As the festive season approaches, a significant number of people are in a hurry to finalize their travel plans. Airports across the country are preparing for the usual increase in travelers eager to enjoy the year-end holidays.

However, many travelers are feeling the pinch of soaring airfares, prompting them to rethink their travel arrangements. Despite the excitement of festive reunions and long-awaited getaways, the high cost of flights is a considerable concern.

Travel Preferences and Financial Constraints

Meera Lisa, a marketing professional at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, typically avoids traveling during peak seasons, but this year she feels compelled to make an exception. She states, “Time is really the main factor when choosing to travel by plane,” emphasizing that air travel allows her to maximize her limited leave and enjoy a more relaxed trip.

Despite the higher costs, she prioritizes the value of peace of mind after a demanding year.

Nur Sabrina Shamsul shares similar feelings, noting that flying is her preferred choice at year-end to avoid long travel hours, particularly when she returns to her hometown of Bintulu. She acknowledges that expensive airfare often forces travelers to make difficult decisions, saying, “Sometimes you end up missing out on family gatherings, or opting for other transportation options just to save money.”

Budgeting and Travel Planning

She further advises that early booking and flexible travel dates can significantly help in securing better fares. “I usually plan my traveling dates ahead of time to secure cheaper fares, and I compare prices on online platforms such as Trip.com, Skyscanner, and Agoda,” she added.

Not everyone, however, can afford such flexibility. Aisyah Adam, an English tutor and volunteer from Kuching, mentions that rising flight prices have limited her family’s travel frequency during peak seasons. “I haven’t been traveling much over the past few years due to many life demands and, undeniably, the rather pricey flight tickets, especially at the end of the year,” she explains.

For students like Ahmad Muttaqyn Amynuddyn Amir Hamzah, the impact of increasing airfares is particularly severe. Currently studying in Surabaya, he finds that financial constraints often lead him to postpone trips back to Bintulu. “As a student, my budget is limited, so higher flight prices really affect my decisions,” he reflects.

Despite varying circumstances, all four respondents agree that the rise in year-end airfares is unavoidable due to increased demand and the escalating operational costs faced by airlines.

The post ‘Year-end travels spoiled by high airfares’ appeared first on Borneo Post Online.

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