China Flight Prices Are Surprisingly Low Right Now — But Not for Long

If you have been thinking about traveling around China this summer, now might be a good time to book.

Domestic flight prices have dropped significantly in early July, with some popular routes now cheaper than the equivalent high-speed rail ticket. According to travel platform Qunar, average domestic flight prices for July 1–7 were nearly 20% lower than the same period last year.

Some routes are remarkably cheap right now. As of July 7, flights from Beijing start from just RMB 200 on several routes. A Beijing–Wuhan ticket with taxes came in at RMB 450 on July 2 — RMB 80 cheaper than the train. A Beijing–Ningbo return ticket with taxes fell below RMB 1,000 for the first week of July, while the equivalent train costs nearly RMB 1,400.

Why so cheap? Airlines began releasing large numbers of additional summer flights from early July, but most schools in China do not break up until around July 10. With supply high and passenger numbers not yet at peak, prices have been pushed down. Fuel surcharges have also been cut — from July 5, airlines reduced surcharges on domestic routes, down RMB 30 for flights under 800km, and down RMB 50 for longer routes.

The window may be closing soon. Industry insiders expect the peak travel rush to hit in late July and run through mid-August, when prices are expected to stay high. Things should ease again in late August as students return to school.

If you are planning a trip within China this summer, the next week or two could be the best time to lock in a good price.

Source: 新华日报

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