Flying to North Macedonia can be affordable if you know how to look for the best deals. Whether you’re heading to Skopje for its history or visiting the beautiful landscapes across the country, there are a few tricks you can use to find cheap flights. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to find the best deals so you save money and enjoy your trip to North Macedonia.
1. Book at the Right Time
The timing of your booking can make or break the cost of your flight. You don’t need to buy your ticket months in advance, but you also don’t want to wait until the last minute. The sweet spot often lies somewhere in between. For international flights, including those to North Macedonia, two to three months in advance usually offers the best prices.
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!
If you’re traveling during popular times like summer or local holidays, try to book even earlier. Airlines know how busy certain times of the year are, so they adjust prices accordingly. Set a reminder on your phone to start looking early for these peak seasons.
2. Be Flexible with Your Dates
If your travel dates are flexible, you’ll have a much better chance of finding a cheap flight to North Macedonia. Weekends tend to be more expensive, so flying on weekdays—especially Tuesday and Wednesday—can save you some cash. Additionally, flying early in the morning or late at night can also lower the cost.
Use flexible date search options on flight comparison sites. Most booking tools allow you to search by a range of dates, and this will show you the cheapest available flights.
3. Use Flight Comparison Tools
You can waste a lot of time manually searching individual airline websites. That’s why flight comparison tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo are your best friend. These sites will show you the prices across all airlines in one place, so you can easily compare and find the cheapest option.
You can also set up price alerts to keep an eye on changing fares. That way, you’ll get a notification if prices drop, helping you to grab the best deal before it’s gone.
Here are my favorite comparison tools:
- Skyscanner: Great for comparing airlines and dates. You can scan the whole month to find the best deal.
- Google Flights: Super user-friendly with a visual display of prices on different dates. You can also search by nearby airports.
- Momondo: Often shows lower fares that aren’t available on other platforms, and it has unique filter options for more specific searches.
4. Fly Budget Airlines
Some budget airlines fly to Skopje or nearby airports. They might not offer luxury or any extras, but they usually have the lowest prices.
For example, if you’re already in Europe, check out Wizz Air and Ryanair, both low-cost carriers that frequently fly to North Macedonia. While their luggage policies can be strict, they offer very affordable fares. Just make sure you read their baggage rules carefully to avoid paying extra.
5. Consider Flights with Layovers
Nonstop flights may be more convenient, but if you’re truly looking to save money, consider flights that have a layover. Often, flights with stops are much cheaper than direct routes.
Routes with layovers in places like Istanbul, Vienna, and Belgrade can not only save you money but also give you the chance to see another city. Plus, airlines like Turkish Airlines or Austrian Airlines frequently offer deals with stopovers in these cities while on the way to Skopje.
6. Search Multiple Airports
Skopje International Airport (SKP) is the main airport people fly into when traveling to North Macedonia. However, if you don’t mind a more complex journey, you can also look for nearby airports.
For example, you could consider flying into Belgrade or Thessaloniki and taking a bus or train to North Macedonia. This method can sometimes save you money, especially if the nearby airport is having fare sales.
Nearby Airports to Skopje:
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): It’s about a 3-4 hour drive from Skopje and has connections to major European cities.
- Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG): Another good option for affordable flights and just about 6 hours by bus to North Macedonia.
7. Check Regional Airlines
While many people stick to big airlines, checking regional ones can sometimes score you a better deal. Airlines like Air Serbia or Croatia Airlines often have deals into Skopje or nearby airports. They also offer services to smaller cities like Ohrid in North Macedonia, which could be worth looking into.
These airlines may not always be listed on bigger comparison sites, so you’ll need to check directly on their websites or ask a local travel agent to help find deals.
8. Use Airline Miles and Points
If you’ve been collecting airline miles or credit card points, now’s the time to use them. Flights across Europe can often be very affordable with points, and some airlines like Turkish Airlines or Lufthansa allow you to use miles for flights to Skopje.
If you’re part of a frequent flyer program or have a travel credit card, always check if you can redeem points or miles before paying cash for a flight. The savings can be huge, especially when booking last-minute or during peak travel times.
9. Avoid Hidden Fees
Many budget airlines may seem cheap initially, but they make up for it with hidden fees. Pay close attention to baggage policies, seat selection, and food or drink fees. These extras can easily add up and inflate the true cost of your trip.
To avoid surprise charges, bring only carry-on luggage, decline seat selection (if you’re okay with not picking your seat), and pack snacks to avoid buying meals on the plane.
10. Search in Incognito Mode
Flight prices can change based on how many times you search for the same route. To get around this, search for flights in incognito mode on your browser. This prevents airlines and booking sites from tracking your searches and inflating prices.
If you’re using Chrome, simply open a new incognito window by pressing Ctrl + Shift + N (on Windows) or Command + Shift + N (on Mac). Search for flights as usual without worrying about price spikes from multiple searches.
11. Consider Round-Trip Tickets Even for One-Way Travel
Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a round-trip ticket rather than a one-way ticket, even if you won’t use the return leg of the flight. Airlines sometimes offer better deals for round-trip tickets, so check both options before booking a one-way flight.
Just make sure you check the airline’s refund or cancellation policies if you don’t plan to use the return portion of your ticket.
12. Don’t Wait Too Long When You Find a Good Deal
If you find a great price for a flight to North Macedonia, don’t wait too long. Flight deals can disappear quickly, especially in popular travel seasons. If the price is right, it’s usually best to book sooner rather than later.
If you’re worried about needing to change your plans later, look for airlines offering free changes or cancellations. Many airlines have more flexible policies post-pandemic, and you can often change your flight without extra fees.
By following these tips, you can find the best flight deals to North Macedonia and save money on your travel. Happy flying and enjoy your time in this beautiful country!
Leave a reply