Planning a trip to Beijing. Vacation & Martial Arts.

[Yeke]

Greetings, I am planning a trip to Beijing this summer, I will be ready to leave the 13th of may, and come back whenever I want. I am from Montreal, there are no direct flight from here. I can leave anytime from 13th may. I want the cheapest flight possible, thats why i'm willing to leave a couple days, week later for a better pricing. My mother told me the tickets will be raised at June. I remember for Cuba or Mexico resort there are last minute deals for plane tickets. Is there last minute deals for Beijing too? Or should I buy my tickets in advance?

I'm willing to leave Montreal anytime after my college semester ends for the best price. Cheapest way from Montreal to Beijing?

I will also visit my hometown Harbin, When I arrive in beijing/harbin I will try to find and register for some martial arts classes, mandarin classes too.

[hng783]

I know there are lots of flights from Vancouver to Beijing. Air Canada, Air China offers direct flight, and Cathay, JAL, China Eastern, and many more offer connected flights. Generally Air China is the cheapest direct flight to Beijing, and surprisingly they are very comfortable. JAL, China Eastern are quite cheap too, and you can stop over at Tokyo and Shanghai respectively.

So I think one way is to catch a cheap Westjet flight to Vancouver first?

There are not too many direct flights going out of Toronto, I believe only Air Canada has one.

[flameproof]

I would watch the pricing for the major hubs.That's probably Vancouver for you. I would also check all the major airlines directly for any discounts. Airlines nowadays also like to cut out the agents and offer often good direct deals.

Not to miss any deals, I would get a new email address and sign up for all airlines' promo newsletter.

I would also think about the routing. A stop in Tokyo is certainly cool if $$$ permit.

Mid May is not holiday season and I presume you can get good deals when the date nears. Typically you don't really get "last minute" offers on scheduled flights. That's more for charter flights or package tours with hotels etc.

[Yeke]

Sorry for digging this up, just letting Canadians know that the cheapest round ticket I got was:

1080$ CAD tax included, w/ Air Canada. Montreal to Vancouver to Beijing. (departure mid may)

Mother booked it at an agency in chinatown. I believe it was the best deal.

[Bedan Adjuster]

I think the price you got is within the normal range. Not too low and definitely not high.