A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.
– Dave Ramsey, American radio personality.
FESTIVE season is a time of joy, celebration and togetherness but for many people it can also be a time of stress and frustration.
For those living away from their villages or kampung, one of their predicaments during this time is on how to return home and of course, the exorbitant costs of airline fares. Students and their parents are most subjected to such situations.
I have seen a fair number of postings on social media recently by those who are planning to ‘balik kampung’ for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
Their grouses had revolved on getting flight tickets from the states in the Semenanjung to Kuching and other parts of Sarawak.
They were lamenting over the cost of getting home after being forced to fork out at least RM1,000 or more for a one-way ticket per person.
While those whose hometowns are in Peninsular Malaysia itself have the luxury of opting for other forms of commutes, this is not the case for those coming from Sarawak and Sabah.
It is no secret that the cost of flying increases significantly during the festive season, but why does this happen?
The primary reason for the surge in airfares during the festive season is simple – supply and demand.
Airlines know that many people want to travel during the holidays, so they increase the prices of tickets to capitalise on this demand.
This is not a new phenomenon, and it happens every year regardless of which festivity, be it Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai or Christmas, without fail.
However, it is important to note that the increase in airfares is not solely due to greed on the part of the airlines.
The cost of operating a flight during the festive season is higher due to a number of factors, such as increased airport fees, higher fuel costs, and the need for additional staff to handle the increased volume of passengers.
Another factor that contributes to the high cost of flying during the festive season is the limited availability of seats.
With so many people wanting to travel during this time, flights fill up quickly thus leaving fewer seats available for last-minute bookings.
This means that people who wait until the last minute to book their flights are often left with limited options and high prices.
I know it is easier said than done to plan and book flights early. I understand because I personally love the adrenaline of hunting for last minute flights despite a slim chance of getting them at a bargain price.
So, what can be done to mitigate the high cost of flying during the festive season? One solution is to book your flights well in advance.
Airlines often release tickets for holiday flights months ahead of time, and booking early can help you secure a lower price.
If you are flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to find cheaper flights by avoiding peak travel days.
Another option is to consider alternative modes of transportation. Depending on where you are traveling, it may be more affordable to drive, take a bus or train, or even carpool with others.
While these options may take longer than flying, they can often be more cost-effective and provide a more enjoyable travel experience.
Alternatively, one way to save money on airfares during the festive season is to use travel rewards and loyalty programmes.
Many airlines offer reward programmes that allow you to earn points or miles for each flight you take.
These points can then be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, or other travel-related benefits.
It does take a while to gain a silver or gold rank for such reward programmes, but I have always envied those who get to board the aircraft first and enjoy discounts on flights which are some of the many benefits of being a frequent flyer.
It is also vital to be aware of airline sales and promotions during the festive season.
Many airlines offer special deals and discounts during this time, and signing up for email alerts from airlines or following them on social media can help you stay informed about these promotions.
Finally, it is important to remember that the cost of flying during the festive season is not the only factor to consider when planning your holiday or balik kampung travel.
Other costs, such as hotel accommodation, food, and transportation once you arrive at your destination, can also add up quickly.
By budgeting carefully and planning ahead, you can ensure that your holiday travel is both enjoyable and affordable.
While the high cost of flying during the festive season can be frustrating and stressful, it is important to understand why it happens and what can be done to mitigate the issue.
Though travellers can do their part in planning and booking flights early, I believe that the airlines must play their roles in ensuring they do not capitalise too much on the festive seasons.
