7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024

Post Published December 26, 2024

See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.


7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024 - Thai Vietjet Air connects Bangkok with 12 Vietnamese cities starting at $29





Thai Vietjet Air now offers flights from Bangkok to twelve cities in Vietnam, such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with prices from $29. This airline’s ambitions extend past Vietnam, reaching destinations in Taiwan and Japan. This expansion demonstrates the increasing opportunities for budget-conscious travel around Southeast Asia. The recent introduction of a direct route between Bangkok and Phu Quoc, a popular Vietnamese island destination, shows the airline’s efforts to improve travel options. Thai Vietjet Air becomes another budget carrier for those seeking affordable ways to experience Southeast Asia's diverse cultures and attractions.

Thai Vietjet Air has established itself as a significant connector between Bangkok and a dozen Vietnamese urban centers like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, proving to be a valuable option for efficient, budget-minded exploration of Vietnam. Base fares on these routes sometimes dip as low as $29, representing a substantial price difference when compared to other carriers, thus attracting cost-conscious tourists. It's common to see promotional fares, limited in time, offering even more significant cost reductions, indicating a clearly aggressive pricing strategy. The airline primarily uses the Airbus A320, known for both fuel economy and potential for high revenue generation, all while keeping overall running costs down. Flight durations between Bangkok and Vietnam are typically between 1.5 and 2 hours, which facilitates same-day return journeys, thus maximizing time spent in either location. As their footprint in Southeast Asia grows, this carrier serves as a key cog in the regional tourism machine, taking advantage of Vietnam’s growing popularity as a tourist destination given its natural beauty and rich history. Furthermore, Thai Vietjet collaborates with local Vietnamese businesses to offer enhanced travel experiences like discounts on attractions and accommodations. The airline also provides the option to personalize your flight via an ancillary revenue system offering add-ons like extra baggage allowance and priority boarding. With its tech-enabled approach, their application simplifies booking, check-in and tracking of flights for the modern traveler. Research suggests that considerable savings are possible during off-peak travel, something Thai Vietjet reflects in their variable pricing structure, further incentivizing exploration during less crowded periods in Vietnam's diverse locales.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024 - Thai Vietjet Air connects Bangkok with 12 Vietnamese cities starting at $29
  2. 7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024 - Super Air Jet launches Jakarta to Penang route at $49 each way
  3. 7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024 - Starlux Airlines adds Manila flights from Taipei at competitive rates
  4. 7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024 - Royal Air Philippines opens Clark to Kota Kinabalu route
  5. 7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024 - Cambodia Airways expands with new Phnom Penh to Hanoi service
  6. 7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024 - Air Busan starts direct flights from Busan to Cebu
  7. 7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024 - Thai Move Airways introduces Bangkok to Luang Prabang flights

7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024 - Super Air Jet launches Jakarta to Penang route at $49 each way





Super Air Jet has recently introduced a new route connecting Jakarta to Penang, with one-way fares starting at a budget-friendly $49. Since its inception in 2021, the Indonesian ultra-low-cost airline has been expanding its network and now services 32 destinations across 11 countries. This latest route reflects Super Air Jet's commitment to enhancing connectivity within Southeast Asia, catering to travelers seeking affordable options for both leisure and business. With its focus on maintaining a premium in-flight experience at low prices, Super Air Jet is becoming a notable player in the competitive budget airline landscape of the region.

Super Air Jet's new Jakarta to Penang route, with fares starting at $49, marks a calculated move. Penang, increasingly known as a regional culinary center, draws food enthusiasts with its vibrant, affordable street food. This route exploits strong cultural links between Indonesia and Malaysia, catering to budget-conscious travelers, expatriates, and business commuters. Budget airlines, like Super Air Jet, typically drop intercity travel costs by up to 40% compared to traditional carriers, stimulating tourism in places like Penang. Research indicates that destinations close to major tourist sites like George Town benefit greatly from the introduction of lower cost flights. Low-cost airlines often operate their planes at high seat density, with Super Air Jet's fleet configured to accommodate 189 passengers, compared to approximately 150 in comparable full-service aircraft. Penang’s diverse attractions provide varied travel opportunities, and marketing strategies could increase visitor dwell times and spending. The Malaysian government’s investment in infrastructure at Penang International Airport further suggests an emphasis on the expected traffic boost due to these types of lower-cost airlines. With low introductory fares, Super Air Jet employs yield management principles, lowering initial costs to increase seat occupancy and brand awareness. The typical flying time between Jakarta and Penang is roughly 2.5 hours, making the route a practical choice for those travelling for both business and leisure. Finally, crew on low-cost airlines like Super Air Jet are often trained specifically in efficiency and customer service, critical given tight schedules and limited onboard amenities.



7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024 - Starlux Airlines adds Manila flights from Taipei at competitive rates





Starlux Airlines now flies between Taipei and Manila at competitive prices, which should boost travel between Taiwan and the Philippines. Using Airbus A321 neo planes for the daily route, it seems Starlux is aiming to capitalize on increased travel interest in the region. This development is part of the airline's strategy to cater to travelers watching their wallets, while also emphasizing quality during the flight. With more people going to Southeast Asia for tourism and work, Starlux's pricing may help it stand out in the ever-growing budget airline sector.

Starlux Airlines has recently introduced flights connecting Taipei and Manila, offered at noticeably competitive prices. This move by the carrier to expand into the Philippine market highlights a trend observed throughout Southeast Asia, with airlines focusing on regional growth and expansion, particularly in markets experiencing increasing tourism and business travel demand. The introduction of such affordable options will potentially shake up existing price structures on this specific route, creating a competitive environment likely to benefit the average traveler.

The airline uses the Airbus A321neo and A330neo models, known for fuel-efficiency which means airlines can maintain a solid operational profile even with reduced ticket prices. There's an observable interest from travelers in Taiwan in exploring the Philippines, especially Manila, often referred to as a regional culinary and historical center; tourism from Taiwan has grown recently by a sizeable amount. Additionally, the Starlux loyalty program adds to the overall value, allowing frequent travelers a route for gaining advantages like free flights. With increased routes to destinations like Manila, a city renowned for its food culture, opportunities arise for travelers to discover its diverse culinary offerings. Furthermore, Manila itself is strategically located for travel to other destinations in the region, and can serve as a waypoint for further exploration in Southeast Asia. Transparency in pricing and clarity are traits often found with newer airlines, and that is likely true here as well. The additional connectivity has a secondary benefit as it increases spending in a local economy, and is likely to lead to growth in the hotel and tourism sectors. Finally, at around two hours of travel time, the new route fits into the existing travel zeitgeist for short convenient journeys.



7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024 - Royal Air Philippines opens Clark to Kota Kinabalu route





7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024

Royal Air Philippines has expanded its network, introducing a new route from Clark to Kota Kinabalu. This service started in early 2024 and seeks to boost travel for both tourists and business people between the Philippines and Malaysia. By adding this route, Royal Air Philippines participates in the budget airline sector in Southeast Asia, which has been growing due to its emphasis on affordable and easy travel. The growth of these carriers reflects a change in regional travel, with budget-friendly options leading the way for experiencing all Southeast Asia has to offer.

Royal Air Philippines has recently initiated a service connecting Clark in the Philippines to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia. This move is yet another expansion within the budget aviation sector, presenting more choices for travelers, especially between the Philippines and Malaysia. This route should serve those looking for short breaks, as flights typically last approximately 3 hours. The potential for further exploration for low costs travelers is now much higher. It's an interesting expansion given it is part of the airline's strategy to grow connectivity in Southeast Asia.

Kota Kinabalu offers access to some significant geographical points, like the rainforests of Borneo, understood to be among the oldest on the planet. This new service could therefore attract eco-tourists with a price point often as low as $30. The connection also puts Malaysia’s popular diving sites like Sipadan Island closer within reach for a diverse range of travelers. As is typical, budget airlines frequently employ modern, efficient aircraft designed to reduce operating costs while maximizing passenger comfort. This results in more routes and potentially lower prices, leading to a beneficial loop. The increase in international flights generally leads to an increase in visitor volume, which may also translate into gains for the local economies in the areas served.

Kota Kinabalu also provides a mix of cultural and culinary experiences that may intrigue travelers, offering a blend of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous food options. The route serves to highlight Clark’s growing status as an international travel hub, which has improved infrastructure to accommodate such flights. As the budget carrier sector continues to grow, it is worth noticing the potential to use loyalty points and miles gained from other sources, which could provide additional savings or opportunities for future journeys, showing the increasing interconnected nature of the travel world.



7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024 - Cambodia Airways expands with new Phnom Penh to Hanoi service





Cambodia Airways has recently inaugurated a direct route linking Phnom Penh and Hanoi, further diversifying the travel options in Southeast Asia. This new service is set to stimulate both tourism and trade between Cambodia and Vietnam, taking advantage of Hanoi’s position as a major international hub. The move is part of a larger trend where Cambodia sees a boost in its appeal as a destination, with expanding air travel options playing a key role. Simultaneously, a number of budget airlines are establishing themselves, presenting even more accessible travel choices for those keen to discover Southeast Asia in 2024. As flight choices expand, passengers might experience better service and more competitive fares, as airlines strive to stand out in the fast-paced Southeast Asian market.

Cambodia Airways has recently launched direct flights between Phnom Penh and Hanoi, a move that highlights the increasing accessibility of budget travel within Southeast Asia. The route is another response to the demand for faster connections to Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, a city significant for both commerce and tourism.

The Phnom Penh International Airport has set a goal to substantially expand its capacity by 2030. This planned expansion should further drive down prices on flights and allow even more routes to become viable options for lower cost airlines like Cambodia Airways, thus potentially boosting regional travel in Southeast Asia.

The actual flight time from Phnom Penh to Hanoi is short, around one hour and twenty minutes. This places the route as a very useful option for budget travelers who value convenience and wish to avoid protracted layovers.

Cambodia Airways, for this new link, has selected to deploy the Airbus A320 aircraft, which is generally accepted to be fuel-efficient. Its design can shave up to 15% off fuel costs relative to some older models – and for a low-cost carrier, every percentage point reduction matters in their business model.

Vietnam itself expects a large increase in tourism, with estimates exceeding 18 million visitors by 2025; budget airlines like Cambodia Airways, by providing easier and cheaper routes, are definitely expected to contribute to these growth numbers.

Cambodia Airways is also leveraging a type of "dynamic" pricing method. The pricing of tickets may shift based on real-time demand, which, if timed correctly, may lead to substantial discounts on fares when there are fewer travelers.

Hanoi is considered a culinary epicenter for local foods. Those arriving on these new budget-focused flights are expected to flock to try specialties like Pho and Banh Mi, without necessarily impacting their travel budgets negatively, thus making it quite attractive for gastronomes on a tight budget.

The low-cost airline market across Southeast Asia is projected to continue to expand substantially. Airlines like Cambodia Airways appear to be at the forefront, by promoting travel between regional hubs; this should stimulate economies within both Cambodia and Vietnam.

Most airlines that identify as low cost or budget focused tend to pack in as many seats into their planes as safety regulations allow, increasing capacity and lowering prices - potentially making travel by air an even more affordable alternative to other slower forms of regional transit.

Airlines in the budget segment are increasingly using loyalty programs as an advantage for the discerning flyer. Cambodia Airways, similarly, is now integrating such a rewards system. The opportunity to acquire points for flights and then use them later provides travelers ways to further reduce future expenditures, something most travelers are actively seeking.



7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024 - Air Busan starts direct flights from Busan to Cebu





Air Busan has initiated direct flights from Busan, South Korea, to Cebu in the Philippines, creating new options for travelers seeking Southeast Asian adventures. With fourteen weekly flights now connecting these destinations, accessibility for both vacationers and business travelers has improved. The typical flight time clocks in at about 4 hours and 40 minutes, providing a fairly straightforward route to Cebu, famous for its beaches and local culture. Air Busan's new service joins other carriers like Jin Air and Jeju Air already on this route, demonstrating an increasing interest in more affordable ways to reach the area. This expanded service is likely to boost Cebu's local tourism, presenting a compelling option for budget-minded individuals.

Air Busan has recently initiated direct flights linking Busan, South Korea, with Cebu in the Philippines. This expansion reflects a growing trend among budget carriers to aggressively tap into the Southeast Asian travel market. The four hour direct flight saves significant time compared to multi-stop itineraries, appealing to travelers wanting to maximize time at their destination. Cebu itself is more than just another beach destination; with its reputation as the "Queen City of the South," it’s a hub with access to other areas, like famed dive spots, historical sites and popular resorts. Air Busan appears to be using Airbus A320 aircraft which offers decent operational efficiencies, and thus, is very likely why they can maintain lower prices. Like others in its class, Air Busan likely uses a dynamic pricing structure where cost fluctuates based on real-time demand. This rewards those flexible in their travel plans. This new link can have considerable economic and social impacts; it’s estimated such direct links can boost local visitor numbers by a tangible margin. This particular route also underscores the growing connection between South Korea and the Philippines, and enhances opportunities for further trade. Given today’s traveler is very sensitive to value, loyalty programs with accumulated points are probably part of the offering from Air Busan, potentially further cutting the cost of flights. This increased competition among budget carriers in the area often results in better services and better prices for the average traveler. Cebu is definitely starting to appear more frequently on the food travel map, gaining a reputation for its street food culture and traditional recipes, and it’s safe to say that the lower costs of air travel make such exploration more feasible.



7 Hidden Budget Airlines That Offer Exceptional Value Flying to Southeast Asia in 2024 - Thai Move Airways introduces Bangkok to Luang Prabang flights





Thai Move Airways has recently launched direct flights from Bangkok to Luang Prabang, creating a new travel connection between Thailand and Laos. The sub-two hour flight makes it more convenient for tourists keen to discover Luang Prabang’s cultural attractions and for business travelers. With fares around THB 4,074 (about $57), this new service competes with existing routes by Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, and Bangkok Airways, adding another choice for traveling in Southeast Asia. Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site with attractions like the Kuang Si waterfalls, is another location travelers are keen to visit and having another option at this price is a win. Budget carriers continue to add new connections throughout Southeast Asia; this is just another example of affordable travel options opening up in the region for 2024.

Thai Move Airways has initiated direct flights between Bangkok and Luang Prabang, entering an already competitive market. Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, draws tourists with its cultural depth. Travelers can enjoy unique Lao cuisine influenced by Thailand and Vietnam without paying top dollar for it on this lower-cost flight option. A quick 90-minute flight from Bangkok makes weekend trips possible, a crucial aspect for budget-minded travelers preferring short regional getaways. Thai Move Airways is probably using aircraft models similar to the Airbus A320, noted for their enhanced fuel efficiency, which permits lower operational expenses and, in turn, more competitive ticket pricing. Like other budget-focused airlines, they may be using variable pricing based on demand; advanced bookings could potentially lead to cheaper fares.

Luang Prabang is experiencing an increase in tourist numbers and it’s projected that Laos will see over five million visitors by 2025; Thai Move Airways' new flights play a part in this increased interest by making this destination easier to reach. The Bangkok flights might also be used as a springboard for more travels in Southeast Asia, giving passengers more opportunities to connect to other regional locations with less impact on the travel budget.

The economic impact of adding these lower cost options is likely to lead to a substantial positive effect on local economies, stimulating growth in the hospitality sectors and pushing for local business expansion and improvements. As airlines compete for customers, loyalty programs could offer savings, and Thai Move may look to establish such programs to keep competitive advantages. Budget airlines are known to team up with local tour and hospitality operators to provide reduced cost tours and travel experiences, allowing a greater interaction with the location for the savvy traveler.


See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.