Korean Job Discussion Forums

[fake_blood]

I'm done my contract by May 10th and am planning on heading back home (Canada) by latest May 31st. Thus, would it be cheaper to book a flight in advance (now) with a travel agency, or should I wait till a few days before (day of, even?) to try and grab a cheaper ticket.

Is there a difference?

[NSMatt]

It's really a toss up. Sometimes it pays to wait and sometimes it's better to book in advance. I usually get a price in mind (based on what I've paid in the past) and then book my ticket whenever the advertised prices are in that range. I think the best Canadian travel agent is galatravels.com. Their prices are much better than Expedia/Kayak.

[fake_blood]

Hm, thanks for the link. I'll have a look at their prices..I'm hoping to get a one-way back to Toronto for <$1000, but we'll see how it goes.

A friend of mine told me that most travel agencies just buy tickets for flights in advance and sell with mark-up to consumer, but if you wait until just before the flight date, those same agencies have to sell their unsold tickets back to the airline- allowing you to get a cheaper seat. Can anyone verify this?

[fake_blood]

Actually, one more question: what do I need in order to be classified as a 'student' when booking flights? I was accepted into teacher's college, so I WILL be a student (after having graduated in 2010) in the fall.

[Jane]

I'm familiar with the ICN-YYZ direct flight with KAL. It's usually pretty full most of the year (especially with Chinese and Philippinos going from China and the Philippines), and I rarely see the fares go down for that route.

The ICN-YVR flight is usually pretty full too with KAL and AC. I recommend booking now with an agent as they usually publish their special fares a month in advance. IMO, waiting will not help you with the types of routes you're flying.

For the routes that are typically less popular, the airlines may publish last minutes fares. For the Toronto/Vancouver routes, because they are always busy, the airlines will charge high prices for last minute sales as they figure desparate people will be willing to fork over the fare. The basics of revenue management, which airlines have mastered in the last few decades.

Also, I suspect you may have to go via the U.S. to get a flight under $1,000, but for your sake, I hope you prove me wrong.

[Jane]

[fake_blood]

Ah ha, thanks for all your help Jane.

Uh, why would a ICN-YYZ flight with a stopover in the states be so bad? I don't know because I've only flown AC with stopovers in Vancouver, or KAL. However, I'm footing the airfare myself so I'd like to go as cheap as possible. It looks like United is comparatively less expensive than some of the other airlines.

[SeoulNate]

only reason it would suck is because when you fly into the US you have to go through customs regardless of if you are staying in the US or not. Also, you have to collect and recheck your bags. Depending on the airport and time you fly in, this can be a huge hassle and require you to have at least 2 hours between flight times.

[daeguowl]