KUCHING, May 10: The best time to buy flight tickets is two to three months before the festive season, as doing so now may disrupt cash flow, especially if purchasing multiple tickets for family members, opines Sarawak Teochew Sim Clan Association vice-president Dato Sim Kiang Chiok.
Sim said this in a statement in response to Federal Minister of Transport (MOT) Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong’s statement on Sunday (May 8), in which the latter advised travellers to book their flights for the upcoming Chinese New Year (CNY) festive season early to avoid paying a higher price later.
“Is it too early to buy flight tickets for CNY 2023 now?
“In my opinion, it’s too early because you have to pay for the tickets now, which may disrupt your cash flow, especially if you need to buy multiple tickets for family members.
“There may be promotions by airlines that offer lower fares than they do now, but this would be before CNY 2023,” Sim said.
He opined that if the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war ends before CNY next year, oil prices may drop.
“More airlines may be permitted to fly from Sarawak to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, increasing competition and, as a result, lowering fares.
“Additionally, additional flights may be added for the holiday season, which will help to reduce fares.
“I think the best time or proper time for people to book their tickets would be around two to three months before the festive season,” he added.
On Sunday (May 8), Dr Wee stated that people should buy CNY 2023 tickets early if they intend to travel home, as any later or last-minute purchase will result in higher ticket prices.
He disclosed that flight tickets for the CNY holiday season are available, with prices ranging between RM300 and RM400.
The Federal Transport Minister was responding to complaints about skyrocketing flight prices during the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday.
He claimed that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict had influenced global oil prices and, as a result, affected ticket prices for all domestic and international flights.
Dr Wee added that prices of flight tickets cannot be controlled when purchased at the eleventh hour. — DayakDaily
