It's me again and I'm finally inspired once again to write something about traveling. As you all know, I travel cheap. I always go for the cheapest alternative possible. Here are some tips I can give all travelers out there.
This is a common misconception among everyone that's why they always opt for low cost carriers. While it's true that low cost carriers or LCCs are way cheaper when you buy them while on promotions however, full service carriers or FCCs can also be cheaper than LCCs when they are on promo.
Last year, Cebu Pacific went on sale. My friends immediately booked a ticket to Taipei for around 4,000 Php each plus baggage totaling over 5,000Php . The next day, I decided to check EVA Air and I was able to purchase a round trip ticket for around Php 5,000. I ended up pay less than what my friends paid for. I also got the best flight times, baggage allowance and food!
Another good example was when I decided to buy a last minute ticket to Singapore during Holy Week. Cebu Pacific, Tiger and Jet Star were all selling a round trip ticket for 15,000 Php above taxes excluded. Luckily, Malaysia Airlines was on sale and I was able to get a round trip ticket to Singapore for around Php9000 taxes included.
So there you go, don't discount FCCs. You'll never know, these airlines might be cheaper than LCCs. It's been a while since I last used a local LCCs. I got used to FCCs now. I guess it's true that as you experience something good you don't settle for less.
2.) Get a credit card that gives you lounge access!
Who doesn't want waiting in style? Most of us arrive in the airport 3 hours ahead of time. We might as well wait inside a lounge, get some food, or maybe some booze. There are several credit cards out there that gives you access to lounges but what I can recommend would be Citibank PremierMiles. It's very useful for me since you can use it in all Plaza Premium Lounges all over the world.
So far, I was able to use it in Manila (Terminal 1), Taipei (Terminal 2 Zone A1), Beijing (Terminal 3), Singapore (Terminal 1), and Kuala Lumpur (KLIA). All of these lounges are really nice except for the one in Manila ehem ehem. I like the fact that they offer free shower. It's really helpful especially if you're on layover then your next flight will be a very long flight. Free booze are helpful as well. I dunno but it helps me sleep on my next flight.
3.) If possible, always board last!
I don't know why but whenever the airline calls for boarding, everyone hurries to the boarding gate. We all have assigned seats. We are not operating under a first come first serve basis. I only experienced it once with VivaAerobus wherein we don't have assigned seats and you pay extra if you want to board first. Other than that, wait until everyone goes in before going in.
Your seat will be your life for the next few hours of your life of course you would want the best seat for yourself. Boarding last will give you the opportunity to choose the best seat among the vacant seats available. If you're lucky enough, you can get a whole row for yourself! Talk about flying in class. Imagine securing a whole row for yourself and your flight is 14hrs long. I was able to get one row for me when I was flying from Beijing to Los Angeles before!
That's all for not. I'll add more if my brain cooperates.
