Flights to Vietnam..when to buy
Sep 8, 2018, 4:21 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2016
Location: SFO, OAK, SJC
Posts: 242
If I plan for an overseas trip, I usually buy tickets 3-6 months out. I don't travel/fly/spend enough to have status anywhere, so if you plan on using miles, someone else might have a better idea regarding availability.
But in general, I never understood this question. Just set a maximum budget for what you'd spend on a ticket. If, say, you set your budget at $750 and you purchase your ticket when prices fall to $700, only to see them fall to $650, who cares? You were satisfied with your purchase at $700. And if prices go up, you'd be doubly satisfied.
But in general, I never understood this question. Just set a maximum budget for what you'd spend on a ticket. If, say, you set your budget at $750 and you purchase your ticket when prices fall to $700, only to see them fall to $650, who cares? You were satisfied with your purchase at $700. And if prices go up, you'd be doubly satisfied.
Sep 8, 2018, 7:59 pm
#4
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,022
Sep 9, 2018, 2:13 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2016
Location: SFO, OAK, SJC
Posts: 242
Something I tend to do is search on Google for past flight deals to get a sense of how low prices can get. For example, if I want to flying SFO-HKG, I'll search "theflightdeal San Francisco Hong Kong." You just need to be flexible.
Sep 10, 2018, 2:19 am
#7
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Dalat, Vietnam
Programs: Vietnam, Asiana, Singapore, EVA, Southwest
Posts: 934
Probably the most convenient 1-stop connection from Atlanta is on Korean Air, and that's a good airline. I am rather particular about who I fly with and I want a good price. I buy my ticket quite far in advance when I can so I have many choices. If you're going in high season (Dec-Feb) prices will be high. Low season is spring & fall - summer is expensive because everyone is on vacation. I say buy when you see a good fare with a good carrier (avoid mainland Chinese airlines!). I prefer the 5* carriers (Asiana, EVA, Singapore). Look at airline reviews and be selective.
I would avoid Tet in Vietnam unless you're Viet Kieu (Viet/American)!
I would avoid Tet in Vietnam unless you're Viet Kieu (Viet/American)!
Oct 7, 2018, 4:25 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 2
Thanks for that advice! I'm planning a trip to Vietnam in Feb. I'll be flying out of Atlanta & want to fly into HCMC. Spend 3-4 days there & then fly to Da Nang, stay there a few days with side trips to Hoi An & Hue. Then fly to Hanoi for another couple days, flying back to Atlanta from Hanoi.Because of the really long flight from Atlanta to HCMC, I want to fly business class. I've been looking at Korean Air. Their prices are higher than going with Qatar or Turkish, but also are far less time. Do you think fares would be lower if I waited to closer to end of Feb and into early March? Any other travel advice you could give would be appreciated as this will be my 1st trip to Asia & I'll be traveling alone.
Oct 8, 2018, 2:41 am
#9
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Fll/mia/bkk
Programs: AA explt, 5 million miler
Posts: 206
Be careful with your dates in February as it’s Vietnam New Years Tet. It’s early February this year.
you won’t get any flights or hotels without advance planning if your trip falls into this week.
you won’t get any flights or hotels without advance planning if your trip falls into this week.
Oct 8, 2018, 2:55 am
#10
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Dalat, Vietnam
Programs: Vietnam, Asiana, Singapore, EVA, Southwest
Posts: 934
Thanks for that advice! I'm planning a trip to Vietnam in Feb. I'll be flying out of Atlanta & want to fly into HCMC. Spend 3-4 days there & then fly to Da Nang, stay there a few days with side trips to Hoi An & Hue. Then fly to Hanoi for another couple days, flying back to Atlanta from Hanoi.Because of the really long flight from Atlanta to HCMC, I want to fly business class. I've been looking at Korean Air. Their prices are higher than going with Qatar or Turkish, but also are far less time. Do you think fares would be lower if I waited to closer to end of Feb and into early March? Any other travel advice you could give would be appreciated as this will be my 1st trip to Asia & I'll be traveling alone.
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Last edited by Daawgon; Oct 8, 2018 at 3:11 am