How to Find Cheap Flights in Australia: A Complete Guide
Travelling within Australia can be an expensive undertaking, especially when it comes to flights. However, with the right strategies and a little patience, you can significantly reduce your airfare costs. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to find cheap flights in Australia, covering everything from optimal booking times to leveraging loyalty programmes.
1. Best Times to Book Flights for Optimal Savings
One of the most crucial factors in securing cheap flights is understanding when to book. While there's no magic formula, certain patterns and trends can help you snag a better deal.
The 'Sweet Spot' Booking Window
Generally, the best time to book domestic flights in Australia is between one and three months in advance. Booking too early (more than three months out) often means you're paying a premium before airlines have fully adjusted their prices based on demand. Booking too late (less than a month out) usually results in higher prices as seats fill up and airlines capitalise on last-minute travellers.
Avoid Peak Seasons and Holidays
This might seem obvious, but it's worth reiterating. School holidays (especially the summer break), public holidays (like Easter and Christmas), and major events (such as the Australian Open or the AFL Grand Final) will always see a surge in flight prices. If possible, avoid travelling during these periods altogether. If you must travel during peak season, book as far in advance as possible and be prepared to pay more.
Consider Shoulder Seasons
Shoulder seasons – the periods immediately before and after peak seasons – often offer a good balance between favourable weather and lower prices. For example, travelling to Queensland in early November or late February can be significantly cheaper than travelling in December or January.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Even shifting your travel dates by a day or two can make a significant difference in price. Use airline and flight comparison website calendars to see which days offer the lowest fares. Mid-week flights (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) are often cheaper than weekend flights.
Time of Day Matters
Early morning or late-night flights are often less popular and therefore cheaper. These flights might require you to adjust your schedule, but the savings can be worth it.
2. 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 easily compare prices and find the best deals. When choosing a provider, consider what Flightbookings offers and how it aligns with your needs.
Popular Flight Comparison Websites
Some of the most popular and reliable flight comparison websites in Australia include:
Flightbookings: Compare flights from various airlines and agencies.
Skyscanner: Known for its flexible search options and ability to search for flights to 'Everywhere' to find the cheapest destination.
Webjet: A comprehensive platform that also offers hotel and car rental bookings.
Google Flights: A powerful tool with a user-friendly interface and price tracking features.
Kayak: Offers price alerts and a 'Explore' feature to discover destinations within your budget.
Tips for Using Flight Comparison Websites
Use Incognito Mode: Some websites track your browsing history and may increase prices if they detect that you've searched for the same flight multiple times. Using incognito mode can help prevent this.
Set Up Price Alerts: Most flight comparison websites allow you to set up price alerts for specific routes. You'll receive an email notification when the price drops, allowing you to book at the optimal time.
Be Flexible with Your Destination: If you're open to different destinations, use the 'Explore' or 'Everywhere' feature to find the cheapest places to fly to from your departure city.
Check Multiple Websites: Not all flight comparison websites have the same data. It's worth checking a few different websites to ensure you're seeing all available options.
Consider Booking Directly with the Airline: Once you've found a good deal on a flight comparison website, it's always a good idea to check the airline's website directly. Sometimes, you can find even better deals or avoid booking fees by booking directly.
3. Leveraging Airline Loyalty Programs and Credit Cards
Airline loyalty programmes and credit cards can be powerful tools for earning points and miles that can be redeemed for free or discounted flights.
Joining Airline Loyalty Programmes
Most major airlines offer loyalty programmes that allow you to earn points or miles for every flight you take. These points can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or other travel-related benefits. Some popular loyalty programmes in Australia include:
Qantas Frequent Flyer: Earn Qantas Points on Qantas, Jetstar, and partner airline flights.
Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer: Earn Velocity Points on Virgin Australia and partner airline flights.
Earning Points Through Credit Cards
Many credit cards offer rewards programmes that allow you to earn points or miles for every dollar you spend. These points can then be transferred to airline loyalty programmes or redeemed for other rewards. Look for credit cards that offer bonus points for signing up and that have a high earning rate for travel-related purchases. Always read the terms and conditions carefully, and ensure you can pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges.
Maximising Your Points
Consolidate Your Points: If you have points in multiple loyalty programmes, consider consolidating them into a single programme to make it easier to redeem for a flight.
Look for Bonus Offers: Airlines and credit card companies often run promotions that offer bonus points for specific flights or purchases. Keep an eye out for these offers to maximise your earnings.
- Redeem Points Strategically: Redeeming points for flights during peak season or for last-minute bookings can often provide the best value. Learn more about Flightbookings and how we can help you manage your travel rewards.
4. Considering Alternative Airports and Travel Dates
Sometimes, the key to finding cheap flights is to think outside the box and be flexible with your travel plans.
Alternative Airports
If you live near multiple airports, consider flying from or to a smaller, less popular airport. These airports often have lower landing fees and fewer passengers, which can translate to lower fares. For example, if you're flying to Sydney, consider flying into Newcastle Airport instead.
Flexible Travel Dates
As mentioned earlier, being flexible with your travel dates can significantly impact the price of your flight. Use airline and flight comparison website calendars to see which days offer the lowest fares. Consider flying on weekdays instead of weekends, and avoid travelling during peak seasons and holidays.
Connecting Flights
Sometimes, booking a connecting flight can be cheaper than booking a direct flight. This might add extra travel time, but the savings can be substantial. Be sure to factor in layover times and potential delays when considering connecting flights.
5. Understanding Flight Pricing Fluctuations
Flight prices are constantly changing, influenced by a variety of factors. Understanding these factors can help you predict price fluctuations and book your flight at the right time.
Supply and Demand
The basic principle of supply and demand plays a significant role in flight pricing. When demand is high (e.g., during peak season), prices tend to increase. When demand is low (e.g., during the off-season), prices tend to decrease.
Airline Pricing Algorithms
Airlines use sophisticated pricing algorithms to adjust prices based on factors such as demand, competition, and time of year. These algorithms are constantly monitoring the market and adjusting prices accordingly.
Fuel Prices
Fluctuations in fuel prices can also impact flight prices. When fuel prices increase, airlines often pass on these costs to consumers in the form of higher fares.
Competition
The level of competition on a particular route can also affect prices. If multiple airlines are competing for passengers, prices tend to be lower. If there's only one airline operating on a route, prices tend to be higher.
By understanding these factors and using the strategies outlined in this guide, you can significantly increase your chances of finding cheap flights within Australia. Remember to be patient, flexible, and persistent, and you'll be well on your way to saving money on your next trip. If you have more questions, check out our frequently asked questions.