How to Book Affordable Flights Within Australia
Australia, with its vast distances and stunning landscapes, is a dream destination for many. However, the cost of flights can often be a barrier to exploring this beautiful country. Fortunately, with a little planning and some insider knowledge, you can find and book affordable flights within Australia. This guide will walk you through the process, providing practical tips and advice to help you save money on your next adventure.
1. Comparing Airlines and Flight Options
The first step to securing a cheap flight is to understand the different airlines operating within Australia and the types of flights they offer. Each airline has its own pricing strategies, routes, and services, so comparing your options is crucial.
Major Australian Airlines
Qantas: The flagship carrier of Australia, Qantas generally offers a premium service with a wider network of routes, including regional destinations. While often more expensive, Qantas can be a good option for those seeking comfort and reliability.
Virgin Australia: A full-service airline that often competes with Qantas on major routes. Virgin Australia typically offers a range of fare classes, from economy to business, providing flexibility for different budgets.
Jetstar: A low-cost carrier (LCC) owned by Qantas. Jetstar focuses on offering budget-friendly fares, often at the expense of included services like baggage and meals. If you're willing to forgo these extras, Jetstar can be a very affordable option. Consider what Mybooking offers for comparing Jetstar flights with other airlines.
Rex Airlines (Regional Express): Rex specialises in serving regional and rural communities across Australia. If you're travelling to a smaller town, Rex is likely to be your best or only option.
Understanding Fare Types
Each airline offers different fare types, which vary in price and flexibility. Common fare types include:
Basic Economy: The cheapest option, usually with limited baggage allowance and no flexibility for changes or cancellations.
Economy: A standard fare that includes a baggage allowance and may offer some flexibility for changes (often for a fee).
Premium Economy: A step up from economy, offering more legroom, wider seats, and enhanced amenities.
Business Class: The most expensive option, providing the highest level of comfort and service, including lie-flat seats and premium meals.
When comparing airlines, carefully consider the fare type and what it includes. A seemingly cheaper fare might end up costing more if you need to add baggage or make changes later.
2. Using Flight Comparison Websites and Tools
Flight comparison websites are invaluable tools for finding the best deals on flights. These websites aggregate flight information from multiple airlines and travel agencies, allowing you to easily compare prices and find the most affordable options.
Popular Flight Comparison Websites
Mybooking: Our platform allows you to search and compare flights from various airlines, helping you find the best deals for your travel dates and destination. You can also learn more about Mybooking and our commitment to providing affordable travel options.
Google Flights: A powerful search engine that allows you to track prices, explore destinations on a map, and see price trends over time.
Skyscanner: Another popular option that compares flights, hotels, and car rentals. Skyscanner also offers a "whole month" view, allowing you to see the cheapest days to fly.
Kayak: Similar to Skyscanner, Kayak searches multiple travel sites to find the best deals. It also offers price alerts and a "Explore" feature to discover new destinations.
Webjet: An Australian-based online travel agency that offers a wide range of flights, hotels, and holiday packages.
Tips for Using Flight Comparison Websites
Be flexible with your dates: If possible, adjust your travel dates by a few days to see if you can find cheaper flights. Weekday flights are often cheaper than weekend flights.
Search incognito: Some websites may track your searches and increase prices over time. To avoid this, use incognito mode or a VPN.
Set up price alerts: Most flight comparison websites allow you to set up price alerts, which will notify you when the price of a flight drops.
Consider alternative airports: If you're near multiple airports, check prices at each one. Flying from a smaller airport can sometimes be cheaper.
3. Booking Flights in Advance or Last-Minute
There's a long-standing debate about whether it's better to book flights in advance or last-minute. The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best time to book depends on various factors, including the destination, time of year, and airline.
Booking in Advance
Pros: More availability, wider choice of seats, and potentially lower prices (especially for popular routes and peak season travel).
Cons: Less flexibility if your plans change, and you might miss out on last-minute deals.
Generally, booking 2-3 months in advance is a good strategy for domestic flights in Australia, especially if you're travelling during school holidays or other peak periods.
Booking Last-Minute
Pros: Potential for deeply discounted fares if airlines are trying to fill empty seats.
- Cons: Limited availability, less choice of seats, and the risk of flights being sold out. You may also need to be very flexible with your travel times.
Last-minute deals can be found, but they're not always guaranteed. If you're willing to take a chance and be flexible, it's worth checking prices a few days or weeks before your departure date.
The Sweet Spot
Many experts recommend booking flights around 6-8 weeks before your travel date for the best balance between price and availability. However, it's always a good idea to monitor prices regularly and be prepared to book when you see a good deal.
4. Understanding Baggage Allowances and Fees
Baggage fees can significantly increase the cost of your flight, especially if you're flying with a low-cost carrier. It's essential to understand the baggage allowances and fees of each airline before you book your flight.
Carry-on Baggage
Most airlines allow you to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (e.g., a handbag or laptop bag) for free. However, there are usually restrictions on the size and weight of your carry-on baggage. Be sure to check the airline's website for specific details.
Checked Baggage
Checked baggage fees vary depending on the airline, route, and fare type. Low-cost carriers often charge extra for checked baggage, while full-service airlines may include a certain amount of checked baggage in their fares.
To avoid paying extra fees, consider packing light or shipping your belongings to your destination. If you do need to check baggage, it's usually cheaper to pre-purchase it online than at the airport. You can find frequently asked questions about baggage allowances on our website.
Excess Baggage Fees
If your baggage exceeds the allowed size or weight limits, you'll be charged excess baggage fees, which can be quite expensive. To avoid these fees, weigh your baggage before you go to the airport and make sure it meets the airline's requirements.
5. Tips for Finding Flight Deals and Discounts
In addition to using flight comparison websites and understanding baggage fees, there are several other strategies you can use to find flight deals and discounts.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Times
As mentioned earlier, flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons can often save you money. Consider flying early in the morning or late at night, as these flights are often cheaper.
Sign Up for Airline Newsletters and Loyalty Programmes
Airlines often send out special offers and discounts to their email subscribers. Sign up for newsletters from the airlines you frequently fly with to stay informed about the latest deals. Joining airline loyalty programmes can also earn you points or miles that can be redeemed for free flights or upgrades.
Follow Airlines on Social Media
Airlines often announce flash sales and promotions on their social media channels. Follow your favourite airlines on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest deals.
Consider Package Deals
Sometimes, booking a flight and hotel together as a package can be cheaper than booking them separately. Check with online travel agencies like Mybooking to see if they offer any package deals for your destination.
Look for Error Fares
Occasionally, airlines make mistakes when pricing their flights, resulting in incredibly cheap fares. These "error fares" are rare, but if you find one, book it quickly before the airline corrects the mistake. Websites like Secret Flying and Scott's Cheap Flights often post error fares.
Use Credit Card Rewards
If you have a credit card that earns travel rewards, use it to pay for your flights. You can then redeem your rewards for free flights or other travel expenses.
By following these tips and strategies, you can significantly reduce the cost of your flights within Australia and make your travel dreams a reality. Happy travels!