(Yicai) Aug. 4 — China’s civil aviation sector saw a slight uptick in July amid the summer travel rush, but ticket prices are still under pressure, with the average economy fare tumbling 7.5 percent from a year earlier, according to the latest data.
The number of passengers that flew on domestic routes in July climbed 3 percent from a year earlier to 60.3 million, according to statistics from state-backed flight information provider Air Travel Navigator. While passenger numbers on international routes surged 10 percent to 7.7 million.
Ticket sales to tourist hotspots saw much faster growth. Bookings to popular cities such as Xining in western Qinghai province as well as Lijiang and Dali in southwestern Yunnan province jumped more than 13 percent year on year, while bookings to several cities in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region surged by over 10 percent, Zhao Nan, general manager of the industry development department at Air Travel Navigator, told Yicai.
The summer travel boom this year was not as strong as expected, a marketing executive at an airline said. “The first part of July was not bad, but after the middle of the month passenger loads began to decline and it became difficult to raise prices.”
The average price of an economy class ticket on a domestic route slumped 7.5 percent in July from a year earlier to CNY840 (USD117), including fuel surcharges, according to data from flight tracking platform Flight Manager. This is also a 5 percent drop from the same period in 2019, the year before the pandemic.
Of the 20 most popular domestic routes, only the Hangzhou-Shenzhen route saw fares go up, while prices on the rest declined to various degrees. Fares on 11 of these, including the Chongqing to Beijing route, plunged by more than 10 percent from a year ago.
The July-August summer travel season is usually one of the most profitable times of the year for airlines, second only to the Chinese New Year travel rush. It is also a key time for airlines to add international flights. However, this year, international flight volumes are only back to 89.1 percent of 2019 levels, according to the latest statistics from Flight Manager.
The pattern of international routes flown by Chinese airlines has changed significantly since before the pandemic, industry insiders told Yicai. Flights to and from Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East now account for over 70 percent of international flights, while traditional long-haul routes to Europe and the United States, remain well below pre-pandemic levels due to reciprocal air rights restrictions.
In terms of the most popular international destinations, the number of flights to Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan and Laos in July exceeded the same period in 2019, according to Flight Manager. However, flights to Thailand are only at 54.6 percent of 2019 levels, while those to Cambodia and the Philippines are still less than 50 percent, and flights to North America are under 30 percent of what they were before the pandemic.
Planning a trip involves much more than just picking a destination. Timing your bookings correctly can save you hundreds of dollars and ensure you get the experiences you want.
This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly when you should book each component of your travel to maximize savings and minimize stress.
Start With the Essentials: Documents and Protection First
Before diving into flights and hotels, secure your travel foundations. Check your passport expiration date. Many countries require at least six months of validity remaining. Research visa requirements well in advance, as some can take weeks or months to process. For comprehensive visa information and assistance with electronic visas and travel authorizations, HandyVisas provides up-to-date entry requirements and streamlined online application processes for destinations worldwide.
Travel insurance is your safety net. Purchase it as soon as you book any non-refundable travel expenses, ideally within 15 days of your initial booking. Early purchase unlocks maximum coverage benefits, often including trip cancellation protection from the moment you buy. Policies purchased later may exclude coverage for events that occur between booking and insurance purchase.
For specialized coverage like “Cancel For Any Reason” benefits or pre-existing medical condition waivers, most insurers require purchase within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit. Travel insurance can be booked up to 18 months in advance for single trips, with coverage beginning immediately upon purchase.
Recent data shows the optimal booking window for domestic US flights has settled around 28-42 days in advance. CheapAir’s 2024 analysis of 917 million fares found 42 days offered the best average prices, while Expedia suggests 28 days can save up to 24% compared to last-minute bookings.
The prime booking window typically spans 21-74 days before departure, with fares changing an average of 49 times between release and takeoff. This volatility makes fare tracking essential. Set up price alerts through Google Flights or airline apps to catch sudden drops.
International Flights
Book early: 50-320 days ahead
International flight booking has become more complex, with optimal timing varying dramatically by destination. For Europe, the ideal booking window has shifted from 45 days in 2023 to an extraordinary 320 days in advance for 2024, likely due to events like the Olympics and increased post-pandemic demand.
Other international destinations show more moderate requirements:
Caribbean: 29 days (down from 56 days in 2023)
Asia: 71 days (reduced from 144 days in 2023)
South America: Similar to Asia, around 60-90 days
Canada: Book closer to departure, around 30-45 days
Google Flights data suggests booking international flights 101 days before departure on average, with the historical low price range starting 50+ days out.
Aircraft lifting off with palms.
Day of the Week Matters
Best booking day: Sunday Expedia’s research shows Sunday bookings save an average of 17% compared to Friday bookings. The old “Tuesday rule” has lost relevance, with recent studies showing only 1.6% of routes benefit from Tuesday booking, yielding minimal 6% savings.
Best departure days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Flying mid-week saves an average of 12-18% compared to weekend departures. Summer domestic flights show particularly strong savings when departing Tuesday through Thursday.
Hotel Booking: Flexibility Wins
Booking Timeline
Domestic hotels: 15-30 days ahead Unlike flights, hotels benefit from later booking. KAYAK data reveals that booking too far in advance often results in higher prices due to dynamic pricing models. The optimal window for domestic hotels falls 15-30 days before check-in, with some properties offering last-minute deals within a week of arrival.
International hotels: 2-4 months for peak periods For high-demand destinations and peak travel seasons, book 2-4 months ahead. Popular cities like Paris, Tokyo, and New York require earlier booking, especially during festivals, holidays, or major events.
Best Days to Book and Stay
Best booking day: Friday for domestic, Thursday for international Skyscanner’s 2023 data shows Friday bookings save 2% on domestic hotels, while Thursday bookings save 6% on international properties. However, KAYAK’s 2024 analysis suggests these savings are marginal.
Cheapest check-in day: Sunday Sunday check-ins can be up to 24% cheaper than Friday arrivals, as business travelers depart and weekend tourists head home. For international stays, Tuesday check-ins offer the best rates.
Seasonal Considerations
Hotel prices fluctuate dramatically based on local events and seasons. Research destination-specific peak periods—for instance, European beach destinations peak in July-August, while tropical locations may be most expensive during dry seasons.
Consider shoulder seasons (just before or after peak times) for significant savings, often 30-50% less than peak rates while still offering good weather and fewer crowds.
Hotel Croisette as Carlton in Cannes, France.
Activities and Attractions: Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind
Museums and Cultural Sites
Book major attractions immediately after travel dates are confirmed
Popular museums and monuments increasingly use timed-entry systems to manage crowds. The Louvre, for instance, should be booked as early as possible, especially for morning time slots that offer smaller crowds and better photo opportunities.
For world-famous sites during peak season:
Immediately: Iconic attractions like the Louvre, Vatican Museums, Sagrada Familia, Anne Frank House…
2-4 months ahead: Major museums during summer or school holidays
1-2 weeks ahead: Most regional museums and smaller attractions
Many museums offer dynamic pricing with cheaper rates for less popular time slots. Book early morning or late afternoon visits for both better prices and smaller crowds.
Tours and Experiences
Popular tours, especially small-group experiences, food tours, and adventure activities, often sell out weeks in advance during peak seasons. Book unique experiences immediately after confirming your travel dates.
Consider purchasing city museum passes or attraction cards, but remember you’ll still need to reserve specific time slots even with these passes.
Kayak tour at Aventures Archipel at Parc national du Bic, Quebec, Canada.
Budget vs. Luxury: Strategic Timing Differences
Budget Travel Booking Strategy
Flights: Use error fares and flash sales; be flexible with dates
Hotels: Book hostels and budget chains 2-4 weeks ahead; consider last-minute deals
Activities: Look for free walking tours and municipal museums
Luxury Travel Booking Strategy
Flights: Book premium cabin seats 3-6 months ahead for best availability
Hotels: Luxury properties require 2-6 months advance booking for prime rooms
Activities: Private tours and high-end experiences book months in advance
Special Circumstances and Pro Tips
Peak Season Booking (Summer, Holidays, Major Events)
Flights: 4-6 months ahead minimum
Hotels: 6+ months for major destinations
Activities: Book immediately after travel dates confirmed
Last-Minute Travel
If flexibility is your priority, consider:
Tuesday-Thursday departures for better last-minute flight deals
Hotel apps with same-day deals
Package deals that combine flight and hotel for savings
Group Travel
Large groups (8+ people) require earlier booking across all categories:
Families: Add 1-2 months to standard recommendations
Large groups: Book 6+ months ahead for coordinated travel
Red Flags to Avoid
Don’t wait if:
Traveling during major holidays or events
Visiting destinations with limited accommodation options
Planning once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Traveling with inflexible dates
Booking for large groups
Be cautious of:
Booking flights more than 11 months in advance (airlines may not have released schedules)
Assuming weekend bookings always cost more (this varies by destination)
Ignoring cancellation policies when booking early
Booking vacation rentals without reading recent reviews
Your Action Plan
Secure documents and insurance (as soon as trip is planned – check here)
Book flights (28-42 days domestic, 50-320 days international)
Reserve major attractions (immediately after flights confirmed)
Book accommodations (15-30 days domestic, 2-4 months international peak season)
Arrange transportation and smaller activities (2-4 weeks before travel)
Remember, these guidelines represent averages based on extensive data analysis. Your specific situation (destination popularity, travel dates, group size, and flexibility) will influence the optimal timing. The key is starting your research early while maintaining the flexibility to book when prices drop or availability becomes limited.
Set up price alerts, monitor multiple booking platforms, and don’t hesitate to book when you find a good deal that meets your needs.
In today’s dynamic travel market, hesitation often costs more than early commitment.
I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
A United Airlines flight traveling from Washington Dulles International Airport made an emergency landing last month after the pilot declared a mayday call shortly after takeoff due to suspected engine failure.
United flight 108, bound for Munich, Germany, was forced to return to Dulles on July 25 “to address a mechanical issue,” the airline told CNN.
The plane, a Boeing 787, was carrying 219 passengers and 11 crew members, the airline said.
Minutes into its ascent and at nearly 5,000 feet, the pilot told air traffic control, “Engine failure, left engine, United 108 declaring an emergency. Mayday, mayday, mayday,” according to recorded air traffic control audio.
An air traffic controller asked the pilot, “Are you able to make your way back to the field at this time” by turning right. “There’s nobody between you and the field,” the controller said.
Data from flight tracking site Flightradar 24 showed the flight departed around 6:11 p.m. ET before it circled back and landed safely at Dulles around two hours later.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner United Airlines aircraft at the international airport Leonardo Da Vinci. Fiumicino, Italy, on July 8.
Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images via CNN Newsource
In a statement to CNN, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said the plane was checked by Airports Authority Fire and Rescue personnel, then towed to a gate. “There was no disruption to other flights,” MWAA said.
“The plane landed safely, and all passengers deplaned normally at the gate. The flight was subsequently canceled and we arranged alternate travel arrangements to take customers to their destination as soon as possible,” United said in its statement.
The-CNN-Wire & 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.
British Airways has announced that the latest Avios-Only destination will be Cape Town, with more than 500 seats now available for customers to spend their Avios on. Members of The British Airways Club can travel to Cape Town over the Christmas period, from as little as 70,000 Avios and £150.
Date
Flight No.
Route
Aircraft
20 Dec 2025
BA43
London Heathrow – Cape Town
Boeing 777
02 Jan 2026
BA42
Cape Town – London Heathrow
Boeing 777
Cape Town marks the release of the airline’s 7,500th Avios-Only seat since the launch in 2023. British Airways has operated 34 Avios-Only flights to 15 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America, and the Caribbean. The most recent Avios-Only flights to Málaga and Marrakech were scheduled during the October half-term and were especially popular with families. Booking rates for families with children were more than four times higher than for other reward flights.
British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, Colm Lacy, said: “We’re delighted to announce Cape Town as our latest Avios-Only flight destination, in South Africa’s peak travel season. Members will have the opportunity to book seats across all four cabins over the popular festive period offering more value and choice than ever.”
Rob McDonald, Chief Commercial Officer at IAG Loyalty, said: “We know how popular Avios-Only flights are with customers and we’re incredibly excited to work with British Airways to offer the next long-haul Avios-Only flight to Cape Town, operating over the peak Christmas period. This will allow customers to take full advantage of the value Avios unlocks on an incredibly popular route.”
Avios-Only seats are sold as normal Reward Seats, which means that customers with British Airways American Express Credit Cards will also have the option to use their Companion Vouchers. These entitle Members to a second seat for just the taxes and charges, or one seat for half the amount of Avios.
Reward Seats are those that can be purchased using Avios at static rates. British Airways guarantees a minimum of 12 and 14 Reward Seats on standard short and long-haul flights respectively, whereas Avios-Only flights mean that every seat is available to purchase using Avios. Members booking the Avios-Only flight can do so in any cabin as they normally would through ba.com.
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