Virgin launches mega international flight sale with bargain fares to NZ, Bali, Fiji, Japan and more

Return international fares are available from as little as $315 in this five-day sale with tens of thousands of seats up for grabs. But it’s not the only incredible bargain.

Kirrily Schwarz

2 min read

May 20, 2024 - 12:01AM

News Corp Australia Network

Indonesia is currently Australia’s favourite overseas destination. Picture: iStock

National

Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News.

Virgin Australia has launched a mega international sale, with fares as low as $315 return to popular destinations such as Bali, Fiji, New Zealand and Japan.

The five-day sale runs from Monday May 20 until Friday May 24, unless sold-out prior.

Sale fares are all Economy Lite, which includes as tea and coffee as well as seven kilograms of carry-on luggage and excludes meals, snacks, checked baggage and seat selection.

But they’re not the only bargain fares up for grabs.

Virgin Australia also recently expanding its baggage tracking tech. Picture: Virgin Australia

Qantas is currently running a Regional Australia Red Tail Sale to destinations such as the Gold Coast, Ballina (Byron), Cairns and Launceston, ending on May 20.

The NT is also currently on sale, with holiday deals to both the Top End and Red Centre available until May 22, while MyCruises is running its Ultimate Cruise Sale until May 31.

Meanwhile, Flight Centre’s Big Red Flights Sale offers with savings of up to 50 per cent on select holiday packages, cruises and tours until June 5 unless sold out prior.

And if you’re looking further ahead, Inspiring Vacations is one of a number of companies that has just announced its Early Bird 2025 Sale on select tours.

The AUD gets good value in Japan, but hotels are expensive. Picture: Getty Images

Dean Long, chief executive of the Australian Travel Industry Association, said there are “great deals to be had in the economy space” as softness in the market influences deals.

“Cost of living pressures are starting to impact the travel and tourism industry and as a result we’re seeing airlines needing to generate additional demand,” he said.

Mr Long recommends using flight deals as a starting point to shop around and to make sure you research prices for all aspects of your holiday before you commit to booking.

“Don’t just look at the flights, look at the accommodation and activities as well,” he said.

“Japan is a great example at the moment, it’s on parity in terms of currency, and flights are cheap, but accommodation can be really expensive.”

Experts recommend using sales fares as a starting point for trip planning. Picture: Stock

Chris Chamberlin from Point Hacks said the end of the financial year is a great time to hunt down a deal as airlines chase annual sales targets.

However, he said that you shouldn’t book a deal based on price alone.

“Think about what you’ll need from the journey,” he said.
“Quite often, once you’ve paid for all the extras with your cheap fare, it may have been cheaper to book a ticket with another airline instead.”