Cheap flights to Pakistan and India are advertised all over the internet; however, on closer inspection very few of them are actually (a) cheap, and (b) available. Thousands of travellers each year go to see the cultural and religious delights of Pakistan, including the mosques and holy sites that cities such as Lahore and Islamabad can offer. So if you are looking to visit a country such as Pakistan, whether it's to visit family, friends or on business, here are 5 top tips for finding the cheapest flights.
1. Find a travel agent who is reputable and has an established business Whilst it's easy to go online and use Google to search for cheap flights, ultimately a local travel agent who has been in business for many years will know the industry far better than you. Local travel agents are often overlooked in our rush to use the internet for everything, however don't forget about them as they just might surprise you with what flight deals they can find.
2. Compare prices and options from 3 different travel agents Many of us are familiar with price comparison websites, so it shouldn't be an alien concept to get 3 different quotes from 3 travel agents. If they know you've been shopping around, they'll be keen to get your business and may match the best offer or even try to beat it. But either way, a flight ticket is not a cheap item, so do your research and make sure you understand all the added extras (baggage allowance, airport taxes, transfer costs, etc), before making your final decision.
3. Use a travel agent who specialise in trips to the sub continent Travel agencies who specialise in trips to India and Pakistan are much more familiar with the travel and immigration requirements than a generalist travel agency. Particularly when it comes to Visas, and ensuring all the requirements of your trip are synchronised, a local travel agent is a great idea. When it comes to finding a good deal on your flights and travel costs, there is often no substitute for the correct advice and an industry expert, even if it means not finding the cheapest flight option.
4. Use word of mouth and the recommendation of friends and family Booking your flight ticket to Pakistan or India is no different than any other purchase in this respect. People who have made the trip before, or booked flights to Pakistan or India previously are always a good source of knowledge and recommendations. Again, it may not result in the very cheapest flight but it may result in a seamless journey with minimal stress.
5. Don't leave it too late The internet age tends to make us believe we can get what we want, when we want it, but of course flights get booked up quickly, and whilst sometimes you can find a bargain flight, don't rely on it. Your are always better advised to book your travel plans well in advance, to ensure tickets, visas, and other requirements are all in place before your travel date.
In summary, there are plenty of information sources to find the cheapest flights to Pakistan and India, but the cheapest flight is not always the best deal. The most important thing if you are thinking of travelling to India or Pakistan is a well-planned trip, knowing you have done your homework, find the overall best deal, and get to your final destination with no dramas and in relaxed style.