Translation result.- Travel agencies racing to lock in advance tickets as fuel surcharges are set to spike – Essential money-saving tips for savvy travelers
[Alpha Economy=Kim Sang-jin] If you’re planning a trip, don’t wait—buy your tickets now. A sharp rise in global oil prices means international fuel surcharges will likely jump two to three times starting April 1. Airlines base fuel surcharges on the date you pay for and issue the ticket, not your travel date. So if you’re flying to Osaka on March 31 or planning a wellness escape to Chiang Mai, Thailand, lock in tickets this month to save a lot.Long-haul flights to Europe or the Americas will be hit hardest. On Korean Air, long-haul fuel surcharges can reach up to 300,000 KRW one way (about $225). That’s roughly 600,000 KRW round-trip per person (about $450). For a family of four, the added fees can top 2,000,000 KRW (around $1,500). That’s why moving up your ticketing can really protect your wallet.Major travel agencies are moving quickly to ease the pinch. Companies like NorangPungseon and Hana Tour are urging customers booked on long-haul package tours departing in April and May to secure tickets this month. Normally people buy tickets closer to departure, but agencies are pulling ticketing forward by two months or more to avoid the upcoming fuel-surcharge shock.Advance ticketing isn’t a perfect fix. Package tours operate as a group, so one person buying a ticket early is nearly impossible. Agencies aim to fill the group quickly and then issue all tickets at once. Before you commit, read the rules on changes and cancellations carefully so fees don’t catch you off guard.
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