Peak season travel from the UAE is proving expensive, but savvy travelers can still find affordable flights. Data shows that flights departing around December 26 and returning on January 3 are commanding the highest prices, particularly for direct routes to popular destinations. However, travel experts emphasize that cost isn’t uniform, and flexibility is key to securing better deals during this busy period.
The most significant price hikes are concentrated on non-stop services from Dubai International (DXB) to destinations like the Maldives, Mauritius, London, and Los Angeles. For example, direct flights to the Maldives are currently priced around Dh6,388, while a trip to Mauritius can exceed Dh8,265. These figures represent a substantial increase compared to off-peak travel costs. But, according to travel agents, these premium prices don’t represent the entire market.
How to Find Cheap Flights This Holiday Season
The primary driver of high fares is demand for direct flights on specific dates. Passengers rigidly adhering to these preferences are bearing the brunt of the increased costs. However, a range of strategies can help travelers mitigate these expenses and find more reasonable options.
Flexibility with Travel Dates: Adjusting travel plans by even a single day can yield significant savings. Agents report that returning on January 2nd or 4th is often considerably cheaper than the highly sought-after January 3rd. This is due to the reduced demand immediately following the New Year’s holiday.
Embrace Connecting Flights: Non-stop flights from Dubai consistently carry a premium, especially during peak times. Opting for flights with one or more connections, often through regional hubs, can substantially lower fares, particularly on long-haul routes to Europe and North America.
Explore Alternative Airports: Travelers should consider departing from airports other than DXB. Flights from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or Ras Al Khaimah may offer lower prices, even during the festive rush. Sharjah, in particular, hosts several low-cost carriers that provide competitive rates on regional and short-haul routes.
Timing of Departures: Flights scheduled for late-night or early-morning departures are frequently priced lower than those during peak daytime and evening hours. While these “red-eye” flights may not be the most comfortable, they can represent substantial savings for budget-conscious travelers.
Consider Less Popular Destinations: The most popular holiday destinations, such as London, Paris, and New York, naturally experience the highest price increases. Travel agents suggest exploring emerging or less crowded destinations in Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, or South Asia, where fares and accommodation costs are generally more competitive. This can also lead to a more unique travel experience.
Leveraging Packages and Alerts
Tour operators often offer bundled flight and hotel packages that can be cheaper than booking flights independently, especially during peak periods. This is because agencies can secure bulk rates from airlines and hotels.
Additionally, utilizing price alert features on platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and airline apps is highly recommended. Prices can fluctuate even during peak seasons, and these alerts can notify travelers of temporary dips. Experts advise booking immediately when a reasonable fare is identified, as these opportunities can be fleeting.
Advanced Booking Strategies
In some instances, booking separate tickets for different legs of the journey can be more economical. For example, a traveler might book a flight from Dubai to a connecting hub and then a separate flight from that hub to their final destination. This strategy requires careful planning to ensure smooth transitions and avoid potential issues with baggage transfer or missed connections.
Travelers with accumulated loyalty points and miles should also consider redeeming them for peak season travel. This can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses, especially when cash fares are high. Some airlines even allow partial payment using points, offering further flexibility.
Finally, being open to flying into one city and returning from another, particularly within Europe, can sometimes unlock lower overall costs and allow for a more comprehensive itinerary.
Looking ahead, the aviation industry anticipates continued strong demand for travel throughout the remainder of the year-end holiday season. Further price fluctuations are expected, influenced by factors such as fuel costs and airline capacity. Travelers are advised to monitor fares closely and remain flexible with their plans to maximize their chances of securing affordable travel options. The situation will likely remain dynamic until after the peak travel period subsides in early January.
