Travel doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if you know the right way to book cheap flights. Whether you’re flying within Australia or planning a trip abroad, finding the best airfares can make a big difference to your budget. This guide covers the smartest, easiest, and most effective ways Australians can secure cheap flights, from timing strategies and flexible searches to tips for using tools and loyalty programs. Let’s dive into how you can fly for less without compromising comfort or convenience.
Book Cheap Flights at the Right Time
One of the most important factors that affect airfare is timing. Booking at the right time can save you hundreds of dollars.
When to Book
For domestic Australian flights, the sweet spot is usually 6–8 weeks before departure. For international flights, aim to book around 2–4 months in advance, especially if you’re flying to Europe or North America.
Best Days to Book
Most flight deals tend to drop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, particularly in the afternoon. Airlines often release deals early in the week to fill seats that haven’t sold over the weekend.
Avoid Peak Travel Periods
Prices soar during Australian school holidays, Christmas, Easter, and long weekends. Travelling in the shoulder seasons– like late February to April or mid-August to early November can help you find much cheaper fares.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
Don’t just stick to one airline’s website. Use flight comparison websites to browse multiple airlines, routes, and fare classes all at once.
Best Tools for Australians
- Skyscanner – Excellent for comparing a full month of fares to find the cheapest day to fly.
- Google Flights – Lets you explore prices on a map, track fare changes, and view flexible date options.
- Momondo – Often includes smaller or low-cost carriers that aren’t shown elsewhere.
- EasyFlights.com.au – A local option for discovering exclusive deals from Australian departure cities.
These tools help you compare prices quickly and transparently so you can easily book cheap flights without overpaying.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
The more flexible you are, the easier it is to find cheap flights. Airfares fluctuate daily, and a one-day change in your itinerary could cut your ticket cost by hundreds.
Tips for Flexible Searches
- Use the “whole month” view on flight search tools.
- Try flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday), as these days often have the lowest fares.
- Look at return flights departing on weekdays instead of Sundays or Fridays.
- Consider flying during off-hours—early morning or late night flights are often cheaper.
Being open to date shifts can open up a lot more affordable options.
Choose Alternative Airports
Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have secondary airports that often offer cheaper flights.
Examples
- Melbourne Avalon instead of Tullamarine
- Gold Coast Airport instead of Brisbane
- Newcastle Airport instead of Sydney
Sometimes, driving a bit farther to a regional airport can result in significantly cheaper fares—especially when flying budget carriers.
Book One-Way Tickets or Use Multi-City Searches
Instead of booking round-trip fares, try searching for two one-way tickets. Sometimes, mixing and matching airlines for outbound and return flights can save you money.
Try Multi-City Routes
A multi-city flight (e.g. Sydney → Singapore → London) could be cheaper than a direct Sydney → London route. It also gives you the chance to explore a second destination on the way.
You can also use this method to break up a long journey and reduce costs at the same time.
Sign Up for Airline Newsletters and Alerts
Many Australians miss out on great deals because they don’t hear about them in time. By signing up for newsletters from airlines and flight comparison sites, you’ll get early access to flash sales and exclusive promo codes.
Recommended Sign-Ups
- Qantas and Jetstar newsletters
- Virgin Australia deals and Velocity offers
- AirAsia and Scoot for budget-friendly Asia routes
- Skyscanner and Google Flights price alerts
Setting price alerts for specific routes lets you monitor prices and pounce when fares drop.
Use Frequent Flyer Points and Rewards
Loyalty programs can dramatically reduce your travel costs if used smartly. Australians have access to two major loyalty programs:
- Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Velocity Frequent Flyer (Virgin Australia)
How to Maximise Your Points
- Use travel credit cards to earn points on everyday spending.
- Watch for promotions offering bonus points for certain routes.
- Redeem points for flights, upgrades, or lounge access.
- Consider combining points with partial payments (Points + Pay).
Some international carriers also allow you to transfer or use points with partner airlines like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, or Etihad.
Consider Budget Airlines
Flying with low-cost carriers can be a great way to book cheap flights, especially if you don’t mind skipping the frills.
Popular Budget Airlines in Australia
- Jetstar – Domestic and international routes including Asia and Pacific Islands.
- Rex Airlines – Growing domestic network with competitive prices.
- AirAsia – Excellent for flights to Southeast Asia.
- Scoot – Singapore-based budget airline with good international coverage.
- Bonza – A newer low-cost domestic airline.
Just remember to factor in extra charges for baggage, seat selection, and meals.
Avoid Extra Fees and Traps
Sometimes what seems like a cheap flight ends up costing more after hidden fees. Read the fine print before confirming your booking.
What to Watch For
- Carry-on and checked baggage: Budget airlines often charge separately.
- Seat selection: Some airlines charge to choose a seat, even on short flights.
- Payment surcharges: Credit card fees can add up.
- Change and cancellation fees: Be aware of strict policies on budget fares.
Always calculate the total cost before making a decision.
Use Stopovers to Your Advantage
Rather than viewing stopovers as inconvenient, think of them as money-saving opportunities—or even mini vacations.
Examples
- Flying Sydney → Kuala Lumpur → London can be cheaper than flying direct.
- Some airlines (like Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways) offer free stopover programs, including hotel nights or city tours.
A smart stopover can make your travel experience more enjoyable and economical.
Real Examples from Aussie Travellers
Sarah, Melbourne → Tokyo
Sarah set up a Google Flights alert and got a return flight to Tokyo with Jetstar for just $470 by booking three months in advance and flying mid-week.
Alex, Brisbane → London
Alex used a multi-city search to fly Brisbane → Singapore with Scoot and then Singapore → London with British Airways, saving $380 compared to direct flights.
Mia, Sydney → Bali
Mia booked during Jetstar’s Friday Fare Frenzy, scoring a return ticket to Bali for just $299. She travelled with only a carry-on and brought her own snacks to avoid extras.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to book cheap flights doesn’t require insider connections or luck—it just takes a little strategy, flexibility, and awareness. Use the right tools, monitor prices, be open with your dates and airports, and don’t forget to check low-cost airlines and loyalty programs. With these simple tips, you’ll be flying farther and more often—without burning a hole in your wallet.
Happy travels and safe skies!