Airlines join Black Friday sales’ frenzy as report warns of higher fares in 2025
Qantas has joined the Black Friday sales frenzy for the first time while Virgin says it has discounted over a million tickets, just as a new report warns airfares are set to climb in 2025.
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Airlines are joining the frenzy of Black Friday sales sweeping the country, discounting thousands of seats on domestic and international routes.
Amid warnings airfares are set to rise again next year, Qantas and Virgin Australia have embraced the retail gimmick with week-long sales starting Wednesday.
A report by the American Express Global Business Travel Group, warned fares would rise as much as 14 per cent in 2025 with some of the biggest hikes in Australia.
Higher labour costs and ongoing supply chain issues were considered the driving forces for the increases, along with the return to a domestic duopoly following the demise of Rex.
In what Qantas has called its first ever Travel Week sale, economy seats are available from $549 return for Melbourne-Queenstown, or $1149 for Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne to Tokyo.
Other sale fares include $1499 for Sydney-Vancouver return, $1199 for Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne to Los Angeles, and $1099 for Honolulu.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said Classic Plus reward seats were also “on sale” with 53,500 frequent flyer points needed for Sydney-Tokyo return; 41,700 for Brisbane-Auckland or 467,100 points for Melbourne-Dallas in business class.
Mr Wallace said some of their most popular destinations were included in the sale which would run until next Wednesday unless sold out.
“We’re seeing more and more Australians travelling to Japan with Tokyo as one of our most in-demand destinations on the Qantas international network,” said Mr Wallace.
“From the unique blend of traditional and contemporary cuisine to the allure of iconic landmarks like Mt Fuji, we’re delighted to include Japan in our first ever Travel Week sal, among other trending routes and travel spots such as Honolulu, Los Angeles and Queenstown.”
Virgin Australia was also getting in on the act after a strong response to the airline’s Black Friday sale last year, with more than a million fares slashed this time around.
Domestic deals included $49 one way fares for Sydney-Ballina; $89 for Melbourne-Gold Coast and $129 for Brisbane-Uluru.
Those looking for a cheap overseas flight could find fares from $405 for Melbourne-Queenstown return, $499 for Gold Coast-Bali, $609 for Sydney-Bali and Brisbane-Samoa for $689.
All of Virgin’s sale fares were for “economy lite” which included 7kg of carry on baggage, but not checked luggage or seat selection.
Chief marketing officer Libby Minogue said Black Friday was one of the best times of the year to land a great travel deal.
“Black Friday isn’t just a sale for us – it’s our way of saying thank you to our loyal passengers who love to explore,” said Ms Minogue.
“After last year’s record-breaking response, we’ve gone all out to ensure this year’s offers represent even bigger savings for travellers.”
Originally published as Airlines join Black Friday sales’ frenzy as report warns of higher fares in 2025
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