2-3 months in advance for the best deals.
- Use comparison tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo.
- Set up price alerts to be notified of fare drops.
- Check smaller airports within Taiwan for cheaper alternatives.
- Consider nearby airport departures for better rates.
- Use your frequent flyer miles or loyalty programs for extra savings.
- Be flexible with your dates and layovers for significant cost reductions.
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