How much flights will cost to travel interstate to Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart when borders lift
As other state borders start to reopen to Victorians, you may be wondering how much interstate flights will cost. Here are the cheapest and most expensive destinations.
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As Australian state borders begin to reopen to Victorians, you may wonder how much interstate flights will cost from Melbourne.
Victorians can visit New South Wales from November 23, while Queensland hinted at lifting its border to Victorians from December 1 if case numbers remain low.
Tasmania also suggested it would accept Victorian travellers without quarantining by November 27.
It’s unclear when Western Australia and Northern Territory will start accepting Melbourne travellers (regional Victorians can travel to Northern Territory but need to quarantine), although South Australia will decide on when to reopen the Victorian border on Friday.
Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar are the three airlines flying domestically within Australia.
Tiger Australia was a casualty of the pandemic, with the company discontinuing its Australian flights in September.
Virgin Australia also took a hit as a result of the pandemic, falling into voluntary administration in April which resulted in two rounds of redundancies.
The airline will exit voluntary administration on November 17, after administrators for the company obtained court approval to transfer Virgin Australia Group shares to new owners Bain Capital.
The airline has more than 600 services per week — with plans to double that by Christmas.
MELBOURNE TO SYDNEY
One way, economy, departing 23 November
Flights from Melbourne to Sydney start at $124 per person, one way, with carry-on luggage on November 23, according to Webjet.
The cheapest fare is with Jetstar departing Tullamarine at 5.40pm. Jetstar prices head north from there, with bags it’s $154 per person.
Qantas fares start at $199, one way.
Virgin Australia has four flights departing Melbourne on November 23 — the cheapest $215 and most expensive $499.
The average cheapest airfare for Melbourne to Sydney in 2019 cost $158, while in 2020 it was $182, according to Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE).
MELBOURNE TO BRISBANE
One way, economy, departing 1 December
Qantas has no direct flights to Brisbane on December 1, with most via Canberra (ranging in price between $467 to $501) or Sydney ($246 to $405)
Jetstar has a 7am flight for $110 with carry-on bags on Webjet. This price jumps to $170 on Qantas’ website.
Virgin Australia has four flights to Brisbane on the 1 December, the cheapest costing from $255.
MELBOURNE TO GOLD COAST
One way, economy, departing 1 December
Jetstar flies direct into Coolangatta Airport, unlike Qantas, with the cheapest airfare $148 if you book via Qantas’ website.
Webjet lists fares for $104 with carry-on bags.
There are only five direct services on this date between Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
Qantas has fares via Sydney ($321 to $504) and Hobart ($372).
Virgin Australia has one flight to the Gold Coast, via Sydney, on December 1 which costs $199.
MELBOURNE TO BALLINA (BYRON BAY)
One way, economy, departing 23 November
Byron Bay seems to be the most sought-after domestic holiday destination for 2020. From November 23, when the NSW and Vic border reopens, airfares to seaside town jump from $284 to $376 per person.
But on November 27, the first Friday after the border lifts, prices soar.
There are no direct flights, with all travelling via Sydney.
The cheapest and most direct flight on this day, via Sydney, costs $446.
The most expensive and indirect flight is $1182 per person, via Qantas and Jetstar, with your journey starting at 8.35am in Melbourne, via Hobart and Sydney, and ending in Ballina at 6.30pm.
Virgin’s flights from Melbourne to Ballina (via Sydney) start at $619 per person, one way, on Friday 27 November.
MELBOURNE TO CAIRNS
One way, economy, departing 1 December
Jetstar’s one of two direct flights between Melbourne and Cairns costs $174 per person, with carry-on bags, on December 1 via Webjet.
The most expensive fare on that day is $631, via Brisbane.
Prices average around $220 per person thereafter, and creep up to $354 on Boxing Day.
Virgin Australia has one flight to Cairns on December 1, via Brisbane, from $326.50.
MELBOURNE TO HOBART
One way, economy, departing 27 November
On November 27, the day tipped that Victorians could travel to Tasmania without quarantining, will cost $224 for a direct Melbourne to Hobart flight via Jetstar. The fare is the most affordable on the day. For an extra $12, you can fly Qantas, for $236.
The day prior, the cheapest fare cost $128.
On Webjet, there is a fare for $196 per person with carry-on, via Jetstar on this date.
Virgin Australia at the moment only flies to Hobart from Melbourne on Fridays, and as November 27 is a Friday, there is one direct flight available from $145.
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Originally published as How much flights will cost to travel interstate to Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart when borders lift
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