Tibet is remote, one of the most remote places in the world. The distance can make it challenging if you're trying to save some money on flights, but there are some things you can do to help find the best deal. Here are 10 useful tips for booking cheap flights to Tibet.

1. Avoid Flying to Tibet during Peak Season or Holidays.

Peak season brings many tourists to Tibet, and it can be hard to book the tickets you want due to high demand. From April to October, particularly from June to September, Tibet is busier than at other times of the year. Many people will be looking for cheap tickets, and during this time, even if you find a flight you want, it may fill up before you get a chance.

Chinese public holidays also bring a surge in the number of people traveling to Tibet. The National Day holiday in October, Labor Day holiday in May, and summer when students are on vacation all add to peak season numbers.

The cheapest time to fly is from December to February. Tibet can be cold in winter, but Lhasa, among other destinations, is suitable for visiting all year round. The winter months are also the best time to appreciate the warming nourishment of Tibetan cuisine, like thukpa noodle soup and hot butter tea.

2. Choose Connecting Flights to Tibet Instead of Direct Flight.

Direct flights are often more expensive than connecting flights. A direct flight from Beijing to Lhasa can cost 388 USD. Flights from Beijing that connect through Chongqing or Xi'An can cost 194 USD, a significant savings. By breaking the trip into segments, you can find the best price for each leg of the journey.

You'll want to pay attention to the stopover time to not extend your travel time too much. Finding connections with only a 2-3 hour gap between flights is possible, leaving enough time to comfortably make your connection without adding much time.

3. Compare Different Booking Websites to Get Cheaper Flights to Tibet.

Doing some comparison shopping on different ticket booking websites will help you find the best price. Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kiwi are three popular sites. Comparing prices for flying from Bejing to Lhasa on the same day shows widely different results. Kiwi advertises tickets for 325 USD, Skyscanner starts from 465 USD, and Google Flights is the highest at 632 USD. It pays to look around before booking and remember that taxes or other additional charges may not be included in the advertised price.

4. Book Your Flights to Tibet Not Too Late or Too Early.

Timing can make a big difference in flight prices. Waiting with the hope of getting a last-minute deal is not a good idea for tickets to Tibet. Demand for tickets is often higher than the supply, particularly in peak seasons, so prices can go up closer to the flight date.

Too early can also be a problem. Ticket prices far in advance can be higher than what you might find close to the time you want to travel. We recommend booking your tickets 30-90 days ahead of time.

5. Use Budget Airlines Which Offer Cheaper Flights to Tibet.

Domestic budget airlines offer some of the best prices on flight tickets. There are many budget and regional carriers in China, such as Spring Airlines, Lucky Air, China Express Airlines, and Juneyao Airlines, with service to Lhasa.

Keep in mind that these airlines often only offer basic service with their lowest price tickets. There may be extra fees for luggage, meals, and seat selection.

6. Be Flexible With Your Travel Time when Flying to Tibet.

Instead of trying to find the cheapest tickets on a particular date, traveling on a flexible schedule will help you match your plans to the best prices. Ticket prices vary not only by time of year but also by day of the week and departure time. Overnight flights or flights leaving early in the morning are often available at a discount. If your time is very flexible, stopping for a day or two in connecting cities opens up more chances for finding better deals on connecting flights.

7. Choose Departure Cities with More Flights to Tibet, such as Chengdu.

Departing from cities with more flights to Tibet gives you more to choose from and, therefore, better chances to find a good deal. Chengdu has over 20 non-stop flights to Lhasa every day, leaving all day long from both Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. Flight times are only around 2.5 hours, and tickets start around 217 USD.

Chongqing has eight flights a day, each lasting 3 hours and 10 minutes. The evening flight from Tibet Airlines can cost as little as 222 USD. Xining is the most affordable city to fly from. It has 3-4 direct flights a day, with prices starting from around 100 USD.

8. Use Your Flight Mileage or Travel Point for Discounts.

Flight mileage and travel points earned through your credit card can help you manage the cost of flight tickets to Tibet. Most major credit cards have reward systems that let you accumulate air miles throughout the year. If you don't have enough for a full ticket, you can often make partial payments with points.

Check out which airlines work with your credit card rewards and what partner airlines they might have. It also helps to be flexible with your flight dates, as some restrictions and blackout dates may apply.

9. Combine Both Flight and Train When Getting to Tibet.

Combining flight and train, taking advantage of China's ultra-modern high-speed rail network is another effective way to save money. You can take a high-speed train from your point of entry in China to a city with more affordable flights to Lhasa. A train from Beijing to Chengdu or Xining costs only 189 USD. Combined with a flight from one of those cities to Lhasa, the train + plane option is less expensive.

Alternatively, you could fly to Xining and take the Tibet train to Lhasa. Xining is connected by high-speed rail to other major cities in China, and the railway ticket to Lhasa cost only 110 USD for a soft sleeper cabin. The Tibet train is not a high-speed train, but it is a popular route for the unbelievable scenery through the Tibetan Plateau.

10. Contact Us to Get Professional Help for Your Tibet Flight Journey.

We are always happy to help with advice or arrangements to get you to your Tibet tour. For over 20 years, our team of dedicated travel consultants and customer service representatives has been helping people have the experience of a lifetime in Tibet. Our team has the knowledge and experience to work out any solution for your needs. Get in touch with us anytime to help with your Tibet flight journey.

Conclusion

The cost of air tickets to Tibet doesn't have to be a large barrier to traveling there. Knowing when to fly, where to fly from, and who to fly with will help you find the best solution for cheap flight tickets. There's no reason to delay. Contact us to start planning your journey right away.