Omari Gates
Planning a trip to Australia? Lucky you! But when is the best time to book those flights? Well, it depends on a few factors, such as your place of departure, your preferred travel dates, and your flexibility.
If you're travelling from the US, you're likely to find the cheapest fares on a Monday or a Wednesday. It's also worth noting that February is a good month to secure a deal, while December is the most expensive time to book.
If you're not tied to specific dates, you can make use of tools like flexible dates on Expedia, which will show you the prices for nearby dates, or set a fare alert for your chosen dates, and wait for an email telling you prices have dropped.
If you're happy to book well in advance, you can often find good fares around 300 days before your trip. However, you'll need to get a changeable return ticket, as your return trip won't be available yet.
Happy hunting!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheapest days to fly | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday |
| Most expensive days to fly | Friday and Sunday |
| Cheapest months to fly | February, March, May, September, November |
| Most expensive months to fly | December and January |
| Best tools to find cheap flights | KAYAK, Expedia, Going, Hopper, Skyscanner, Google Flights |
| Other tips | Book 1-12 months in advance, book during the shoulder season, book during the week, be flexible with dates and airports |
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What You'll Learn
Book in advance, but not too far in advance
Booking in advance is a great way to secure a good deal on flights to Australia. However, booking too far in advance may mean you miss out on the best prices.
It's a good idea to stay ahead of national trends for flights between the US and Australia. For example, February is a great month to secure a deal, whereas December is the most expensive time to book. The cheapest month to fly is May, which is the start of the off-season. The shoulder seasons—February to April and September to early December—are also good times to fly, as they are less expensive than the high season but more expensive than the off-season.
If you're looking to book a flight during Australia's summer, which is the US winter, there are still ways to save. Try to fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, which are usually the cheapest days to fly. Fridays and Sundays are the most expensive. You can also use a flight comparison website, like Skyscanner, to compare fares over a whole month and find the best prices.
Generally, the best fares are available right after the flight has been published, which is approximately 300 days before the trip. However, this usually requires you to get a changeable return ticket, as your return trip won't be available yet. Booking two single tickets instead of a return ticket can also be more expensive.
If you're flexible with your dates and departure airports, you can set fare alerts to notify you when prices drop. This is a great way to ensure you're getting a good deal without having to constantly monitor flight prices.
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Fly on the cheapest days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday
When it comes to flying to Australia, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to get a good deal on your airfare. Firstly, it's worth noting that the cheapest days to fly are usually Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Yes, it might require a little flexibility with your schedule, but it could save you a significant amount of money. For example, if you're flying from New York's JFK to Melbourne, opting to fly out on a Wednesday instead of a Tuesday could save you around $37. Similarly, those on the nonstop connection from Dallas to Sydney could save a total of $27 by choosing a Wednesday departure.
If you're unable to fly mid-week, don't worry; there are still ways to save. Consider flying on a Saturday, which is also often considered a cheaper day to fly. Additionally, booking your flights well in advance can lead to significant savings. According to Hopper, the average cheapest fares on routes between the US and Australia happen around 100-200 days before takeoff, with potential savings of up to $350.
While these are general guidelines, it's always a good idea to focus on the specific connection between your departure and arrival airports. Tools like Hopper's When to Fly and Buy Reports Page can provide up-to-date information on the cheapest days to fly and booking times, helping you snag the best deal.
Lastly, don't forget to utilize features like KAYAK's Price Forecast tool and Expedia's "flexible dates" function. These tools can help you identify the best times to book and fly, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.
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Use price comparison websites
Price comparison websites can be a great tool to find good fares to Australia. These websites often provide a wide range of options, allowing you to compare prices and choose the one that suits your budget and preferences. Here are some benefits of using price comparison websites:
Variety of Options
Price comparison websites partner with numerous airlines and travel providers, giving you a comprehensive view of the available flights to Australia. This variety ensures that you can consider multiple airlines, departure times, and airports in one place, making it easier to spot good deals.
User Reviews and Ratings
Many price comparison websites, such as KAYAK, feature user reviews and ratings for different airlines. These reviews can provide valuable insights into factors like comfort, boarding processes, in-flight entertainment, and overall satisfaction. By considering the experiences of other travellers, you can make a more informed decision about which airline and fare to choose.
Flexible Dates and Price Alerts
Some websites, like Expedia, offer a "flexible dates" feature. This allows you to search for flights to Australia and then compare prices for different dates around your preferred travel period. This flexibility can help you find cheaper alternatives without committing to specific dates. Additionally, websites like KAYAK have price forecast tools that use historical data to predict whether prices for your desired route are likely to change within a certain timeframe, helping you decide when to book.
Mix and Match Airfares
Websites like Webjet and Cheapflights allow you to mix and match airfares. This means you can choose different airlines for your outbound and return journeys, which can sometimes result in significant savings. With this flexibility, you can create a travel itinerary that suits your budget and travel plans.
Booking Convenience
Price comparison websites often offer convenient booking options, such as user-friendly smartphone apps. This means you can easily browse and book your flights to Australia from the comfort of your home or on the go. Some websites, like Expedia, also provide simple payment processes, ensuring a seamless booking experience.
By leveraging the features and benefits of price comparison websites, you can make informed decisions, find good fares to Australia, and book your trip with confidence and convenience.
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Book during the low season
The cheapest airfare tends to be during the low season, which runs from February 1 through the first week of April, from May 1 through late June, from about the third week in July through the third week in September, and again for November. These periods represent late autumn and winter when temperatures are cooler, especially further south. The low season is a great time to save on flights and hotels.
If you're visiting Australia for reasons other than the beach, there's no reason not to travel during the off-season, from June to August. The cheapest day of the week to depart from the US is a Monday. If you can't manage that, then Wednesday returns are also a good option, with flights coming in at slightly better prices than those departing on Thursdays.
If you're flexible on your travel dates, you may be able to save money by flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, which are usually the cheapest days to fly. Fridays and Sundays are the most expensive.
If you're looking to book a flight during the low season, it's a good idea to book well in advance. The best fares are often available right after the flight has been published, which means approximately 300 days before the trip. You will need to get a changeable return ticket or an 'open ticket' if you book this far in advance, as your return trip won't be available yet.
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Be flexible with dates and airports
Being flexible with your travel dates and airports can help you find cheaper flights to Australia.
If you're willing to adjust your travel dates, you can take advantage of price variations across different days of the week. For example, if you're flying from the United States to Australia, booking your flight for a Monday or a Wednesday could help you save money. In general, mid-week flights tend to be cheaper than those towards the end of the week or on weekends. Additionally, consider using tools like KAYAK's "flexible dates" function, which allows you to compare prices for flights on different dates within a certain range of your preferred travel dates.
Regarding airports, it's worth noting that some airports offer better deals than others. For instance, if you live in the United States, airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Dallas often have good deals on flights to Australia. Even if you don't live near these airports, it may still be worth checking their flight prices and considering a cheaper domestic flight to reach these international gateways. Additionally, you can use websites like Hopper, which provide up-to-date information on flash sales, discounted seats, and the cheapest departure days for specific airports.
By combining flexibility with travel dates and airports, you can increase your chances of finding more affordable flights to Australia and saving money on your trip.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheapest airfare tends to be during the low season, which runs from February 1 through the first week of April, from May 1 through late June, from about the third week in July through the third week in September, and again for November.
There are many ways to find cheap flights to Australia. You can use a flight comparison website such as Skyscanner, Google Flights or Opodo. You can also use a travel agent or book through an airline directly.
The best time to book flights is around 1-3 months before a domestic flight and 2-8 months before an international flight. The best fares are usually available right after the flight has been published, which is approximately 300 days before the trip.
The cheapest days to fly to Australia are usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The most expensive days are Fridays and Sundays.
Yes, you can save money by being flexible with your dates and itinerary. You can also set up fare alerts to notify you when prices drop, or book two single tickets instead of a return ticket.
