Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights in Australia
Flying within Australia can be expensive, but with a little planning and some insider knowledge, you can significantly reduce the cost of your air travel. This guide provides practical tips and strategies to help you find the best deals on flights, allowing you to explore more of what this amazing country has to offer without breaking the bank. Remember to check out Bookflights for more travel resources.
Best Times to Book Flights
Timing is crucial when it comes to securing cheap flights. Booking at the right time can save you hundreds of dollars.
Avoid Peak Seasons
Flights are generally more expensive during peak seasons, such as school holidays (especially Christmas and Easter), public holidays, and major events. If possible, avoid travelling during these times. If you must travel during peak season, book as far in advance as possible – ideally, several months ahead.
Mid-Week Travel
Flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are often cheaper than those on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) or Mondays. This is because business travellers tend to fly on Mondays and Fridays, driving up demand and prices. Consider adjusting your travel dates to take advantage of mid-week deals.
The 'Sweet Spot' for Booking
While there's no magic formula, many experts suggest that the 'sweet spot' for booking domestic flights in Australia is typically between 2 to 4 months in advance. This allows you to capture early-bird deals without being too close to the departure date, when prices tend to increase. However, this can vary depending on the route and time of year, so it's always a good idea to monitor prices over time.
Last-Minute Deals (Use with Caution)
While rare, last-minute deals can sometimes appear if airlines are trying to fill empty seats. However, relying on last-minute deals is risky, as prices can also increase significantly closer to the departure date. This strategy is best suited for travellers with flexible schedules who are willing to take a chance.
Utilising Flight Comparison Websites Effectively
Flight comparison websites are your best friend when searching for cheap flights. These websites aggregate flight information from multiple airlines and online travel agencies, allowing you to compare prices and find the best deals.
Popular Flight Comparison Websites
Some of the most popular flight comparison websites in Australia include:
Skyscanner
Webjet
Google Flights
Kayak
- Momondo
Experiment with different websites to see which one works best for you. Each website may have slightly different results and features.
Setting Price Alerts
Most flight comparison websites allow you to set price alerts for specific routes and dates. This is a great way to track price fluctuations and be notified when prices drop. Take advantage of this feature to stay informed and snag a deal when it appears.
Being Aware of Hidden Fees
Be aware that some flight comparison websites may not include all fees and charges in the initial price. Always check the fine print and factor in baggage fees, seat selection fees, and other potential costs before making a booking. Some airlines, especially budget carriers, charge extra for everything beyond the basic fare. Understanding what Bookflights offers in terms of price transparency can help you avoid surprises.
Using Incognito Mode
Some believe that airlines and travel websites track your searches and increase prices if they see you're repeatedly searching for the same flight. While this is debated, using incognito mode or clearing your browser's cookies before searching for flights can help prevent potential price manipulation. It's a simple step that might save you a few dollars.
Leveraging Airline Sales and Promotions
Airlines frequently offer sales and promotions, which can be a great way to save money on flights. Staying informed about these offers can help you secure a bargain.
Subscribing to Airline Newsletters
Subscribe to the email newsletters of major Australian airlines, such as Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Rex Airlines. This way, you'll be among the first to know about upcoming sales and promotions. Many airlines also offer exclusive deals to their newsletter subscribers.
Following Airlines on Social Media
Follow airlines on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Airlines often announce sales and promotions on their social media channels, sometimes even before they're announced via email. Social media can also be a great way to stay up-to-date on travel news and tips.
Being Aware of Flash Sales
Keep an eye out for flash sales, which are short-term promotions that offer significant discounts on flights. These sales often last only a few hours or days, so you need to act quickly to take advantage of them. Flight comparison websites and social media are good places to find out about flash sales.
Checking for Discount Codes
Before booking a flight, search online for discount codes or promo codes that may be applicable. Websites like RetailMeNot and OzBargain often list discount codes for various airlines and travel agencies. It's always worth a quick search to see if you can save a few extra dollars.
Being Flexible with Travel Dates and Destinations
Flexibility is key to finding cheap flights. If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates and destinations, you'll have a much better chance of securing a good deal.
Using Flexible Date Search Tools
Most flight comparison websites offer flexible date search tools that allow you to see prices for flights on different dates. Use these tools to identify the cheapest days to fly. Even shifting your travel dates by a day or two can sometimes make a significant difference in price.
Considering Alternative Destinations
If you're open to different destinations, consider searching for flights to multiple cities. Sometimes, flights to less popular destinations are cheaper than flights to major cities. You might discover a hidden gem that you hadn't considered before. Understanding the frequently asked questions about destination options can be helpful.
Travelling During the Shoulder Season
The shoulder season is the period between peak season and off-season. During the shoulder season, you can often find lower prices and fewer crowds. In Australia, the shoulder season typically falls in autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November). The weather is still pleasant in many parts of the country during these months, making it a great time to travel.
Being Open to Stopovers
Flights with stopovers are often cheaper than direct flights. If you're not in a hurry, consider booking a flight with one or more stopovers. This can save you a significant amount of money, and you might even have the opportunity to explore a new city during your layover.
Considering Alternative Airports and Routes
Sometimes, flying into or out of alternative airports can save you money. Similarly, exploring different routes can also lead to cheaper flights.
Checking Nearby Airports
If you live near multiple airports, check the prices for flights from each airport. Sometimes, flights from a smaller, less popular airport are cheaper than flights from a major airport. However, factor in the cost of transportation to and from the alternative airport before making a decision.
Exploring Different Routes
Consider flying indirect routes, even if your final destination is a major city. For example, instead of flying directly from Sydney to Melbourne, you might find a cheaper flight from Sydney to Adelaide, and then from Adelaide to Melbourne. This strategy can be time-consuming, but it can also save you money. Before making any bookings, learn more about Bookflights and how we can assist with planning complex routes.
Using Budget Airlines
Budget airlines like Jetstar and Bonza often offer significantly lower fares than full-service airlines. However, be aware that budget airlines typically charge extra for baggage, seat selection, and other amenities. Factor in these extra costs when comparing prices. Also, be sure to check the airline's baggage allowance and other policies before booking.
By following these tips, you can significantly increase your chances of finding cheap flights within Australia and making your travel budget stretch further. Happy travels!