Consumer advocate warns of pitfalls as airlines drop super cheap flights

As Australia’s major airlines slash their domestic and international fares for Boxing Day sales one expert is warning travellers to be wary.

As Australia’s major airlines slashed their domestic and international fares for Boxing Day sales one expert is warning travellers to be mindful of common pitfalls.

Jetstar is selling discounted fares across 85 domestic and international routes.

The budget airline has launched a 48-hour sale, which includes cheap flights to Aussie holiday hotspot Bali and Hawaii.

Aussies can fly from Perth to Bali from $145, Melbourne to Bali from $175, and Cairns to Bali from $179.

Jetstar’s domestic one-way fares start at just $34 and one-way international fares from $145.

Virgin Australia’s one-way domestic fares start from $49 and return international fares from $419.

Qantas’ Boxing Day sale will run for 72 hours until midnight (AEDT) Thursday, unless sold out prior.

Major airlines are slashing flights over the next few days, but are some offers too good to be true?

The cheapest one-way sale fares include Launceston to Melbourne from $109, Adelaide to Melbourne from $119, Melbourne to Sydney from $135, Melbourne to Gold Coast from $145, and Brisbane to Sydney from $145.

Adam Glezer from Consumer Champion told news.com.au while Boxing Day flights were “were worth exploring” the deals were not always as good as it seems.

Mr Glezer said there were a few key shortfalls to look out for.

“Before purchasing the cheap fare on impulse, be sure to always check all the restrictions and conditions associated with the booking as well as any additional costs involved,” he said.

“You do not want to be in the position of purchasing a cheap flight but not being able to get on it.

“Generally speaking, peak periods such as school holidays and Christmas are excluded.

An expert has warned to always check all the restrictions and conditions associated with the booking.

“In addition, it will not always be the most convenient airport you are travelling to or from. “It’s important to weigh up if the inconvenience and time it takes to travel to a different airport justifies the savings.”

Luggage, he warned, may also not be included.

Mr Glezer also said that one-way flights can be too good to be true:

“If the one-way fare is good value, you have to take into consideration how much the return flight is going to be and decide if it is going to be a worthwhile purchase.”

– with Chantelle Francis