Should I book with a budget carrier?

Budget carriers can save money, but be aware of 'hidden' fees for carry-on bags, seat selection, and meals. On a 14-hour flight, these add-ons can make the final price comparable to a full-service legacy airline.

What is the best day of the week to fly?

Mid-week flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are almost always cheaper than Friday or Sunday departures for transpacific routes.

Booking Flights from the USA to Asia

Book your tickets 3 to 6 months in advance using tools like Google Flights to track price trends. Aim for Tuesday or Wednesday departures to save significantly on long-haul transpacific fares.

Set up price tracking. Go to Google Flights, enter your origin and destination, and toggle the 'Track prices' switch. This will email you whenever the price drops for your specific dates.
Use the 'Explore' feature. If your dates are flexible, use the 'Explore' map tool on Google Flights. Enter 'USA' as the origin and 'Asia' as the destination to see which airports in Asia currently have the cheapest flights from your local airport.
Check alternative gateways. If flying from the East Coast, it is often cheaper to take a separate domestic flight to a major hub like LAX, SFO, or SEA and book your transpacific leg from there. Compare the cost of one through-ticket versus two separate tickets.
Book directly with the airline. Once you find the fare, go to the airline's official website to complete the booking. If you have an issue or need to change your flight, dealing directly with the airline is significantly easier than dealing with a third-party booking site.

Should I book with a budget carrier?: Budget carriers can save money, but be aware of 'hidden' fees for carry-on bags, seat selection, and meals. On a 14-hour flight, these add-ons can make the final price comparable to a full-service legacy airline.
What is the best day of the week to fly?: Mid-week flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are almost always cheaper than Friday or Sunday departures for transpacific routes.