Travel experts reveal tips on how Aussies can save money on flights

Aussies looking to travel to Europe in the coming months can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on flights, experts reveal. See their top travel tips.

Australian holiday-makers can save thousands of dollars on flights to overseas destinations including Europe, if they are savvy with their travel plans, industry experts have revealed.

Travellers can save an average of 20 per cent on domestic flights and 18 per cent on international legs when they book on Sundays, according to Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report.

The report also revealed booking domestic flights at least 14 weeks prior to departure saved Aussies 20 per cent on average, compared to last minute purchases. For international travel, it found the optimal availability, selection and savings were possible as least one month out.

The report also found Friday was the cheapest day of the week to depart, saving up to 23 per cent on airfares compared to Sundays, and that flights that left after 3pm had a reduced chance of cancellations.

Flights to Paris, France, are more affordable than London.

Flights to London, UK, are on average $2333 return to Australia for the next six months.

Expedia Australia managing director Daniel Finch expects prices of flights to improve, following an 15 per cent on domestic airfares in the past 12 months, with international staying consistent.

“When we compare this is 2019, international airfares have increased the most, up 35 per cent, versus 15 per cent for domestic airfares,” Mr Finch said.

“The next twelve months will be a critical time for the Australian aviation industry. We know capacity is now on par with 2019 levels, but airfares still have some way to go.”

Daniel Finch, managing director of Expedia Australia. Picture: Supplied

He said inflation, rising costs of fuel and supply chain issues had contributed to the rise in plane ticket prices.

“The good news is that with competition heating up across low-cost carriers and more domestic airports now servicing international flights, including Newcastle Airport, Gold Coast, increased capacity into Cairns and of course the new Western Sydney Airport, travellers can expect to have greater choice and pricing options in the months ahead,” he said.

TIPS TO SAVE ON FLIGHTS

Skyscanner Australia travel expert Jarrod Kris said Australians could save up to 32 per cent using its Savings Generator Tool.

“There are several European destinations that travellers can pick from the tool, including the usual Aussie favourites like London and Paris. For example, you could save $682 on your flights from Sydney to London if you choose to travel during the cheapest week of the summer holidays, January 13-19,” he said.

Mr Kris said looking at the whole month view also helped to pinpoint cheaper dates.

A one-way flight from Sydney to Athens for one adult travelling economy in November, revealed a saving of more than $5000 using Skyscanner’s tool, with the cheapest flight at $553 on November 9, compared to a $5801 flight on November 25.

KAYAK Country Director Abhijit Mishra added: “Istanbul, Rome and Amsterdam are the cheapest European destinations for Aussies to fly into, and February is the most affordable time to fly in the next six months. Aussies could save up to $1,039 on average by flying in February over December, which is the most expensive month to travel.”

“Research and flexibility are key to getting a good deal. For example, if you’re planning to visit Italy in the next six months, you could save around $246 by flying into Rome over Milan.”

KAYAK research found February was the cheapest month to travel to Europe in the next six months, with an average price of $1,904 for a return economy airfare, compared to December ¬ the most expensive month – with an average price of $2,943 for a return economy airfare.

TOP EUROPEAN DEALS

For those seeking a European getaway, take a look at thes deals from Flight Centre.

Perth to London economy return from $1461 per person, travelling in 2024 between February 19 to March 31 and April 15 to June 30, on Malaysia Airlines. Deal expires October 17, 2023.

Sydney to Madrid economy return from $1575 per person, travelling in 2024 between February 26 to March 28, April 2 to June 7 and July 2 to July 31 on Cathay Pacific. Deal expires September 29, 2023.

Sydney to Paris economy return from $1616 per person, travelling in 2024 between February 26 to March 28, April 2 to June 7 and July 2 to July 31 on Cathay Pacific. Deal expires September 29, 2023.

Save $935 on Contiki Best of Spain Reunion 35-45’s Trip, 11 days, from $3975 per person. Travel only on August 16, 2024. Deal expires October 31, 2023.

For those looking to stay closer to home, Virgin Australia has some deals on domestic flights.

Save up to $80 on a flight from Sydney to Adelaide. One-way $138.99 compared to $219.00 on select dates between January 17 to July 16 2024.

Save on one-way flights to Perth. $255.00 on January 11 compared to $350.23 on January 3. There are deals for this leg on select dates from January 8 to July 17, 2024.

Originally published as Travel experts reveal tips on how Aussies can save money on flights