Air tickets to Tet for international students: experience in ticket hunting

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

For many young people far from home, being able to return home to celebrate Tet with their families is the biggest gift of the year. But air tickets to Tet for international students are always a difficult problem: prices increase early, seats are scarce, and must match the study schedule abroad. This article shares practical experiences in hunting tickets, from when to book, how to choose the route, to what documents to note for a smooth return to school.

Why are Tet tickets expensive and difficult to find?

During the Lunar New Year, travel demand is concentrated in a few short weeks: overseas Vietnamese, workers, and international students return home at the same time as the flow of international tourists. According to Van Hoa Newspaper, during the recent Tet season, although airlines sharply increased the number of flights, ticket prices were still high; Afternoon prices from the US to Vietnam increased by about 10–20% compared to the previous year, from Japan and Korea increased by about 10–15%. The main reason is that large airports like Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai almost run out of "slots" during good hours, so additional flights mainly fall at late night or early morning.

Noteworthy point: Tet ticket prices often increase early and rarely decrease close to the day. Waiting for "last minute cheap tickets" during the Tet season is almost like gambling.

Compare school schedules and Tet holidays

Lunar New Year falls around the end of January to mid-February of the solar calendar, each year is different:

According to each region

• Australia, New Zealand: Tet usually falls during the summer vacation (around December - February), which is the most favorable time to return.
• USA, Canada, UK, Europe: winter vacation ends around the beginning of January, so Tet usually falls during the semester. Many people choose to return for Christmas - New Year instead of Tet, or return for a short time.
• Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore: winter/spring break schedules vary by school; Some places have holidays coinciding with Tet.

If Tet falls during the semester, ask your lecturers and the international student office about absences. In the UK, Student visa students must ensure attendance according to school requirements; In many other countries, prolonged absences can also affect points and visa status. Compare more plans to return home for summer and Tet in the article My child studies abroad and returns home for the summer and Tet holidays.

Experience in hunting for air tickets to Tet for international students

1. Book early, as soon as the holiday is scheduled

For flights from the US, Europe, and Australia, you should plan about 4–6 months before Tet; From Asia, you should also book several months in advance. It is important to finalize the holiday date with the school before issuing tickets.

2. Flexible flight date and time

The best days (around December 25–28) are always the most expensive. Leave a few days early, come back after the 6th-7th, or choose a night flight, the early morning flight is usually softer.

3. Consider connecting flights

Flying connecting flights through hubs in Asia can be significantly cheaper than flying direct. Van Hoa Newspaper noted that during a Tet season, connecting flights from the US to Taipei helps save about 300–400 USD/person round trip. In return, you need to check the connection time, whether the luggage can be transferred directly and the transit visa – see Transit when flying to study abroad.

4. Choose a flexible destination

If your home is in the Central region, compare the price to Da Nang with returning to Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi and then connecting to the domestic route. Note that domestic routes during Tet are also very high.

5. Take advantage of student incentives

Some airlines have discounted prices or baggage allowances for students, but there are often conditions. Read more Discount air tickets for students.

6. Round trip or two one-way tickets

For overseas - Vietnam - overseas trips, round-trip tickets originating from the country you are studying in are often reasonable. However, sometimes two one-way tickets on two different airlines are cheaper; Let's compare both. Detailed analysis is in the article One-way or round-trip tickets when studying abroad.

Documents to return to school after Tet

• Valid passport (many countries require at least 6 months).
• Valid visa/residence permit. If your US visa has expired, you need to apply for a new visa before returning.
• For F-1 students (USA): I-20 with travel signature of DSO officer. According to Boston University, you should ask for an autograph at least a week before leaving.
• Residence card (Japan, Korea, Canada...), study confirmation, transcript if necessary.

See more articles Documents needed to carry with you when flying to study abroad to be fully prepared.

Tet season is the time when ticket hunting experience is most effective. VeDuHoc's team of more than 30 Bookers compares multiple airlines, multiple itineraries, continues to hunt even when prices are high, and if they find a better price after you have paid, HVSC transfers the excess money back. Refer to the page Hunt for Tet tickets to Vietnam or service ticket back home.

Frequently asked questions

How long in advance should I book Tet tickets?

As soon as possible after scheduled leave; For long trips like America, Europe, Australia, you should start about 4-6 months before Tet.

Are there cheap tickets for Tet holiday?

Very rare. Tet prices often increase early and stay high; The remaining seats close to the day are usually in the expensive price category.

What documents are needed to return from studying in the US during Tet?

Passport, valid F-1 visa, and I-20 with valid travel signature. Check with the international students office before going.

Are Tet tickets refundable or exchangeable?

Depends on price class. Cheap tickets often have limited exchange/refunds; If the class schedule is not certain, you should choose a more flexible ticket.

Early preparation is the key to having a perfect Tet with your family. Contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 for a quote and suitable itinerary advice.

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