Domestic flight prices to rise in January next year; airlines offer up to 30% early-bird discounts to retain customers

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Domestic flight ticket prices will increase by 2 to 10% starting January 2014. To mitigate the impact of the price hikes, airlines are offering “early-bird discounts” during off-peak hours, with fares as low as 70% of the regular price. TransAsia Airways, the first to announce its discount plan, is offering early-bird tickets on the Taipei–Makung route for NT$1,378, which is even cheaper than the pre-hike price of NT$1,790.

▲ TransAsia Airways. (Photo / Reporter You t
ru)

The Civil Aeronautics Administration noted that after the January price hike, over 80% of flights will offer discounted prices, including 25% of off-peak flights. Passengers can purchase tickets at a minimum of 70% of the regular fare if they book 14 days before departure. Off-peak flights are those departing from eastern Taiwan and outlying islands between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., or flying to eastern Taiwan and outlying islands between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

In response to the price increases, various domestic airlines have introduced different promotional offers. TransAsia Airways is offering early-bird tickets at a 30% discount for bookings made within 60 days. For example, the Taipei–Makung route will cost NT$1,969 after the hike, but just NT$1,378 with the discount. Far Eastern Air Transport stated that for its outlying island routes such as Taipei–Kinmen and Taipei–Makung, flights departing the main island after 2 p.m. or leaving the islands before 11 a.m., passengers can enjoy a 30% discount if they book 14 days in advance.

As for Mandarin Airlines, passengers who book 3 to 14 days before departure can get 30% to 10% off on off-peak flights. For instance, the Taipei–Kinmen route originally priced at NT$2,190 will cost NT$2,409 after the hike, but the lowest early-bird discount brings it down to NT$1,686. Early-bird tickets are limited to “same-day, same-flight” travel and are non-changeable. Details on early-bird discounted fares for each route after the hike can be found on the official websites of the respective airlines.