Hacks to save money on your next flight revealed

Aussies are paying more for international flights this summer, but there are some tips and tricks to save money and avoid cancellations.

Aussies perfecting their Christmas plans to travel overseas this year will have to cough up almost double the pre-pandemic airfare.

Prices for a short trip to New Zealand this festive season are nearly as much as international long-haul flights, with a return fare between Sydney and Auckland $1500-$2000.

A nearly 50 per cent price hike is crippling hopeful travellers flying to the northern hemisphere, with Sydney-London return flights surging above $3300 and Melbourne-Los Angeles flights above $2900.

The biggest fare increases are Sydney to London and Melbourne to New Delhi (43 per cent), followed by Sydney to Singapore and Melbourne to Bangkok, which have spiked by 39 per cent since the start of the pandemic.

“More than ever, travellers are looking for ways to save and the takeaway from this year’s report is that timing is key,” Expedia senior director Daniel Finch said.

A new report lists hacks for travellers to save on airfares and avoid cancellations as we head into summer

“Knowing when to book and when to fly can make a huge difference, not only helping travellers save money on their airfares but also minimise disruptions at the airport.”

Data from a new report released by Expedia shows airlines have steadily improved their services over recent months, and the risk of flight disruptions should significantly reduce in 2023.

“Historically, demand for the Christmas period would start to pick up around spring, with bookings made right up to the last minute,” Mr Finch said.

“This year we started to see that demand increase from around the middle of the year, with Aussies looking to secure their summer getaway well in advance.”

The sweet spot for snagging the best price on domestic flights is about three months in advance of travel.

The report also lists some hacks for travellers to save on airfares and avoid cancellations as we head into summer.

“This report does more than save people money,” Expedia Brands president Jon Gieselman said.

“It’s about the time savings and peace of mind that comes with knowing you have industry leading data-based tips at your fingertips to inform booking decisions.”

Travellers who booked on Sundays instead of Fridays tended to save, on average, around 20 per cent on domestic flights and international flights, the report said.

The sweet spot for snagging the best price on domestic flights falls between 70 and 100 days in advance of travel, the report continues.

Travellers who booked around three months prior to their intended travel saved 30 per cent on average compared with those who waited until the last minute.

Travellers who booked around six months in advance of international travel saved an average of 25 per cent compared with those who waited until three months out or less to book.

Travellers who want the best chance for smooth travel should aim for daytime flights (9am – 3pm), as evening flights have the highest chance of being cancelled. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Travellers who book flights between 9am and 3pm have the best chance of avoiding cancellations, according to year-to-date flight status data that shows flights that depart between 3pm and 9pm have the highest chance of being cancelled.

Data also shows that avoiding the peak travel periods can have more benefits than just cost savings, as cancellations are most likely to happen in January and least likely in February.

Historically, flight delays are also shorter in February compared with June, as the northern hemisphere summer rush begins. Delays tend to lessen from August, making spring an appealing time for air travel.

“Air travel in particular is still feeling the effects of the pandemic, and as a result, travellers are hungry for up-to-date travel tips,” Mr Finch said.

Cancellations are most likely to happen in January and least likely in February. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

“With Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan all announcing a relaxation of travel restrictions within the last two weeks, it’s great news for Australian travellers.

“Capacity, frequency, and competition is only set to increase, resulting in more choice and price for travellers.”

ARC managing director of data science and research Chuck Thackston said travellers were taking to the skies again after a “volatile recovery” from the Covid pandemic.

“Airlines have improved their performance while both capacity and traveller demand continue to increase,” he said.

“We’re also starting to see business travellers return to the skies following the surge of leisure travel in the first half of 2022.”