Best Times To Book Flights

[[email protected]]

Hi,

I'm new & wanting advice on the best times to get cheap flights. I have booked flights in the past months in advance & got great prices, but i'm wondering if there is a time frame at the other end of the scale (eg close to flight date) where the prices drop because they are trying to fill flights. Would really appreciate any help. Need to fly to Perth from Melbourne 25/9 returning 30/9.

Cheers,

Linda

 

[moa999]

Generally not,

Given most corporates book flights last minute, last minute flights are normally quite expensive. cheap standbys have given way to yield management policies

 

[serfty]

Hi Linda, welcome to AFF

If you are looking for flights for later this month, dare I suggest that they are unlikely to get any cheaper.

(In previous years there were some really good spaces betwixt MEL & PER around that time of the year due to WA based AFL sides making the Aussie Rules Footy Finals and Qantas needing to "Backfill" the return flights. Since neither WA side made the finals this year it's not going to happen.)

 

[straitman]

Linda,

Welcome to AFF.

As aubs says. If you wait right to the last minute then you will probably be disappointed but there are often some good deals about 3 months or so out. Having said that I firmly believe the best time is when you feel it is right. Look for the sales BUT definately don't rely on them as you will probably be disappointed.

I suggest you sign up for the airline emails from those airlines that you are expecting to use and look at such sites as Australian Travel Agent : Best Flights - discount travel - Travel Agent Australia as well as looking for what people post here.

Good luck.

 

[oz_mark]

I certainly wouldn't count on it but it does happen on Qantas (e.g. QF653 MEL-PER this week, and sometime redeyes on the way back from PER). Although generally not as good as sale fares they do happen.

Haven't followed DJ or JQ or TT closely enough to know!

 

[serfty]

More on this:
Given:

• you wish to travel in only 16 days time &
• Your dates are in the middle of Oz Spring School Holidays,

then there are not going to be any sales.

You can try WebJet to get an idea of pricing that available (don't book using it as they tack on a fee - book via the airlines' sites).

A quick look shows that any price under $600 for the return is possible; but hard to achieve.

 

[yangry]

I think when you're travelling matter more price wise than when you book. Especially during school holidays, you'll be paying full price no matter when you book.

I had to go to Gold Coast last year from Melbourne during a school holiday. I can get cheap flights a week before or after that particular week. But for that particular week I had to pay $200+ one way.

Look out for sales is a good idea but they generally exclude school holiday periods so if you're travelling during school holidays or Christmas etc, you just have to suck it up and pay whatever the airlines are charging you.