Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising prices of air tickets during the National Day holiday in China, highlighting the struggles of workers trying to find affordable travel options amidst soaring costs and limited availability [6][7][19]. Group 1: Air Ticket Prices and Trends - The price of pre-sale tickets for the National Day holiday has increased by 9.1% compared to 2024 [7]. - Many popular domestic flights are sold out or only available at full price, leading to frustration among travelers [15][18]. - The demand for cross-province travel orders has increased by 45% year-on-year, and the search for outbound hotel bookings has risen by 40% [14]. Group 2: Alternative Travel Strategies - Due to high ticket prices, workers are resorting to "transfer travel," where they take indirect routes to their destinations, often involving layovers in less popular cities [10][26]. - New terms like "double stick tickets" and "boomerang tickets" have emerged, allowing travelers to creatively navigate high costs by using layovers as additional travel opportunities [81][85]. - The article notes that changing travel dates or extending vacations around holidays can significantly reduce costs, with some flights being nearly half the price if booked outside peak times [21][22]. Group 3: The Rise of Datong as a Travel Hub - Datong has emerged as a new low-cost international travel hub, offering direct flights to destinations like Seoul, Ulaanbaatar, and Bangkok at competitive prices [36][76]. - The local government has provided financial subsidies to airlines to encourage the establishment of these routes, making Datong an attractive option for budget travelers [76][77]. - The article emphasizes that while Datong's international flight options are limited, they are gradually increasing, making it a viable alternative for travelers from northern China [34][37].

Core Insights - The article discusses the rising prices of domestic and international flights during the National Day holiday, with pre-sale ticket prices for this year's holiday increasing by 9.1% compared to 2024 [1] - Many workers are resorting to creative travel strategies, such as "transfer travel" and "boomerang tickets," to cope with high airfare costs [2][9] Group 1: Flight Pricing Trends - Last year's low prices for holiday flights led many to wait for better deals, but this year, international tickets have tripled in price compared to a month ago [1] - Domestic popular routes are sold out or only available at full price, with significant increases in cross-province travel orders and outbound hotel searches [4][9] - The demand for flights has surged, with data showing a 45% increase in cross-province travel orders and a 40% increase in outbound hotel search popularity during the holiday [4] Group 2: Alternative Travel Strategies - Workers are adopting "transfer travel," which involves stopping in a different city to save on costs, despite the inconvenience it may cause [2][9] - New terms like "double stick tickets" and "boomerang tickets" have emerged, allowing travelers to explore additional cities while saving money [27][29] - The article highlights the emergence of Datong as a new hub for affordable international flights, with routes to Seoul, Ulaanbaatar, Bangkok, and Moscow being introduced [11][24] Group 3: Challenges and Considerations - While Datong offers low-cost international flights, travelers face challenges such as limited flight availability and potential cancellations due to low demand [14][15] - The article notes that many of these low-cost flights are often tied to travel agency packages, which can lead to complications if the group size is insufficient [25] - Travelers are warned about the potential downsides of budget flights, including inconvenient flight times and limited baggage allowances [14][19]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend among young travelers to utilize "layover flights" or "boomerang tickets" as a cost-effective way to travel, allowing them to explore additional destinations during their journey [4][31]. Group 1: Boomerang Tickets - "Boomerang tickets" allow travelers to save money while also visiting an additional city during their layover, effectively combining multiple travel desires into one ticket [4][7]. - These tickets have become more accessible due to AI algorithms on travel platforms, making it easier for ordinary travelers to find these hidden deals [4][5]. - A specific example includes a traveler who saved nearly half the cost of a direct flight by booking a ticket from Qingdao to Rizhao with a layover in Dalian, allowing for a mini-vacation [10][9]. Group 2: Double Stick Tickets - "Double stick tickets" are another common type of layover ticket that allows travelers to visit two cities on one ticket, often avoiding red-eye flights and maximizing travel experiences [21][31]. - This trend is increasingly popular among domestic travelers, with examples of travelers utilizing long layovers to explore cities like Guangzhou and Yantai [22][23]. - Airlines are incentivizing this trend by offering various benefits such as free accommodation and local tours for travelers with long layovers [23][27]. Group 3: Travel Industry Adaptations - The travel industry is adapting to this trend by providing additional services and incentives, such as free entry to local attractions for travelers with layover tickets [26][27]. - Internationally, airports are also offering free tours and services for travelers with extended layovers, enhancing the overall travel experience [29][30]. - The article emphasizes that these new travel strategies are reshaping the perception of travel costs, making it more affordable and enjoyable for travelers [31][32].