Airlines - Apr 7 2025

AirAsia BIG Sale Trends and Tips: How to Score Cheap Flights in 2025

What’s the AirAsia BIG Sale?
BIG Sale Trends: When Does It Happen?
What to Expect in 2025
5 Tips to Score Cheap Flights
Real Price Examples
Wrap-Up: Timing Is Everything

The AirAsia BIG Sale is your golden ticket to snagging budget flights to Southeast Asia, and beyond. Held a few times a year, this sale can turn your travel dreams into reality—if you know how to play it right. Missed out on a dirt-cheap ticket before? Don’t worry. This guide breaks down the trends of the BIG Sale and shares practical tips to help you score the best deals for your 2025 adventures.

What’s the AirAsia BIG Sale?

AirAsia, the Malaysia-based giant of low-cost carriers (LCCs), is famous for its BIG Sale. It’s the event where flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, or Sapporo to Southeast Asian hotspots like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Manila drop to jaw-dropping prices. Think one-way tickets from Narita to Bangkok for as low as $100! For travelers, it’s a chance to explore more for less.

BIG Sale Trends: When Does It Happen?

Looking at Past Patterns. In the past, the BIG Sale popped up about four times a year—March, June, September, and November—like clockwork. Lately, though, it’s gotten less predictable. Here’s what 2024 looked like:

February 19–25: For flights starting September 2025.
June 8–16: Covering September to March the following year.
August 31 onward: For travel from February 17, 2025.

The pattern? Sales tend to launch 6–12 months before your travel dates. They usually run for about a week, with the cheapest fares up for grabs right at the start.

What to Expect in 2025

Based on past years, 2025 sales might hit around February, June, and August–September. February could be your shot at summer or fall trips, while June might cover late fall to winter flights. Keep an eye on AirAsia’s official website or sign up for their newsletter to stay in the loop.

5 Tips to Score Cheap Flights

Join the Club for Early Access
Signing up as an AirAsia MOVE member (it’s free!) gives you a 24-hour head start on the sale. For example, if the general sale kicks off at 1 a.m. on June 17, members can jump in at 1 a.m. on June 16. The lowest prices often show up in this window, so it’s worth it. Head to the site, register, and turn on email alerts to never miss out.
Strike at the Start
The sale’s best deals are usually right when it begins—often at 1 a.m. Japan time. Prices climb as tickets sell out due to dynamic pricing. In the June 2024 sale, Narita to Bangkok went from $120 to $150 in a day. Be ready: log in early and have your routes pre-searched.
Dodge Major Holidays
Big holiday periods like Golden Week, Obon, or New Year’s rarely get the sale treatment. Take May 2025—Golden Week flights hit their cheapest a year out, not during a BIG Sale. Shift your plans to quieter times, like a three-day weekend, for the real bargains.
Keep Extra Fees in Check
The headline price is just the base fare. Add-ons like checked baggage (around $30 for 20kg) or seat selection (a few bucks and up) can pile up fast. Here’s how to save:
- Stick to a 7kg carry-on.
- Skip seat selection if you’re fine with random spots.
- Pay with a debit card or app to cut payment fees.
Less extras, lower total.
Direct flights are great, but connecting through Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok can shave off a few bucks. For instance, Osaka to Ho Chi Minh City via Kuala Lumpur saved $20 over the direct route in one sale. Got some time to spare? Search “multi-city” options for hidden deals.

Real Price Examples

Here’s a peek at 2024’s BIG Sale steals:

arita to Bangkok: $120 (tax included)
Haneda to Kuala Lumpur: $200
Kansai to Manila: $125

Compare that to $400–$700 on full-service airlines for the same routes. The savings are real!

Wrap-Up: Timing Is Everything

The AirAsia BIG Sale is all about preparation and timing. Join as a member for early access, pounce at the start, and stay flexible with your dates. With these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be jetting off in 2025 without breaking the bank. Bookmark AirAsia’s site and start dreaming up your next trip!