Dreaming of Egyptian sunshine but worried about the cost? Russian travelers have discovered a secret: incredibly affordable last-minute charter flights to Hurghada can be found on AviaSales for as little as 5,000 RUB! In this exclusive guide, I’ll show you exactly how to find and book these elusive deals, including the specific timing, strategies, and preparation needed to secure your Egyptian getaway.
The Hidden World of Last-Minute Charter Flights
Charter flights operate differently from regular scheduled airlines. These flights are typically booked by tour operators who purchase entire planes, then sell seats directly to travelers or through agencies. When seats remain unsold close to departure, they’re often discounted dramatically—sometimes to just 5,000-7,000 RUB for a one-way ticket from Moscow to Hurghada.
Why These Deals Exist:
- Tour operators need to fill empty seats
- Last-minute cancellations create availability
- Airlines prefer full planes over empty ones
- Prices drop as departure approaches
Your Daily Ritual: The Afternoon Hunt
The Golden Rule: Check AviaSales daily between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM Moscow Time
Why This Timing Works:
- Tour operators release unsold inventory in the afternoon
- Morning decisions about cancellations are finalized
- Agencies update their systems with new availability
- Previous day’s unsold seats get discounted
Pro Tip: Set a daily reminder! Consistency is key. Missing just one day could mean missing the perfect deal.
Step-by-Step Booking Strategy
1. Optimize Your AviaSearch Settings
Before you start searching:
- Set your departure city (Moscow, St. Petersburg, etc.)
- Set destination as Hurghada (HRG)
- Enable “All airports” for departure and arrival
- Turn on “Nearby airports” option
- Select “Direct flights only” (charters are usually direct)
- Choose one-way tickets (you can book return separately)
2. Use Flexible Date Search
- Don’t search for specific dates
- Use the “Calendar” or “Flexible dates” view
- Look for the cheapest days in the coming week
- Be prepared to fly within 1-3 days
3. Identify Charter Flight Patterns
Charter flights to Hurghada typically:
- Depart from Moscow (VKO, DME, SVO), St. Petersburg (LED), or other major cities
- Operate on specific weekdays (often Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays)
- Fly overnight or early morning
- Are marked by specific airlines: Azur Air, Nordwind, Ikar, etc.
Recognizing Charter Deals on AviaSales
Look For:
- Price tags: 5,000-8,000 RUB for one-way
- Airline names: Charter-specific carriers
- Flight numbers: Often 4-digit codes starting with specific letters
- Departure times: Very early (4-6 AM) or late night (10 PM-2 AM)
- “Charter” notation: Some agencies explicitly mention it
Warning Signs of Charter Flights:
- No checked baggage included (or minimal 15kg)
- Strict change/cancellation policies
- Limited or no seat selection
- Meals not included (or available for purchase)
The “Immediate Departure” Reality
Crucial Warning: These ultra-cheap charters often depart the same day or next day.
What This Means for You:
- Passport Readiness: Must be valid for 6+ months from travel date
- Visa Situation: Russian citizens can get visa on arrival, but check current requirements
- Packing Speed: Be ready to pack within hours
- Work/Life Flexibility: Need immediate time off
- Airport Transfer: Can you get to the airport on short notice?
Your Pre-Booking Checklist:
- Passport is within reach
- Essential medications packed
- Toiletries and basics ready to go
- Work/school notified of potential absence
- Airport transportation arranged
- Accommodation in Hurghada researched (though often not booked yet)
The Actual Booking Process
When You Find a Deal:
- Click immediately – These seats sell in minutes
- Verify the details:
- Departure date and time
- Airport (crucial – Moscow has multiple airports)
- Baggage allowance
- Return date if booking roundtrip
- Use Quick Payment:
- Have your bank card ready
- Russian cards (MIR, Visa/Mastercard issued in Russia) work best
- Be prepared for SMS verification
- Book Now, Plan Later:
- Secure the flight first
- Arrange everything else afterward
Smart Strategies for Success
1. The Two-Person Advantage
- Search for 2 seats, not 1
- Single seats are rarer and sometimes more expensive
- Some deals require minimum 2 passengers
- If traveling solo, still search for 2 then adjust
2. Multi-City Flexibility
- Be open to different departure cities
- Consider positioning flights within Russia
- Sometimes flying from Kazan to Hurghada via Moscow is cheaper than direct from Moscow
3. Return Flight Strategy
- Book one-way there, worry about return later
- Return charters also get discounted last-minute
- Consider staying flexible with return date
- Alternative: Book regular airline for return
Budget Breakdown: What 5,000 RUB Really Gets You
Included (Typically):
- Seat on the plane
- 15-20kg checked baggage (sometimes)
- 5-8kg hand luggage
Not Included (Usually):
- Meals (bring your own or buy onboard)
- Seat selection (assigned at check-in)
- Travel insurance (purchase separately)
- Airport transfers
Additional Costs to Budget:
- Airport tax (if any)
- Visa on arrival (~$25 USD)
- Transfer from Hurghada airport to hotel (500-1000 RUB)
- Accommodation in Hurghada
- Return flight (another 5,000-10,000 RUB if lucky)
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
1. “Too Good to Be True” Prices
- Verify the agency’s rating on AviaSales
- Check for hidden fees during checkout
- Read the cancellation policy carefully
2. Airport Confusion
- Double-check which Moscow airport
- Vnukovo (VKO) vs. Sheremetyevo (SVO) vs. Domodedovo (DME)
- Arrive at correct terminal for charter flights
3. Baggage Surprises
- Assume no baggage unless specified
- Weigh your luggage in advance
- Budget for excess baggage fees
4. Schedule Changes
- Charters change times more frequently
- Check email constantly after booking
- Have flexible hotel check-in arrangements
What to Do After Booking
Immediate Actions:
- Check email for e-ticket (check spam folder)
- Verify flight details on airline website
- Arrange airport transfer in Moscow
- Book Hurghada hotel (last-minute deals exist here too)
- Purchase travel insurance (especially medical)
Pre-Flight Preparation:
- Print boarding pass if required
- Have passport and copies ready
- Download airline app for updates
- Prepare Egyptian pounds or USD for visa
- Pack appropriate clothing for Egypt
The Reality Check: Is This for You?
This approach works best for:
- Spontaneous travelers
- Those with flexible schedules
- Budget-conscious adventurers
- People living near major airports
- Those who handle stress well
Consider alternatives if:
- You need specific dates
- Traveling with children
- Require specific amenities
- Need extensive planning time
- Have strict baggage needs
Making the Most of Your Hurghada Trip
Once you’ve secured that 5,000 RUB flight:
Hurghada on a Budget:
- Local buses instead of taxis
- Street food and local restaurants
- Free beach days
- Snorkeling from shore (bring your own mask)
- Negotiate everything
Must-Do Experiences:
- Giftun Island boat trip
- Desert safari
- Old Town (El Dahar) exploration
- Night market shopping
- Red Sea swimming
Final Pro Tips
- Start Small: Try a domestic charter first to understand the process
- Build a Kit: Keep a pre-packed toiletries bag and travel documents folder
- Network: Join Russian travel forums for charter flight tips
- Patience: You might need to check for several days before finding your deal
- Celebrate: That 5,000 RUB flight to Egyptian sunshine is an achievement worth celebrating!
Remember: The charter flight market changes constantly. Political situations, airline agreements, and tourism flows all affect availability and pricing. What works today might adjust tomorrow, so stay flexible and keep experimenting with your search strategies.
Happy hunting, and may you find that perfect 5,000 RUB ticket to Hurghada’s golden beaches! ☀️✈️
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