When it comes to travelling abroad and thinking about what exciting things you’ll be spending your hard earned money on, flights are not the first thing that come to mind.
That’s why, when you’re booking an international flight, finding the cheapest possible deal can be so rewarding.
Save your money for a few more cocktails by the pool or plan to return home with a little less debt, and follow this guide when booking your next holiday overseas.
The early bird catches the worm
Time flies! Especially when you’re planning a getaway to relax on the idyllic beaches and golden sunsets in Croatia or to explore the melting pot of London’s different cultures.
Spokeswoman at Student Flights, Laura Carlin, said: “It gets more expensive the closer it is that you’re departing, so it’s always better to book it early.”
Between late August and early September, airlines release early bird flight deals to Europe for the following year.
“If you’re able to plan ahead, book and pay for your airfares in September or October; that is when you’ll get the best flights,” she said.
While it is recommended to book as far in advance as possible, it’s likely that the exact dates may need to be adjusted further down the track. When booking an early bird flight, opt for airlines that allow you to make changes at no additional cost, or purchase flight insurance to avoid having to spend what you saved in the first place.
Timing is everything
Judging by the figures below, Victorians like to travel. While it may be inconvenient or an absolute shame to miss the last day of uni, departing just before the peak-season begins may save you the amount needed for a week’s accommodation.
Most people tend to think flying at the middle of the week instead of the weekend is cheaper and while this may be true for domestic flights, Carlin said, “it probably wouldn’t be true of all international flights”.
Become a travel nerd
It’s the same for any type of bargain hunting: it’s impossible to know whether you’re receiving a great deal if you don’t know the market.
Webjet, Skyscanner, Expedia and Kayak are just a few of many nifty search engines that will collate the available options and price points.
Advice from the experts
Every airport around the world has a different landing tax. These taxes will often change year-to-year.
“It’s safe to assume that your bigger airports, like Singapore’s Changi, Dubai and Heathrow will be more expensive,” Carlin said.
Speaking to the experts, or speaking to an experienced traveller can’t send you astray either. University of Melbourne student Abigail Jacks recently returned from a semester studying abroad.
“If you are flying on an airline you’re unfamiliar with, it’s wise to speak to someone who has flown with them before.”
“While they all get you from A-to-B, it can sometimes be worth paying an extra couple of hundred dollars to fly with a more established airline.”
Image: Lenny DiFranza via Creative Commons.
