Jumping on a plane this evening

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RHemmings
RHemmings Posts: 3,467 Forumite
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in Overseas holidays & travel planning
I have family reasons that could mean that I would want to jump on a plane to New Zealand ASAP. Looking on Kayak.co.uk, I can search for flights leaving today (it's 7am at time of posting.)

Is it actually possible to do things that quickly? To buy a ticket and fly same day? I do have a valid UK passport.

I'd be concerned that I'd buy a ticket, and something would not turn up on time, or something else would prevent my departure.

Would it be necessary to buy the ticket direct from the airline?
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  • Westin
    Westin Posts: 5,942 Forumite
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    Perfectly possible and doable BUT
    By all means use the search facilities of Kayak, Skyscanner, Google flights but I wouldn't book with them. Instead book direct with the airline. Especially given your close time to a potential departure.
  • Mr_Wangers_Wang
    Mr_Wangers_Wang Posts: 59 Forumite
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    Was going to say the same thing.

    Booking direct with the airline is an absolute must in this case.
  • ERICS_MUM
    ERICS_MUM Posts: 3,579 Forumite
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    Is a visa needed to enter NZ, as it is for Australia (I know the 2 countries are completely independent countries !).
  • Gloomendoom
    Gloomendoom Posts: 16,550 Forumite
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    ERICS_MUM wrote: »
    Is a visa needed to enter NZ, as it is for Australia (I know the 2 countries are completely independent countries !).

    It depends...

    https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/visitor-visa#https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/general-information/visa-waiver-countries/slider
  • duchy
    duchy Posts: 19,511 Forumite
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    Of course business people fly at hours notice internationally all the time.
    I Would Rather Climb A Mountain Than Crawl Into A Hole

    MSE Florida wedding .....no problem
  • RHemmings
    RHemmings Posts: 3,467 Forumite
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    Thanks for the info.

    Without wishing to lay out too much personal information, while I wouldn't throw money away needlessly, getting the cheapest price would NOT be a primary aim.

    However, while I'm still speaking hypothetically, Kayak finds me a good deal with Malaysia Airlines, but searching on MA's own site is £600 more expensive. I would still book direct with the airline.

    Kayak also found me a deal on Philippine Airlines, but PA's own website won't let me book those dates. However, changing my return gives tickets at less of a premium.

    I must admit to suspicion that perhaps some of the travel agent 'results' I see might not actually be available. Or, are things even more mysterious than that?

    I did once fly at two days notice. I booked direct with Emirates. I didn't really think about it at the time. Everything worked out.

    I'm a British/NZ dual citizen, but my NZ passport is expired. I won't have any visa problems.

    Thanks for the help.
  • duchy
    duchy Posts: 19,511 Forumite
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    I'd use the very well known agents in this situation, in fact in your particular situation I'd speak to Trailfinders as they are specialists and will know who they can ticket at such short notice on special fares for the NZ market.
    I Would Rather Climb A Mountain Than Crawl Into A Hole

    MSE Florida wedding .....no problem
  • richardw
    richardw Posts: 19,458 Forumite
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    If it is a family medical emergency, and I hope it isn't, and a Doctor could sign a document and e mail an airline, then you may be eligible for so called 'compassionate' fares, although not cheap they usually have great flexibility conditions, you have to call the airline to get them.
    Posts are not advice and must not be relied upon.
  • Moto2
    Moto2 Posts: 2,206 Forumite
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    I often have to take very short notice flights with work.
    I'm not really sure how our travel people arrange it but for whatever reason, I seem to going via Amsterdam on a lot of occasions.

    So maybe worth looking at that as well as UK departing flights
    Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
  • RHemmings
    RHemmings Posts: 3,467 Forumite
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    It would be a family medical emergency. I hope that I've remained anonymous on this forum. As many people in my age group know, our parents will not be with us forever.

    I've had a reply from a local specialist AUS/NZ travel agent saying that if I turned up at opening time with suitable ID (would have to be passport as I don't drive), they would be able to put me on a plane the same day if available. The alternative being to book with an airline directly. Faceless online travel agents - as people have advised: No.
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