Australia flights - book in the UK or in Oz?

spookylukey

I'm due to go to Australia for the first time in October/November 2011.

I have a relative over there who could book my ticket using an Australian website and paying in Au$, the other alternative is of course me booking and paying for my own ticket on a UK website in GBP.

If booking through an Australian website and paying in Au$ was cheaper does anyone know if there any restrictions on doing so? The person paying for the flight from Australia won't be travelling, only me. Has anyone done this before?

Thanks in advance for any input

richardw

Don't think it is cheaper.

spookylukey

Thanks, I thought I'd read on MSE last year about booking really cheap flights to the US through an Australian website - probably just a one off then. Was hoping to get a good deal on business class as don't think I can face 24 hours in a normal seat!

balt

Booked an Oz flight myself using expedia.com.au, no credit card charges, when the Oz dollar suddenly fell and saved a lot. Don't think it makes much difference at the moment.

HXDave

rule of thumb dictates that a fare is USUALLY cheaper when booked in the country taht you are departing from, however as always there are always exceptions.

Just be careful too, as some airlines may restrict booking outside country of departure too.

Best is just to compare prices, see what you come up with.

Regards

dmg24

spookylukey wrote: »

Thanks, I thought I'd read on MSE last year about booking really cheap flights to the US through an Australian website - probably just a one off then. Was hoping to get a good deal on business class as don't think I can face 24 hours in a normal seat!

Qantas Premium Economy gets very good reviews, it is seen as more of a business lite product rather than an enhanced economy.

spottydog

a quick comparison using expedia.co.uk and expedia.com.au actually shows the aussie site charging slightly more, I don't expect you'll save by booking from Aus and may have hassles if you don't have the credit card the flight was booked with on you.

malkie76

spookylukey wrote: »

Was hoping to get a good deal on business class as don't think I can face 24 hours in a normal seat!

Consider AirAsiaX, I've never used them, but they offer business seats offered by other airlines at a bargin price. No business catering or ground experience though.

Qantas PE (as suggested above) is supposed to be good.

Lastly, consider flying ex- EU to open up massive savings on business fares.

Bob_the_Saver

malkie76 wrote: »

Consider AirAsiaX, I've never used them, but they offer business seats offered by other airlines at a bargin price. No business catering or ground experience though.

Qantas PE (as suggested above) is supposed to be good.

Lastly, consider flying ex- EU to open up massive savings on business fares.

We booked with Air Asia X for this winter, the best deal was around 399 pounds Stansted to Melbourne via KL. and back Including all taxes charges and extras and with a stop-over in KL (inc hotel).
Best deals are usually in May/June sign up with them for 24 hours advance notice.
I know that all these details and prices are 100% correct because I'm looking at my booking

spookylukey

Had a look at Qantas premium economy - looks like it could be a viable option if no sales come up closer to the time. Thanks for the tip.

malkie76 wrote: »

Consider AirAsiaX, I've never used them, but they offer business seats offered by other airlines at a bargin price. No business catering or ground experience though.

Qantas PE (as suggested above) is supposed to be good.

Lastly, consider flying ex- EU to open up massive savings on business fares.

Thanks malkie, didn't realise AirAsia did business seats (thought they were like EasyJet/RyanAir). Will look into that too.

Also, sorry to be dumb but what do you mean by ex- EU?

dmg24

spookylukey wrote: »

Had a look at Qantas premium economy - looks like it could be a viable option if no sales come up closer to the time. Thanks for the tip.



Thanks malkie, didn't realise AirAsia did business seats (thought they were like EasyJet/RyanAir). Will look into that too.

Also, sorry to be dumb but what do you mean by ex- EU?

Flying ex EU means starting your journey in another EU country. This way you avoid the UK departure taxes, as well as simply benefiting from better fares due to different pricing structures based on supply and demand.

Keep us informed how you get on - I am planning the same trip at the same time! I have sufficient airmiles to fly biz, but would quite like to use them elsewhere.