Last minute international booking

[titfilou]

I was browsing Qantas's website to look at prices for a last minute Syd to Paris at 5pm today.
It appears that the prices are much cheaper than usually. $1850 return. Usually Qantas's prices are around $2500 for the same trip.

Is it always much cheaper at the last minute? I'm guessing they just trying to sale empty seats, so it make sens.

Usually it is recommended to book international flights in advance to get cheaper prices, but it doesn't seem to be the case with Qantas.

On that note, don't you think that is always a lot more exciting to book and travel at the very last minute? :-D

 

[rechoboam]

Yes, agreed When I retire I will get a cab to the airport with carry-on and choose a destination at random- that's the plan

 

[simongr]

At the same time if there is a place you really must go today then it can be much much more expensive!

 

[drewbles]

I was called to London earlier in the year at 72 hours notice. I managed to get a whY fare MEL-HKG-LHR-SIN-MEL for $2300 return, over Easter and the Royal Wedding (I was glad I just hid in my apartment in London for the day when that was on!). All sectors were effectively chocka block full too (I had an empty seat next to me on two of the four sectors, and there were only 3-4 empty seats on those two flights; I asked the FA's).

There are some cheap ones to be had, but as simongr points out, they can also sting you.

I like the idea of being able to book random trips with hand luggage and just go out to the airport at a whim though as rechoboam suggests. One powerball....

 

[rechoboam]

I was called to London earlier in the year at 72 hours notice. I managed to get a whY fare MEL-HKG-LHR-SIN-MEL for $2300 return, over Easter and the Royal Wedding (I was glad I just hid in my apartment in London for the day when that was on!). All sectors were effectively chocka block full too (I had an empty seat next to me on two of the four sectors, and there were only 3-4 empty seats on those two flights; I asked the FA's).

There are some cheap ones to be had, but as simongr points out, they can also sting you.

I like the idea of being able to book random trips with hand luggage and just go out to the airport at a whim though as rechoboam suggests. One powerball....

Well it's cheaper than buying a boat (that's my justification)

 

[amaroo]

We've done this many times for international trips with points not cash, Classic award J/F seats become available in enormous numbers when booking at late notice - particularly with CX & BA....very handy when you are booking 5 seats

Just pick a destination that does not require a visa and you're off.

Whenever I've needed to purchase a ticket at the last minute the price has been nothing but outrageous - if you get a good one book it.