If you’re living in Taiwan and want to explore the beautiful destinations nearby, budget airlines offer an excellent way to travel without straining your finances. This guide highlights some of the best budget airlines servicing Taiwan, their routes, and important tips to help you save even more on your travels.
1. Tigerair Taiwan
Tigerair Taiwan is the only local low-cost airline, established as a joint venture between China Airlines and Singapore’s Tigerair. It offers routes to popular destinations in Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Recently, they’ve added new routes like Taoyuan to Fukushima.
Popular Destinations:
- Japan: Sapporo, Osaka, Tokyo, Okinawa, Fukuoka
- South Korea: Seoul, Busan, Jeju
- Thailand: Phuket, Bangkok
- Philippines: Cebu, Davao
- Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang
2. Peach Aviation
As Japan’s first low-cost carrier, Peach Aviation connects Taiwan with various cities across Japan. It operates primarily from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport.
Key Routes:
- Taiwan to: Osaka, Tokyo, Okinawa, Nagoya, Sapporo
- Other Destinations: Fukuoka, Sendai, and Naha
3. Jetstar Airways
Operating across Asia-Pacific, Jetstar offers a range of destinations from Taiwan.
Must-Visit Cities:
- Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo
- Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns
- Southeast Asia: Singapore, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City
4. Scoot
A subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, Scoot focuses on long-haul budget travel, offering comfortable seating and affordable prices.
Highlights:
- Destinations: Singapore, Bangkok, Sydney, Melbourne, Berlin, and Tokyo
5. Air Busan
Part of the Korean Air family, Air Busan offers flights between Taiwan and South Korea, known for its friendly service.
Travel To:
- South Korea: Seoul, Busan, Jeju, Daegu
6. JEJU Air
As Korea’s largest low-cost airline, JEJU Air provides cost-effective travel options.
Where It Flies:
- South Korea: Jeju Island, Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Gwangju
- Japan: Osaka, Tokyo, Naha
7. Eastar Jet
Eastar Jet is known for its affordability and quality service.
Key Routes:
- South Korea: Seoul, Jeju, Busan
- Taiwan: Taoyuan, Kaohsiung
8. AirAsia
AirAsia is renowned as one of Asia’s largest low-cost carriers, expanding rapidly in recent years.
Popular Routes:
- Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu
- Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai
- Indonesia: Bali
- Philippines: Manila, Cebu
9. VietJet Air
VietJet Air is celebrated for its vibrant branding and low fares.
Destination Options:
- Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc
- Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket
10. Cebu Pacific Air
As the leading budget airline in the Philippines, Cebu Pacific is great for traveling to various destinations.
Travel Highlights:
- Philippines: Manila, Cebu, Davao, Boracay
- International Destinations: Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan
11. Hong Kong Express
If you’re looking to visit Hong Kong, Hong Kong Express is an excellent choice.
Fly to:
- Hong Kong: Direct flights from Taoyuan and Kaohsiung
- Nearby Destinations: Macau, Bangkok, Osaka
12. Greater Bay Airlines
A newer player in the budget airline scene, Greater Bay Airlines focuses on routes within the Greater Bay Area, with direct flights from Taiwan to Hong Kong.
Taiwan Departures:
- Hong Kong: Taoyuan to Hong Kong
Tips for Booking
- Watch for Extra Fees: Most budget airlines charge extra for checked baggage, seat selection, and meals. Be sure to check the airline’s policy on luggage limits and potential fees.
- Taxes and Fees: Always factor in additional taxes and fees when comparing ticket prices.
- Promotions and Discounts: Keep an eye on airline promotions and use codes for discounted fares. Many airlines frequently offer promotional codes and flash sales.
- Book in Advance: Securing your tickets early can help you get the best deals.
- Flexible Dates: Being flexible with your travel dates can yield significant savings. Use tools that show fare calendars to identify the cheapest days to fly.
By taking advantage of these budget airlines, you can easily explore various countries from Taiwan while keeping costs manageable. Happy travels!