Flight prices soar amid West Asia war—these tricks can still help you find cheap tickets

As tensions continue to rise across West Asia, air travel has become increasingly expensive and unpredictable.

Flight prices on several routes have surged sharply, while some airlines have begun imposing fuel surcharges because of rising fuel costs and supply concerns.

The situation has created additional pressure for travellers who urgently need to fly, often forcing them to spend more time and effort searching for affordable tickets.

Travel experts say that despite the uncertainty, there are still ways for passengers to secure reasonably priced flights if they plan carefully and remain flexible with their options.

One of the most important suggestions is to avoid purchasing highly restricted or basic economy tickets that cannot be changed later. These tickets may appear cheaper at first, but they offer little flexibility.

If ticket prices drop later, travellers who have purchased flexible tickets can modify their bookings and capture the lower fare.

Using airline miles or reward points is another option experts recommend during volatile periods.

Tickets purchased with miles are often easier to cancel or modify, and passengers can usually receive their miles back if they decide to rebook later when prices fall.

Travellers are also advised to use fare comparison platforms such as the mobile app Google Flights or Skyscanner to monitor price differences across airlines.

Setting up price alerts can help passengers track fare fluctuations and book when prices decrease.

Those booking through third party platforms should carefully review cancellation and change policies, as they may differ from the airline’s own rules.

Because of the possibility of renewed hostilities around Iran and nearby regions, experts suggest avoiding airline hubs located close to conflict zones for the next few months. Instead, travellers can consider alternate transit routes or connecting cities that may offer more stable schedules.

Booking tickets with flexible cancellation or rebooking options is also recommended. This allows travellers to adjust their plans if flights are delayed, rerouted or cancelled due to security developments.

Planning ahead can also help control costs. With many airlines operating reduced schedules, seats are filling up faster than usual. Booking flights earlier can improve the chances of finding better prices.

Other simple strategies include choosing mid-week travel dates or off peak hours, when demand is typically lower. Travellers can also check departures from nearby airports or alternate cities to compare fares.

Finally, purchasing travel insurance that covers cancellations or delays caused by geopolitical disruptions can provide an additional layer of protection in uncertain times.

However, it should be kept in mind that most travel insurance policies worldwide exclude losses caused directly by war, invasion, or large-scale military conflicts.