Hot tickets: 'Tis season to discover airfare deals

For those looking to get away during the fall, there's good news. Airfares are 15 to 30 percent cheaper than summer prices, and foreign airlines are offering further reductions of 50,000 to 200,000 won ($40-160). But these discounts often entail many restrictions: tickets are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, there are restrictions on when you can travel, changing times and days can be difficult-to-impossible and fares must be paid at least two days before departure.

1. Philippine Airlines

(www.philippineair.co.kr)

Incheon-to-Manila tickets are going for 300,000 won until the end of the month, but only if you travel on a weekday and return within one month. For an additional 90,000 won, you can buy a two-night accommodation in a Manila hotel.

(02) 774-3581.

2. Air Canada (www.aircanada.co.kr)

From Monday to the end of this month, "Maple Fare" tickets to selected destinations in Canada are discounted 20 percent. Tickets must be issued five days before departure and you must travel on a weekday. Fares to Vancouver cost 850,000 won, while Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa are 1.1 million won. Travelers must return within three months.

(02) 779-5654,5

3. Northwest Airlines

(www.nowa.com/kr)

Tickets to North America and Japan are 22-25 percent cheaper than usual, but they must be purchased by Thursday. Travelers must leave before Nov. 30 and return before Dec. 12. Airfares for Tokyo are 340,000 won, and San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle are 760,000 won.

(02) 732-1700.

4. KLM (www.klm.co.kr)

Fares to 13 cities in Britain, including London and Edinburgh, are going for 800,000 won until the end of this month. Travelers must leave before the end of the month and return within a month.

(02) 733-7878.

5. Singapore Airlines

(www.singaporeair.com/kr)

Discounts of 50,000 to 100,000 won available when you buy using a Visa credit card. Fares to Singapore and Bangkok are 500,000 won, and Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are 750,000 won.

(02) 755-1226.

by Sung Si-yoon