Whether you’re flying home for a short vacation or planning a quick getaway, booking budget flights is one of the smartest ways to make the most of your hard-earned money. As an OFW working in Taiwan or any other country, knowing the right strategies can help you save thousands of pesos on airfare.
Let’s go through these time-tested strategies on how to book budget flights for Filipinos working abroad — packed with helpful tips you can use right away for your next trip in Taiwan or to other destinations.
Book Early — Way Early
The golden rule for affordable international flights? Book 2 to 8 months in advance. For flights between the Philippines and Taiwan, booking at least 9 months ahead can unlock the lowest prices.
Don’t forget the famous Piso Sales! These seat sales pop up often from airlines like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia. To catch them:
- Subscribe to airline newsletters
- Follow airlines on Facebook and Instagram
- Join travel deal groups where fellow Filipinos share promo alerts
Use Flight Comparison Tools
Before booking, always compare. Tools like:
- Skyscanner
- Cheapflights
- Google Flights
- Wego
…can help you see which days are cheapest to fly. Some apps even let you browse by cheapest month if your travel dates are flexible.
Tip: Search in incognito mode to avoid price hikes based on repeated searches.
Fly Midweek or Early Morning
Most travelers fly on weekends — so avoid them if you can.
Flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays can be much cheaper. Early morning flights (before 8 AM) are often less expensive and more likely to leave on time.
Consider Budget Airlines
Low-cost carriers like:
- Cebu Pacific
- AirAsia
- Royal Air Charter
…regularly fly between Taiwan and the Philippines. These airlines offer great deals, especially if you don’t mind skipping extras like in-flight meals or checked baggage.
Just remember to:
- Read the fine print
- Double-check baggage limits
- Add services (like seat selection or meals) only if necessary
Book Directly with the Airline
It’s okay to use comparison tools for research — but always book through the airline’s official website.
Why?
- Fewer issues with cancellations or flight changes
- Easier refund process
- Access to exclusive online promos
Set Price Alerts
Don’t want to check flight prices every day? Use apps like Skyscanner or Google Flights to set price alerts. You’ll get notified the moment prices drop.
Perfect for OFWs planning balikbayan trips in advance!
Be Flexible with Airports and Routes
Most flights from the Philippines to Taiwan depart from NAIA (Manila) and land in Taoyuan International Airport (Taipei). But you can also:
- Check departures from Clark or Cebu
- Explore flights to Kaohsiung or Taichung
- Look for routes with short layovers — they’re often cheaper than direct flights
Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs
You don’t need to fly often to benefit from frequent flyer programs. Enroll in:
- Mabuhay Miles (Philippine Airlines)
- Go Rewards (Cebu Pacific)
- AirAsia MOVE
Earn points every time you book and use them later for discounts or even free flights.
Prepare Your Travel Documents Early
Save money by avoiding rush passport renewals, visa applications, or rebooking fees.
Make sure:
- Your passport is valid for at least 6 months
- You have the right visa (if needed)
- You check Taiwan’s latest entry requirements before flying
Be Smart with Your Travel Funds
When booking online from abroad:
- Use a credit card with low foreign transaction fees
- Avoid paying in Philippine pesos when abroad to get better exchange rates
- Use trusted platforms or apps for payment and booking confirmations
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far in advance should I book my flight to Taiwan or the Philippines?
A: For the best deals, book 2–9 months ahead.
Q: Which airline is the cheapest between Taiwan and the Philippines?
A: Cebu Pacific and AirAsia are budget-friendly, but prices still depend on promos.
Q: Are connecting flights cheaper than direct ones?
A: Yes, and they sometimes offer better timing and flexibility.
Q: When is the cheapest time to fly home?
A: Off-peak months like August, September, and early November often have lower fares.
Video: How to BOOK CHEAP FLIGHTS (Tricks that ACTUALLY work)
Travelers often discover a secret to saving money on airfare.
Instead of booking a direct, expensive flight, they add a second leg to their journey.
This means flying into a less expensive, nearby city first.
From there, a budget airline carries them to their final stop.
This clever technique allows adventurers to cut down on costs without compromising their destination.
A traveler might book a flight from their home city to a major hub, then use a budget carrier for the final leg.
The total cost of these two separate tickets can be dramatically lower than a single, direct flight.
Final Tip
Booking budget flights isn’t just about getting lucky with a sale. With the right tools, timing, and flexibility, you can turn budget flying into a skill — one that helps you visit family more often, travel comfortably, and save money long-term.
Happy travels, kabayan!