Despite being mid-March, airfare prices for the upcoming April 30 - May 1 holiday have already surged, particularly for popular destinations such as Da Nang, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, and Hai Phong, where prices have risen significantly compared to regular days.

According to a survey conducted on various online booking platforms for airlines such as VietJet, Vietnam Airlines, Vietravel Airlines, and Bamboo Airways, ticket prices for flights to Da Nang have increased sharply.

For instance, a round-trip VietJet flight from Ha Noi to Da Nang departing on April 30 and returning on May 4 costs approximately VND 3.3 million. If passengers travel in early April, the round-trip fare for the same route is only VND 2.1 million. Meanwhile, the round-trip fare for the Ho Chi Minh City - Phu Quoc route during the holiday period has doubled compared to normal days, reaching VND 3.2 million per ticket with VietJet Air. Passengers flying with Vietravel Airlines or Bamboo Airways must pay around VND 3.7 million, while Vietnam Airlines charges VND 3.9 million per ticket.

Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang/Hue have also seen an increase in fares for the holiday, ranging from VND 1.6 million to over VND 5 million. The Ho Chi Minh City - Da Lat route has risen from VND 2.7 million for a regular round-trip ticket to VND 3.3 - 3.8 million during the holiday period. Compared to last year's holiday season, fares have increased by VND 500,000 to 1 million per ticket, depending on the route. The Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam has instructed airlines to increase flight frequencies and optimise flight schedules to prevent ticket shortages and excessive price hikes.

With domestic airfare prices expected to rise further during the holiday season, many travellers have already booked their tickets in advance. However, some still find it difficult to secure affordable fares. Ms Hua Thi Thuat Khanh, a resident of Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, shared that she had booked flights early for her family's trip to Da Lat. Despite the higher fares, she found the prices still within an acceptable range.

Airlines have warned passengers to be cautious of online ticket scams. While fraudulent schemes are not new, many travellers continue to fall victim. To avoid scams, passengers are advised to purchase tickets directly from official airline websites or authorised ticket agents. If booking online, they should verify the website's authenticity before making any payments.

When purchasing airline tickets, passengers should also request a receipt or invoice, as these documents serve as proof of purchase and can help protect their rights in case of any issues. It is important to note that Vietnam Airlines' ticket codes consist of six letters, while VietJet Air’s ticket codes consist of eight digits. Travellers should carefully check the airline's website, its design, and official web addresses to ensure legitimacy.

Reporting by GIA MINH - Translating by TRUC VY