Flights to Europe from Australia now 20pc cheaper than 2013 - Expedia

AIRFARES to Europe are at their lowest levels for years — so find out the best spots for travellers to snap up a bargain deal.

Watch out world ... flights to Europe are cheaper than they have been for years. Picture: iStock

INTERNATIONAL airfares into Europe are at their lowest levels in four years making global adventures far more affordable, new findings show.

For the penny-pinching traveller a return Australia to London airfare is 20 per cent cheaper than it was in 2013 costing about $1400 (including taxes) for jetsetters travelling from July through to September.

And for the savvy holidaygoer, flying into alternative locations such as Ireland and Scotland are significantly cheaper than flying direct into London’s Heathrow Airport, data from travel website Expedia highlights.

The site’s managing director of Australia and New Zealand, Michael Pearson, said globetrotting was becoming far more accessible for the cost-saving traveller.

“We are seeing a lot more seat capacity and competition in the long-haul flights out of Australia into Europe, you can bag a bargain going into London at about $1400,’’ he said.

“If you go into one of the less well-trodden airports like Belfast or Glasgow it can be about 35 per cent cheaper and Manchester about 15 per cent.”

Travelling from Australia to Paris is also about five per cent cheaper than four years ago with Aussies paying on average about $1500 for the average flight.

For jetsetters into Rome it’s 20 per cent cheaper — the average cost is close to $1300.

The flight costs compared are for bookings made from January through to April for the July to September period in each calendar year.

Expedia managing director Michael Pearson urged customers to book soon to avoid missing out on cheap flights to Europe.

Other factors for falling prices including decreasing fuel prices and the entry of low-cost carrier Scoot into the market which connects passengers from Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Perth — they have offered been deals for less than $1000 for WA residents flying into Europe.

But consumer group Choice’s spokesman Tom Godfrey said while cheap flights are enticing customers should do their research first or potentially face their “dream holiday turning into a travel nightmare”.

“Before booking a long haul flight it’s worth checking if extras like meals and luggage allowance are included in the cost of the ticket or if you’ll have to pay more,’’ he said.

“Low cost flights may also be expensive to change, so it’s worth checking any fees associated with altering your booking.

“It’s also important to check connection times as a cheaper flight can mean a longer stopover which may not be suitable for all travellers.”

BOOKING TIPS

1. Book early.

2. Look at booking into different entry points into Europe, away from popular airports like London’s Heathrow.

3. Book package deals including airfares and hotels to save.

4. Better deals tend to be offered for flights departing on Sundays and Tuesdays.

Source: Expedia.

Flights into Rome are falling with the average return flight from Australia costing $1300.

Originally published as Flights to Europe from Australia now 20pc cheaper than 2013 - Expedia