Cheap Flights to Hong Kong: How To Get The Cheapest Flights to Hong Kong
Cheap Flights to Hong Kong
Hello, I'm Gordon and I've made this website dedicated to finding the cheapest flights to Hong Kong. As a bargain hunter and a frequent traveller I find myself having to spend too much time keeping up with all the new methods of finding the cheapest flights possible. When travelling to Hong Kong, I like to experience more of the culture, food, adventures and everything the country has to offer. I want to spend less on air travel so I could spend more on my experiences there.
That's why I've created this special page within the site to advise on how to get the cheapest flights to Hong Kong without having to spend hours searching for the lowest fares.
Use Ethnic Bucket Shops for Cheap Flights to Hong Kong
Why pay retail for a flight to Hong Kong when wholesale is available? That's what airline ticket bucket shops, or consolidators, are - wholesale ticket agents who buy discounted blocks of seats directly from the airlines. They pay bargain basement rates and resell them to specific travel agents for just a little profit. Also, many of these travel agents are specifically found catering to ethnic Chinese seeking to travel to Hong Kong. These ethnic bucket shops are found in Chinese populated neighborhoods in cities worldwide, plus there are also consolidators found online.
Prices Get Locked In
These ethnic bucket shop fares are usually much less expensive than any normally published cheap flights to Hong Kong. They may, however not be cheaper than what the individual airline normally offers, so always check with that airline's website before purchasing. Keep in mind that these discounted fares are locked in anywhere from six to eight weeks out. Planning a trip well in advance is important since last-minute buyers will not find cheap flights to Hong Kong at the last moment.
Don't Use the Term "Bucket Shop"
Although this is the term used when most people discuss a consolidator offering cheap flights to Hong Kong, refrain from using the term when communicating in person. Since there are consolidators also using Internet technology, this may be a convenient method for finding cheap flights to Hong Kong. The term "ethnic bucket shop" typically refers to travel agencies that are specifically located in the ethnic neighborhoods of places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, New York, London, Athens, Amsterdam and more. Consumers wishing to find cheap flights to Hong Kong may discover deeply discounted fares at travel agencies in Chinese ethnic neighborhoods that will be more than willing to sell a fare to a non-Chinese consumer.
Ultimate Carrier May be Little Known
These ethnic bucket shops may offer discounted fares for cheap flights to Hong Kong that might start off on a well-known international carrier. However, do not be surprised if the flight changes to an Asian-based carrier at some hub such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport for final flight to Hong Kong. Other Hong Kong based airlines such as Cathay may also partner with large international carriers to complete the final leg of cheap flights to Hong Kong when purchased through an ethnic bucket shop. There is absolutely nothing wrong with these other airlines but they sometimes provide the needed cheap fare to make the entire voyage exceptionally affordable.
Finding a Reputable Consolidator
The difference between a true consolidator and an ethnic bucket shop may center on reliability. The only way to ascertain if lower prices are available from a neighborhood ethnic bucket shop is to make an in-person visit. Otherwise, there is no way to see if it is a legitimate business other than to check in the U.S. with the Better Business Bureau or go online to theAmerican Society of Travel Agents (Travelsense.org) or the International Air Transport Association (iata.org).
The small so-called "ethnic consolidators" make a habit for getting close to either a handful of airlines or perhaps just one serving certain countries or regions where people residing in their business location will want to travel. So, people seeking cheap flights to Hong Kong should check the Yellow Pages listing for
How to Book the Best Deals for Cheap Flights to Hong Kong
The best possible method for booking cheap flights to Hong Kong is to search online ticket vendors looking for the best deals possible. Part of the trick is to start a search well in advance of any desired travel date. Hong Kong is a popular destination city in Asia offering a wide variety of spectacular activity and adventure attracting millions of tourists from all over the world annually. It is also a choice business destination. Therefore, many opportunities exist for finding cheap flights to Hong Kong. Many online vendors offer "vacation" packages combining airfare, accommodations, activities and ground transportation enabling Hong Kong visitors the opportunity to realize exceptional savings when visiting this vibrant Asian city.
Look for Bundled Packages
Finding cheap flights to Hong King bundled on vacation packages can have travelers enjoying a ride sailing in a Junk boat or experiencing an Asian hiking and camping adventure. Visitors may also seek to try their luck at the casinos or race track. There are memories galore awaiting any Hong Kong visitor experiencing breathtaking sightseeing views and exciting and entertaining night time adventures.
Lots of Departure Choices
Cheap flights to Hong Kong can easily be found from many UK airports including London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham as well as many other major European airports. Low costs flights can also be found from the U.S. that typically connect to a last leg flight at either a European or Asian airport hub. Additionally, as far as travel packages go, many airlines offer holiday packages for people looking to spend some relaxing time in Hong Kong.
Some Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to Hong Kong
Finding cheap flights to Honk Kong may not be as difficult as it sounds. There are several tips to follow that will help a traveler find discounted fares:
Book in Advance - The first place to look for the best deals is when you book a Hong Kong flight well in advance. Planning a journey ahead of time should take place at least 30 to 60 days in advance of an estimated departure date
Book Online - Search online for the best deals looking for cheap flights to Hong Kong. An Internet search allows consumers the opportunity to look for the best deals in comfort and convenience. Furthermore, due to the lower costs involved operating online, many travel companies and airlines can offer deep discounted vacation or business travel packages helping consumers save money in many areas of a visit to Hong Kong.
Travel in a Group - Vacation deals can be found at greatly reduced pricing when traveling in a tour group. Travel agencies and tour operators offer these discounts opting to attract bulk business. Vacationers benefit with reduced air fares, accommodations, meals, ground travel, sightseeing, events admissions and much more when traveling in a group.
Student Travel - Many students seeking a break from study also find relaxation and enjoyment when finding cheap flights to Hong Kong. Special discounted packages are available for students and many online vendors offer inexpensive packages for students who wish to experience a "backpacking" style adventure visiting Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers so much to do. Spend that money saved when you book cheap flights to Hong Kong toward building lasting memories of your trip.
Choose Courier Flights for Cheap Flights to Hong Kong
When looking for cheap flights to Hong Kong, consider using a courier flight to save money. A courier company will sell discounted air fares in order to use the passenger allotment for luggage to transport documents, computer parts or other small items for business purposes, The drawback here is the passenger has only the ability to use a carry on pack for personal belongings. All a passenger needs to do is meet a courier company representative at the airport to pick up the ticket. The passenger never has to handle the checked baggage at all.
Courier Flights Are Considerably Less Priced
The price for sending even documents at the last moment may be quite expensive compared to packing them in checked luggage. Although courier services do usually require a ticket holder on cheap flights to Hong Kong to also be on a return flight, often a no-return service required status can be approved. These courier fares are best for cheap flights to Hong Kong when travel time will be short since return flights typically are scheduled within two to 30 days. But, fees are low for these cheap flights to Hong Kong and are typically anywhere near $450 for a round-trip originating from Los Angeles.
Sometimes Flights are Free
Courier companies sometimes will offer free flights when they are desperate needing last-minute delivery of documents or small items. They might even call you if you have used their service before offering a $200 flight to Hong Kong if you leave that very night. Since they are in a desperate situation, you may be able to counter with an offer to fulfill the flight but only if it is free. You stand a good chance they will agree, or at least will bargain about lowering the price some more, so you can obtain a great deal. If you have a good record "representing" the company on a few previous flights and they know you will be available again in the future, they may just throw a "bonus" your way.
Some Considerations for the Inexperienced
Unfortunately, there are a few negatives considering using a courier to find cheap flights to Hong Kong. These companies do hold your last-minute fate in their hands. Sometimes a contact to meet at the airport for the ticket gets delayed or possibly the shipment is canceled at the last moment. Also, there are thousands of people just like you seeking deeply discounted cheap flights to Hong Kong so your competition may be fierce. Beware of any companies that offer fee-based memberships claiming they have easy access to courier company flights. Often, that fee may be wasted when they consistently tell you they actually have no cheap flights to Hong Kong available. Other important facts to understand include:
Couriers are typically allowed only one carry-on bag for personal use. The remaining luggage allotment is used by the companies for shipping packages for the company being represented.
Usually, courier companies can and will arrange for a friend or family member to travel with the designated courier. The non-courier traveler pays the normal flight rates and more than likely travels with the courier designated person.
Courier travel can be an extremely easy method to find cheap flights to Hong Kong that might cost more than a $1,000 to normally book.
When is the Best Time to Book Cheap Flights to Hong Kong?
Never, ever attempt to book a flight at the very last moment since it could cost a fortune. If you are a frequent flyer, this fact alone may save a great deal of money when seeking cheap flights to Hong Kong. However, typically speaking, booking airline tickets in advance will save a great deal. However, the question remains as to when is the best time to book cheap flights to Hong Kong.
When is the Best Day to Book Cheap Flights to Hong Kong?
Ideally, 21 days before a desired departure date is the best day to book cheap flights to Hong Kong. Observation reveals airline ticket prices change after 21 days. Be prepared to grab at any opportunity that presents itself for a decrease in ticket pricing. Bookmark several airline websites servicing Hong Kong so you can check back frequently to see if pricing changes for your benefit. Additionally, whenever possible, buy airline tickets on either a Tuesday or Wednesday. This is because either a weekend day, or the day right after or before (Monday or Friday) are extremely busy booking days. Airlines take advantage of the demand these days and have no need to attract customers by offering discounted flights. However, booking traffic can be quite sparse on a Tuesday or Wednesday prompting the airlines to offer cheap flights to Hong Kong on these days to fill seats.
Time of Day to Order
Research reveals that the best time of day to book cheap flights to Hong Kong is during the afternoon. Early morning is also a good time. In fact, flights may be less expensive when travelers are willing to fly during off-peak times. Airlines, again, are looking to book as many seats as possible on less-than-popular traveling times and will offer discounts. This is an industry observation that has been recorded for many years so these possibilities for obtaining cheap flights to Hong Kong are a realistic expectation.
What is the Cheapest Time of the Year?
All travelers must realize that there are certain times -as well as days - of the year when booking cheap flights to Hong Kong is impossible. The obvious days are ones like Christmas and New Year's. However, when looking to book cheap flights to Hong Kong, the end-of-the year holiday time is, in fact, the cheapest time of the year to book. This is partly due to the fact that exotic, tropical locations are the more popular holiday destination choices. Although Hong Kong is an exciting and vibrant city, most people do not readily connect a holiday visit with this great Asian destination. So, people should be able to find deeply discounted vacation packages that not only include cheap flights to Hong Kong, but accommodation and itinerary packages as well. A Christmas vacation in Hong Kong may turn out to be a wonderful family memory cherished forever.
Savvy Internet users can increase chances for finding cheap flights to Hong Kong by subscribing to email alerts, SMS alerts as well as signing up for newsletters available from airlines servicing Hong Kong.