Best Time to Buy Australia Flight 2010

rachelandgromit

I am registered on all the airline frequent flyer websites and keep my eye out for any special offers, etc.. but I am looking at flying out to Australia, (Melbourne or Brisbane) around 29th March 2010 returning about 10th May 2010. When Singapore Air had their great offers a couple of months ago, the prices unfortunately weren't great this far in advance - wish I could have changed my dates!

We must fly from Manchester. This year we went (almost on the same dates) from LHR with Singapore Air (got free flights with Airmiles) and I swore never to fly long haul from London again. Having done numerous long haul flights previously and 7 internal flights within Oz and NZ the only time we had problems with delays, lost baggage, etc. was in London - don't even get me set on T5!!!

So, big question is, when can we expect the prices to drop? Am I right in thinking that around Xmas/Jan may be when the prices drop a bit. I know we are limiting our options flying from Manchester as it will probably be Emirates Singapore Air...

Thanks

Rachel

than4

If you can hold out, I am guessing that prices will drop after Christmas, Jan/Feb. For the past couple of years, that is when I have always seen the best prices advertised for trips to Australia - just depends whether it includes your dates and how fixed they are.

I would set up a kayak alert which will keep you up to date if prices fluctuate.

Smanfer71

Hi - which websites have you registered on, please? I am looking to fly to MEL in Feb/March next year so need to sign up to get these early deals too! Any help greatfully received. Thanks.

BritRael

I'm planning to go in March for a month also

As I'm flying from Muscat and my OH is flying from England (we'll meet up out here before flying on), we'll probably be limited in our choice; certainly Emirates, but not many others. Either way, really forward to it

Martimus

Hi - I have the same question as Rachel, except I'm going to New York in May. Are flight prices likely to drop between now and then, or should we just book now?

richardw

Can u wait to see what is in the September sales?

Martimus

richardw wrote: »

Can u wait to see what is in the September sales?

Yes, are the prices likely to be reduced then? We are fairly flexible regarding dates, and not too fussed about which airline.

Cade_Foster

Im looking to go to australia in April time so hope the prices go down.

Open jaw In through Perth Out through Sydney. Im easy and there will be 3 of us so if its worth it will travel from heathrow.

Hope there is some sales as its very expensive at the moment.

totalsolutions

I flew Business class return for £2015. What terms and prices are you looking at?
(1st class seats on the return flight)

rachelandgromit

I'm still looking for cheap Oz flights from Manchester and have rarely seen them go less than £700 esp as going from Manchester does limit it slightly, but I think I may have seen something quite good.

It's for our dates, leaving end Mar 2010 coming back mid May with Qatar Airlines it is coming in at £589 and 1% Quidco decent flight times Economy class.

So - Is this a good price or do I keep holding out for something better from Manchester, so we'll be looking at Singapore, Emirates or Ethiad probably in terms of decent airlines (avoid BA or Qantas if we can) in the hope that they come up with some good prices.

Second, Are Qatar any good, I've never head of them so I'm hoping someone can come up with some words of wisdom.

Thanks, and I hope this may help other people on the look out for cheap flights.

Forgot to add: London is £1 more expensive! For once the Northerners benefit!!!!!

Moonchild

Qatar are brilliant, one of very few Skytrax 5 star airlines (and one of the highest rated economy classes). I would actually make them one of the top airlines i'd pick to fly to Oz - the fact they fly from Manchester and they are less than £600 would make them very appealing, and i'd be tempted to buy. I can't imagine you would be able to save that more money by waiting, but you could certainly pay a lot more.

Far superior to Emirates imo.

See: http://www.airlinequality.com/StarRanking/5star.htm

and: http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/qatar.htm