Cheap deals for Australians ahead of the silly season

 

Australians are being tempted into the air by some of the cheapest fares ever offered as airlines slug it out to fill empty seats.

 

With some of Australia’s biggest events coming up such as Grand Final, Melbourne Cup Carnival, Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Christmas and New Years Eve, people are on the look out for cheap deals.

 

Bali, Western Australian’s favourite overseas holiday destination is just $139 one-way with Jetstar and Virgin Australia has business class seats to Melbourne for only $839.

 

Some of the one way east-coast deals include: Sydney to Melbourne $129 on Qantas; Gold Coast to Melbourne $129 on Jetstar, Hobart to Sydney $109 Jetstar, Brisbane to Melbourne $145 on Virgin.

 

The economy fare levels are at all time lows compared to average weekly earnings while the business class fares are approximately 50 per cent below normal levels.

 

A variety of travel periods are offered both this year and next and the various sales end later this week.

 

Jetstar is offering the lowest fares.

 

Perth to Adelaide is $109; Lombok $109; Melbourne $119; Brisbane $129; Cairns, Jakarta, Singapore $129; Bali $139 and Phuket $228

 

So when looking for a bargain, it comes down to a fine art of research and knowing where to look and when to book.

 

Here are some ideas and tips in how to find some cheap airline deals.

 

 

1. Making the right decision about who to travel with

 

Its all well and good getting a cheap flight but the flight experience might not be worth it in the end. Check out reviews from other passengers as well as product and safety information at AirlineRatings.com before booking a flight.

 

 

2. Follow airlines on social networks

 

Many airlines alert fans and followers via social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. This is the spot to get the tip-offs on the best deals as soon as they come in.

 

3. Book early 

The earlier you buy your ticket, the more you can save, particularly if you are travelling close to Christmas or during school holidays.

 

4. Buy flights at 4pm on Friday 

Several airlines release their weekly sales on Friday afternoons, and once an airline drops its prices, competition amongst the other airlines begins.

 

5. Fly with lesser-known airlines 

If you are prepared to fly on lesser-known airlines you can find some good bargains.

 

6. Consider a package deal 

Rather than arranging flights and accommodation separately, ask your travel agent about a package deal.

 

7. Sign up to newsletters 

Signing up to email newsletters from travel companies or airlines is a great way to find out about early-bird specials and the latest sale fares.

 

8. Travel outside peak season

If possible, avoid peak travel times, such as Christmas, Easter and school holidays, which are very expensive times to fly.

 

9. Extend your search on the web

Lesser-known websites such as zuji.com.au and wotflight.com offer comparisons to some of the more well-known websites such as webjet.com