Is PISO FARE For Real? Here’s How to Increase Chances of Getting Cheaper Flights

Getting ready to jingle all the way into the holiday season? Ah, what better way to spend your most deserved vacation than to plan an escape to unwind and rejuvenate, right?

But hold on to your excitement! Have you secured those plane tickets yet? With the high demand for travel, flight fares can get crazy expensive if you don’t know your way around. So, how do you get cheaper flights? Can you actually score Piso fare? Is it even real?

Cheap Deals: How to Book Piso Fare Flights

Well, here’s a fact about those piso fare or seat sale promotions you’ve spotted on social media: they’re legit. Yes, piso fare exists. Nonetheless, it typically covers only the base fare—or the cost of a plane ticket—excluding air transportation charges, taxes, fees, and other expenses.

In a nutshell, when the base fare is as low as one peso, or even free, you’ll still be on the hook for additional charges such as web admin fees and government taxes, no matter how substantial the airline’s discounts are. However, seat sale tickets are still notably cheaper compared to regular season prices, which is why they’re worth keeping an eye on.

In case you’re on the lookout for your next trip, here are some tips and tricks on how you can book a promo flight for your upcoming travel adventure.

  1. Follow the social media accounts.

Note that piso fare and other promo flights are not always available, and if they are, they are usually offered for a limited time. Therefore, you must keep track of when these sales happen.

To do this, follow the Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram accounts of airlines like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia. Turn on notifications for these pages to get updated with their latest promotions and discounts.

  1. Compare prices from websites and apps.

Just like those marked-up price tags on the market, sometimes airlines play a little trick during promo fares. If you’re not keen enough, you might miss the lower price offered on another airline just because they’re not on sale.

So, before you go all excited and book that ‘discounted’ flight, double-check with the mobile apps and websites of other airlines to see if it’s way cheaper. You can also check in advance or make a mental note of the ceiling of the fare that you’re willing to pay.

If you want to check the prices (and even discounts) of all airlines, you can go over to the AirAsia app. It provides a comprehensive list of the flights available on your selected date and the prices that may match your budget.

  1. Book solo.

We understand that you’re likely traveling with friends or family members. However, what we’ve discovered is that booking individually or in smaller groups can often lead to more affordable prices compared to making one large group booking. As mentioned, discounted seats are limited, so in some cases, not everyone from your group might be able to score it. In some instances, during promotional fare periods, search results may even show “SOLD OUT” if you book altogether.

  1. Compare round-trip and one-way prices.

Comparing airline round-trip and one-way prices is essential for budget-conscious travelers like you. Round-trip fares traditionally offer savings and convenience when the travel itinerary is fixed, but sometimes booking two separate one-way tickets can be more cost-effective, especially when flexibility or different airlines are preferred. By comparing both options, you can make informed decisions, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

  1. Book in the wee hours.

There’s actually a reason why people say airfare gets cheaper at midnight. It has something to do with an internet connection. Of course, when the internet connection is faster, you can access those great deals better.

Promo sales typically kick off at midnight, and the first hour offers the best shot at securing the lowest prices before seats fill up. However, due to the high user traffic, websites can experience slowdowns, resulting in extended wait times and potential errors. To circumvent these issues, you can log in slightly earlier, around 11:55 PM, and start monitoring the deals from that time on.

  1. Travel during the off-season.

Traveling during the off-season offers several advantages, with lower airfares being a significant one. During these periods, reduced travel demand leads airlines to decrease ticket prices, making them more affordable for budget-conscious travelers.

Additionally, off-season travel means less crowded destinations and attractions, providing a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Weather conditions might be less favorable in some off seasons, but for those willing to embrace milder conditions, it can be an excellent opportunity to explore and appreciate a location without the usual tourist crowds. Overall, off-season travel can offer both financial savings and a unique, less hectic travel experience.

  1. Travel on weekdays.

The same concept applies to off-season travel: weekday airfare is often more affordable due to the lower demand for travel on these days. Given that most travelers prefer to depart on weekends to maximize their time off work, this leads to increased demand and higher prices. However, flying on weekdays, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, typically sees lower demand, which prompts airlines to offer discounted fares to fill up their planes.

  1. Sign up for Loyalty Programs.

Signing up for loyalty programs with airlines can be a wise choice for frequent travelers—even those on a budget! These programs often provide a range of benefits, including earning points or miles for each trip, which can be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays, or other perks. Additionally, loyalty program members may enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and access to airport lounges, making travel more convenient. As you accumulate loyalty points, you can also unlock higher tiers of benefits, such as complimentary upgrades or exclusive offers.

  1. Use digital banks to pay.

Using digital banks like Maya and Gcash for paying airfare offers a host of advantages. These platforms provide a seamless and secure means to manage financial transactions, making booking flights quick and hassle-free. They often offer various payment options, including mobile wallets and linked bank accounts, giving users flexibility and convenience. Moreover, digital banks frequently offer exclusive deals and cashback incentives, which can result in cost savings when purchasing airfare.

  1. Travel light.

Don’t pack your whole house. Travel light. Not only does this allow you to be more flexible with your travel plans, as you won’t need to wait at baggage claim or worry about lost luggage, which can lead to missed connections or added expense, but many airlines charge extra fees for checked luggage, and traveling with just a carry-on or a personal item can help you avoid these additional costs.

Choosing lightweight, versatile clothing and packing only the essentials not only simplifies your travel experience but also reduces the overall weight of your luggage, potentially leading to lower fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to a more sustainable and budget-friendly journey.

Piso fare or not, traveling need not be expensive; you just have to know how to navigate the options available. With careful planning, smart budgeting, and an understanding of the numerous cost-saving strategies, you can embark on memorable journeys without breaking the bank.

Whether it’s finding affordable accommodations, scoring discounted airfare, or making the most of loyalty programs and digital banking, there are plenty of resources and tips to make travel accessible and enjoyable for everyone. So, start exploring, and you’ll discover that the world is full of incredible experiences waiting to be had, even on a budget.

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