How to Find the Best Flight Deals to Papua New Guinea

Finding affordable flights to Papua New Guinea can be tricky, but with the right strategies, it’s totally doable. Here’s how you can get the best deal without wasting time or money.

Book Flights at the Right Time

Timing is key when booking flights. Airlines tend to release their cheapest seats about 2-3 months before departure. Avoid booking too early or too late; both can lead to higher prices.

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For international flights, the sweet spot is around 6 to 8 weeks out. Keep an eye on prices and jump on them when they hit a low point.

Use Flight Comparison Tools

Always compare prices between different airlines and platforms. Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo will help you spot the cheapest fares available.

Set up price alerts with these tools. You’ll get an email when prices drop, so you can snag a good deal as soon as it appears.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is probably the best known for finding great deals. Just enter your departure city and “Papua New Guinea” as the destination, and it will show you a list comparing airlines and options. You can also select “Cheapest Month” if your departure is flexible to see the general cheapest time to fly.

Google Flights

Google Flights is excellent if you want to play around with different routes. You’ll see other nearby airports, and they sometimes offer cheaper alternatives. Also, Google Flights often shows price trackers, so you can gauge whether the fare you see is typical or overpriced for that route.

Momondo

Momondo is another great option, offering some smaller and regional carriers that might not appear on larger flight search engines. This helps if you’re looking for airlines that specifically fly into less mainstream destinations within Papua New Guinea.

Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

If you can, be flexible with your travel dates. Flying midweek is often cheaper than weekends. Tuesday and Wednesday flights tend to be the most affordable.

Use the “flexible dates” option on Skyscanner or Google Flights to see price shifts over a range of days.

Know the Airlines that Fly to Papua New Guinea

Several international airlines fly to Papua New Guinea, so you should be aware of your options. Some of the major carriers include:

Air Niugini
Qantas Airways
Philippine Airlines

Air Niugini

Air Niugini is Papua New Guinea’s national airline. It offers direct flights from several Australian cities, such as Brisbane and Sydney, as well as some other regional hubs like Manila and Hong Kong. It’s usually your best bet for flying within PNG too, as it covers a lot of the country’s domestic routes.

Qantas Airways

Qantas offers several flights to Papua New Guinea from Australia. They aren’t always the cheapest, but if you’re interested in doing a trip spanning multiple countries (such as other Oceania destinations), Qantas can save you money on multi-city tickets.

Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines has flights connecting Manila and Port Moresby. This is a viable option if you’re planning to travel from Asia or other nearby countries and is often cheaper than European or U.S. routes.

Look for Layover Options

Sometimes adding a layover can significantly lower your fare. Manila, Singapore, and Brisbane are common layover cities when flying to Papua New Guinea.

Singapore Airlines and Qantas, for example, often offer slightly cheaper routes if you don’t mind a layover in Singapore or Australia. If you don’t mind an extra few hours, you could save some money by opting for a one-stop flight over a direct one.

Don’t Forget Local and Regional Flights

Regional flight prices within Papua New Guinea tend to be high, but it’s sometimes cheaper than crossing the country by land. Once you’ve decided on your international flight, check flights within the country using airlines like Air Niugini and PNG Air.

These local carriers have flights to some of the more off-the-beaten-path destinations like Madang, Goroka, or Tufi.

Use Airline Points and Miles

If you accrue frequent flyer miles or points from credit cards, see if you can cash them in for your flight. If you have a preferred airline, look for options to use those miles with partner airlines that fly to PNG. For example, Qantas and Air Niugini are partners in various alliances, so your points might transfer.

Even partial redemptions can help lower overall prices. If your miles won’t cover the full ticket, consider using them to upgrade your seat or cover certain fees.

Check Surrounding Airports

Sometimes flying out of alternate airports will save you money. For example, instead of flying out from Sydney, check nearby major airports in other Australian cities.

If you’re in Southeast Asia, you might find cheaper flights departing from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or even Jakarta. Just bear in mind you’ll need to factor in the cost of getting to a secondary airport to see if it’s worth it.

Search for One-Way Flights

Instead of booking a round-trip, check out one-way fares. Depending on the season or specific promotions, you might find it cheaper to book two separate one-way flights with different airlines.

This is especially true if you’re pairing flights to Papua New Guinea with a broader Asian or Oceania trip.

Avoid Booking Flights Too Far in Advance

Booking way in advance can sometimes backfire. Airlines don’t release all their deals early on. Around 6 to 8 weeks before departure tends to be when you’ll find the best deals for international travel.

Check for Additional Fees

Be aware that some cheaper flights may come with hidden fees. Budget airlines can offer low base fares but charge for checked baggage, meals, or even seat assignments. Make sure to check the total cost of your trip before committing to a low fare flight.

Consider a Travel Agent

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or want to guarantee the best deal for your dates, working with a travel agent can be a smart option. Travel agents often have access to promotions or discounts that aren’t visible to the public. Plus, they can guide you through the nitty-gritty details of flights, layovers, and entry requirements for Papua New Guinea.

Use a VPN When Searching for Flights

Flight prices often change depending on where you are searching from. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you view flight options from different locations. Sometimes a flight originating in Australia might be cheaper when booked as if you were located in the U.S. or vice-versa.