Media Releases

Bargains In The Air: Ten Interesting Airfares That May Save You Money

Jul 1, 2011

IF you’re travelling overseas, there’s never been a wider range of airfare options.

While the number of airlines servicing Australia and the different styles of service they offer are taking off by the day, there’s no need to wing it when it comes to finding a fare that suits your needs and budget.

Flight Centre’s airfare experts have compiled a list of interesting airfares that have traditionally flown under the radar, but may be tailor-made for your next holiday – particularly if you plan to visit multiple destinations.

Ask your agent about …

 

“Open-jaw” airfares

Open-jaw tickets allow you to fly in to one location and to fly-out from another. You can also return to a different city to the one you initially departed from.

An open-jaw ticket is a great option if you’re embarking on a cruise or overland journey that does not return to its departure city or if your trip takes in more than one city.

A hypothetical example would be a fare from Australia to Athens, linking with a oneway Mediterranean cruise and returning to Australia from London.

 

Circle fares

The Oneworld and Star Alliance airlines offer a range of “circle” fares that allow you to visit multiple destinations within particular regions.

Examples include Circle Pacific and Circle Asia fares, both of which are tailor-made for travellers planning to stopover in several cities.

Oneworld’s Circle Pacific fare allows travellers to fly with American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Mexicana, LAN or Qantas and their affiliates.

Travel must be via the North or Central Pacific in one direction and via the South Pacific in the other direction or vice versa.

Prices depend on the country where your journey starts and ends, the class you fly in and the distance (mileage) that you fly.

 

Airpasses

The Star Alliance offers a range of regional airpasses, including a flexible South Pacific pass that covers more than 35 destinations in 10 countries.

In addition to seven Australian cities, you can visit Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Queenstown, Rotorua and Wellington in New Zealand and Niue, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, Western Samoa, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

Flights are with Air New Zealand.

 

Packaged airfares

When you’re weighing up the price of an airfare, it pays to also consider package deals that include flights and accommodation.

The package may include a heavily discounted airfare that is not available separately and can only be sold with an accommodation or other land component.

 

Companion fares

Companion fares are on offer at various times and are available to two passengers travelling together.

Generally, these discounted fares must be booked and paid for at the same time.

 

Senior fares

If you’re aged over 55 or 60, you may be eligible for special seniors’ airfares that some airlines offer.

Fares of this kind are popular options for business class travellers.

 

Mixed class fares

You don’t have to spend your entire journey in economy class – mixed class fares that allow travellers to divide their flying time between the various cabins are available.

Mixed class fares are on offer on some long-haul journeys and include an economy and a business class sector on the way to and from the ultimate destination.

These fares are great options for travellers taking off to Europe or the UK in particular because they allow you to fly economy class for the shorter part of your journey and to then stretch out in business class for the longer leg of the trip.

 

Constructed fares

You don’t have to buy airfares off-the-shelf.

Travel agents can use their skills and experience to build itineraries that suit your individual travel requirements.

This is particularly relevant for round-the-world fares and other complex journeys.

Fares that are available off-the-shelf and online will typically be limited to one airline or one alliance’s offerings.

By contrast, constructed fares can draw on a combination of airlines – including low cost, hybrid and traditional carriers – and the major alliances.

If you’re building a number of international cities, a constructed round-the-world faremay be cheaper than point-to-point options.

 

Back to back flights

The cheapest way to get from A to B is not always the direct route.

Sometimes, you can get a better deal by travelling via a different location and effectively buying two separate tickets.

For example, Flight Centre recently advertised a return flight from Sydney to London for less than $1300, a price well below other fares that were in the market at the time.

The fare combined a heavily discounted fare to Paris with a separate discounted ticket on to London.

You may also find a cheaper international fare if you travel to another city in Australia to link with an international service or if you travel from A to B, via C. For example, the cheapest way to get to an Asian city, could be to travel to a different city and to catch a separate flight back.

 

Stopovers and sidetrips

If you’re travelling to Europe or the UK, you may be able to have a holiday within a holiday by taking advantage of stopovers or sidetrips that are included in some fares.

For example, Flight Centre recently offered a range of Malaysian Airlines fares that included a free sidetrip to various destinations in Malaysia.

ENDS

Going It Alone: 10 Tips For Travelling Solo

Jun 29, 2011

ACCORDING to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of Australians who live alone is increasing rapidly and is likely to exceed 3million by 2031.

The number of Australians travelling solo is also likely to take off, as singles temporarily wave goodbye to friends and families and take advantage of their holiday freedom.

Flight Centre Limited global executive general manager of marketing Colin Bowman said going it alone was an increasingly popular trend, as singles made the most of their opportunity to holiday when, where and how they wanted.

“Travelling solo is invigorating and character-building but it can also be intimidating and a little more costly than travelling with a friend or partner,” Mr Bowman said.

“The good news is that steps can be taken to reduce the safety-related risks that may deter some solo travellers and to reduce costs, particularly when it comes to accommodation.

“In terms of safety, the rules are generally the same, whether you’re travelling alone, with a friend or partner or as part of a broader group.”

Flight Centre has complied 10 helpful hints to help solo travellers prepare for their trips.

1) Beware the single supplement

Unfortunately, the average hotel won’t offer you a single room – unless you’re prepared to pay for it.

If you’re travelling alone, chances are you will be offered a twin or double room and asked to pay a “single supplement”.

This basically means you will pay twice as much as a sharer because you will pick up most or all of the cost of occupying a room for two.

2) Happy to share

While solo travellers may not be able to avoid the dreaded supplement at hotels, the good news is that the travel industry is responding to single travellers’ needs.

There are now a huge number of singles package tours, cruises and resorts offering singles’ weeks.

To avoid the single supplement on tours, it also is common for tour operators to pair up people of the same sex to share accommodation.

3) Dormitories

If you don’t mind sharing, an obvious way to avoid the single supplement is to stay in dormitory-style accommodation.

The other obvious advantage is that hostels and other similar establishments are great places to meet like-minded travel companions if you are keen to make new friends or to share part of your travel experiences.

To keep costs down, some organised tours now offer multi share accommodation options. So you will be sharing a room, regardless of whether you’re travelling alone or with a friend.

4) Plan ahead

No-one is watching your back when you’re travelling solo.

It’s important to plan ahead, particularly when it comes to sightseeing, finding your way around and making your way to your hostel or hotel.

Work out in advance where you’re staying and how to get there if you’re arriving at an airport, bus or train station.

If you’re walking, map out a route and memorise key details. If you need to consult a map, be discrete.

Where possible, adjust your travel schedule to ensure you arrive at your location at a reasonable hour.

5) Dress down and blend in

When you’re on the road, you probably don’t need the Rolex and your full range of jewellery.

Leave expensive items at home or locked away securely.

Where possible, try to blend in with the locals.

While out and about, don’t carry large amounts of cash and store important documents securely.

6) Stay in touch

If you’re on your own, it’s crucial to stay in touch with friends and family. Let them know your itinerary – where you’re going and where you’re staying.

In addition, Australian travellers can register details with the Federal Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Links are provided from the Smart Traveller website.

7) Backpack

No-one’s watching your back, but someone may be watching your backpack.

On days when you’re not travelling, lock it away in a safe and secure location in your hotel or hostel and take a smaller bag.

When travelling, try to keep your luggage as close to you as possible.

If you need to put it down, loop it around your leg so it is not an obvious target for bag snatchers.

The other great luggage challenge for solo travellers is what to do with the suitcase or backpack when nature calls. If possible, take it with you.

8) Meal time

Seasoned solo travellers generally opt for busy eateries, rather than more intimate dining options.

Books, laptops, kindles and magazines are handy meal time companions when you’re travelling alone.

9) Social networking sites

Social networking sites can be a valuable source of information for solo travellers.

Late last year, Flight Centre Limited acquired an 80% interest in gapyear.com, a website that focuses on travellers taking off for a gap year break.

Visitors to the site can access useful articles and tips, in addition to touching base with travellers who are already embarking on similar journeys.

couchsurfing.com and Airbnb are other sites worth checking out if you’re travelling independently overseas.

10) Daytrips

If you’re travelling solo and plan to visit major tourtist attractions, consider taking part in a organised day-trip.

You may give up some of the freedom you desire, but you also take away some of the potential dangers associated with travelling solo.

And finally …

Don’t forget travel insurance.

If your bags are lost or a health issue arises while you’re travelling solo, no-one’s automatically there to help you out. Insurance will be a valuable investment at a time of need.

ENDS

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