Any reasonably priced flight home for christmas

ismiseX

Visa is up at end of February but would love to surprise the parents by arriving home at christmas on a one way ticket. Has anybody managed a way to get home for under a grand (AUD)?

Batgurl

Hahahahahaha

Are you serious???

Under a grand? Near Xmas?

Short answer - no.

If you leave in November you may - MAY - get something but not in December.

markymark21

Unless you get deported I don't think you are gonna get a cheap flight home before Xmas mate

s.c

Try China Southern Airlines to Amsterdam and AerLingus to Ireland. Cheapest around by a long way but I doubt you get it for under a grand.

Batgurl

Even China Southern won't have you home under a grand.

However, for any Sydney-siders wishing to fly home any time before the end of June next year and who like flying a nice airline, here is 10% off all Emirates flights.

Use booking code AUSSO01 in the promo code box when booking.

Only valid for departures ex Sydney unfortunately.

bazingaboom

I think its crazy how expensive flights are out of Oz as opposed to getting there!

You could always try getting a low budget airline like airasia or flyscoot to asia and then trying to get a flight from there. This airlines do sales regularely and you could get a flight from between 100 and 200 dollars if you really keep an eye out and are really lucky (even though around xmas this is highly unlikely) then flights out of asia are between 600-700 dollars.

This also has the added risk of your flights been booked seperately incase anything happens to one of them.

I just had a quick check there and at the start of december air asia sydeny to KL is about 400 (no sales at the mo) then its 634 to Cork from there. So its not too far off your budget but its about 2 weeks before xmas.

Diddler82

ismiseX wrote: »

Visa is up at end of February but would love to surprise the parents by arriving home at christmas on a one way ticket. Has anybody managed a way to get home for under a grand (AUD)?

Get a job on a Cruiseship and bunk off somewhere closer to home!

Otherwise, no very doubtful. Although STA can be pretty competitive and I am saving $500 by flying to Brisbane first on my way home at Christmas (I am going to NY first though) - whole lot (QANTAS to NY & Emirates Dub - Syd)

GalwayKiefer

I just had a quick look at skyscanner and it is possible in the first week in December to get home for about $1,150 but after that you can forget it.

In Exile

I went into FlightCentre recently to organize flights home for May. They told me they will be having one of those Expo sales in October.

May not get huge deals but they usually have a bit off during those Expos

Batgurl

Sales are generally for getting rid of stock that retailers can't ordinarily shift.

Xmas is not a time when airlines have flights they can't sell so I really don't think the Flight Centre Sale will have xmas flights in that.

ballooba

You're looking AUD 1150 the first week of December (could be 1000 ish with discount mentioned above). AUD 1500 the second and third week.

EDIT: 5th December SYD to DUB for 1071 using the above code.

dave3004

that is excellent value in fairness but there is a caveat..... China Southern dont do personal screens on their flights. So bring valium....heaps of it !

ballooba

dave3004 wrote: »

that is excellent value in fairness but there is a caveat..... China Southern dont do personal screens on their flights. So bring valium....heaps of it !

The fare I mentioned is on Emirates.

ismiseX

Where there's a will there's a way...

Flying Cairns to Tokyo on 9th December, staying in Tokyo a few days for a look around, then Tokyo-London, London-Dublin, on the 14th of December for a grand total of.....938.50!!

It can be done if you're willing to put in the time searching online!

Batgurl

What airlines are they with?

Cairns to Tokyo I'm guessing is Jetstar? Does that include your luggage?

In fairness you did well on pricing but that flight to Tokyo will be a bitch on Jetstar.

Recently did it on Qantas and it was rough enough in economy.

PS: totally recommend checking out Oedo Onsen in Tokyo ... culture shock but awesome Japanese experience

liger

ismiseX wrote: »

Where there's a will there's a way...

Flying Cairns to Tokyo on 9th December, staying in Tokyo a few days for a look around, then Tokyo-London, London-Dublin, on the 14th of December for a grand total of.....938.50!!

It can be done if you're willing to put in the time searching online!

But the op is going to have to stay somewhere for those few days so while i understand your main aim was to hit under the 1000 mark, the extra involved in making this trip kills the value.

ismiseX

Can be done for the same price flying straight through, just didnt want to miss the experience of Tokyo. Yes, with jetstar, baggage and all. Just letting people know that it CAN be done if you have patience. Another reasonably priced option was Perth-Bali-amsterdam-Dublin for under a grand also.

Batgurl

Are you in Cairns now though?

Because you'll have to factor getting to Cairns into your costing if not.

I only mention it because you say can be done from Perth also...but Perth is west coast (and 5 hours nearer) so obviously cheaper.

ismiseX

Yes I am in Cairns, which is why I went for that option. Sweet Jesus, only trying to help people out but it seems everyone is out to rain on my parade!!

zuzuzu

Flights at the moment for return Perth to Dublin are circa $2800 in some places. I was looking to hold out possibly three weeks and hope to get them for around the same price...

Has anyone any previous knowledge in knowing whether the cost would be the same?? Obviously I'm not expecting them to go down but wouldn't like them anything majorly more expensive. Thanks

hussey

when you looking to fly?
How far in advance are you booking?

< a month you'll notice price going up significantly

hussey

when you looking to fly?
How far in advance are you booking?

< a month you'll notice price going up significantly

zuzuzu

hussey wrote: »

when you looking to fly?
How far in advance are you booking?

< a month you'll notice price going up significantly

oops sorry about that.... yea was thinking of a suprise vist home to Ireland over Christmas

mel.b

That's why they are so expensive then. Christmas is never a cheap time to fly there is anither thread a bit further diwn where some suggestions where made for cheap flights at xmas but they were one way fares.

irishmover

Skyscanner:

Depart 18th December: Singapore airlines & Aer Lingus 25h duration.

Return 12th January: Same opposite way. 22.5hr duration.

Price: $2456


Not sure of your dates but I'm guessing you can get it cheaper than $2800.

Doesn't answer your question though! All I'll say is I went to look at flights in February for my parents for them to come here in June, waited till April to book price jumped by $200 each for same flight.

zuzuzu

Thanks for the info guys (and gals)

In Exile

Does anybody know if it possible to use Trailfinders to book return flights from Australia to home?

Or if not, is there any similar companies that can be used from this side?

ballooba

I'm pretty sure I used Trailfinders in Brisbane to book flights back to Dublin before.

jackbhoy

Just booked flights from Mel to Dub from Dec 19 to Jan 2, $1900 return. It's with China Southern/Air France. Flight out is bit of toughie at 38hrs but scotch and sleeping tablets will see me through.
Think it's good value considering how late we left it, thankfully tax refund will cover flights and keep me in Guinness money for the 10 days or so...

Booked on ZUJI.com if anyone is interested...

Batgurl

jackbhoy wrote: »

Just booked flights from Mel to Dub from Dec 19 to Jan 2, $1900 return. It's with China Southern/Air France. Flight out is bit of toughie at 38hrs but scotch and sleeping tablets will see me through.
Think it's good value considering how late we left it, thankfully tax refund will cover flights and keep me in Guinness money for the 10 days or so...

Booked on ZUJI.com if anyone is interested...

I admire your courage...China Southern is meant to be international Ryanair! They are a 4-star airline but the stories I've heard :eek:

Zuji is awesome though...going home for a visit soon and got return flights with Etihad for $1500 with Zuji (when the airline direct was quoting $1800 for the EXACT same flights) - plus no booking fees!

Even though it's a third party, as soon as I'd made the booking they gave me the Etihad reference number so I was able to go straight into Etihad's website and select my seats and meals choices etc.

Plus with Zuji, they just get you the fares, the payment is processed by the airline so your contract is actually with the airline. Good to know in case their are any issues with delays/cancellations/missed flights etc

jackbhoy

Batgurl wrote: »

jackbhoy wrote: »

Just booked flights from Mel to Dub from Dec 19 to Jan 2, $1900 return. It's with China Southern/Air France. Flight out is bit of toughie at 38hrs but scotch and sleeping tablets will see me through.
Think it's good value considering how late we left it, thankfully tax refund will cover flights and keep me in Guinness money for the 10 days or so...

Booked on ZUJI.com if anyone is interested...

I admire your courage...China Southern is meant to be international Ryanair! They are a 4-star airline but the stories I've heard :eek:

Zuji is awesome though...going home for a visit soon and got return flights with Etihad for $1500 with Zuji (when the airline direct was quoting $1800 for the EXACT same flights) - plus no booking fees!

Even though it's a third party, as soon as I'd made the booking they gave me the Etihad reference number so I was able to go straight into Etihad's website and select my seats and meals choices etc.

Plus with Zuji, they just get you the fares, the payment is processed by the airline so your contract is actually with the airline. Good to know in case their are any issues with delays/cancellations/missed flights etc

Yeah, I heard they were crap but only one leg is with them, rest is air france so be fine. I can take pain for saving $1600 compared to Etihad etc

irishmover

jackbhoy wrote: »

Batgurl wrote: »

jackbhoy wrote: »

Just booked flights from Mel to Dub from Dec 19 to Jan 2, $1900 return. It's with China Southern/Air France. Flight out is bit of toughie at 38hrs but scotch and sleeping tablets will see me through.
Think it's good value considering how late we left it, thankfully tax refund will cover flights and keep me in Guinness money for the 10 days or so...

Booked on ZUJI.com if anyone is interested...

I admire your courage...China Southern is meant to be international Ryanair! They are a 4-star airline but the stories I've heard :eek:

Zuji is awesome though...going home for a visit soon and got return flights with Etihad for $1500 with Zuji (when the airline direct was quoting $1800 for the EXACT same flights) - plus no booking fees!

Even though it's a third party, as soon as I'd made the booking they gave me the Etihad reference number so I was able to go straight into Etihad's website and select my seats and meals choices etc.

Plus with Zuji, they just get you the fares, the payment is processed by the airline so your contract is actually with the airline. Good to know in case their are any issues with delays/cancellations/missed flights etc

Yeah, I heard they were crap but only one leg is with them, rest is air france so be fine. I can take pain for saving $1600 compared to Etihad etc

Flight back with Etihad is $820 on Jan 2nd. Sometimes simply booking return flights isn't the cheapest. Two one ways can work cheaper. I don't believe u saved $1600.

jackbhoy

irishmover wrote: »

Flight back with Etihad is $820 on Jan 2nd. Sometimes simply booking return flights isn't the cheapest. Two one ways can work cheaper. I don't believe u saved $1600.

Where are you getting that $820 from?

I checked many sites/combinations before booking and nothing close to as cheap as CS. I just looked up Etihad now and you are correct, I didn't save $1600 compared to Etihad, it's more like $2100.

On their site return for those dates are $6108 (for 2 people). Single from Mel to Dub is $4000+. Single from Dub to Mel is 2400+ euros.

In any case the flight out from Mel on Dec 19 was always going to be the really expensive part of the trip so even if could get an $850 return leg the outbound flight would probably negate the saving....

irishmover

jackbhoy wrote: »

irishmover wrote: »

Flight back with Etihad is $820 on Jan 2nd. Sometimes simply booking return flights isn't the cheapest. Two one ways can work cheaper. I don't believe u saved $1600.

Where are you getting that $820 from?

I checked many sites/combinations before booking and nothing close to as cheap as CS. I just looked up Etihad now and you are correct, I didn't save $1600 compared to Etihad, it's more like $2100.

On their site return for those dates are $6108 (for 2 people). Single from Mel to Dub is $4000+. Single from Dub to Mel is 2400+ euros.

In any case the flight out from Mel on Dec 19 was always going to be the really expensive part of the trip so even if could get an $850 return leg the outbound flight would probably negate the saving....

Expedia.com.au via skyscanner. Jan 2nd etihad airways $818.

December 19th. China southern 9hr 40mins flight rest with Turkish airlines $1377 via jetabroad (skyscanner search).

$2195 is more expensive than your flights but your return is all etihad. Turkish airlines, not sure how good they are compare to Air France but from what I've read they're decent and they got European airline of 2011. Still though not sure how good they are.

Also I've booked with Expedia and jetabroad before and there are no additional costs.

jackbhoy

irishmover wrote: »

jackbhoy wrote: »

irishmover wrote: »

Flight back with Etihad is $820 on Jan 2nd. Sometimes simply booking return flights isn't the cheapest. Two one ways can work cheaper. I don't believe u saved $1600.

Where are you getting that $820 from?

I checked many sites/combinations before booking and nothing close to as cheap as CS. I just looked up Etihad now and you are correct, I didn't save $1600 compared to Etihad, it's more like $2100.

On their site return for those dates are $6108 (for 2 people). Single from Mel to Dub is $4000+. Single from Dub to Mel is 2400+ euros.

In any case the flight out from Mel on Dec 19 was always going to be the really expensive part of the trip so even if could get an $850 return leg the outbound flight would probably negate the saving....

Expedia.com.au via skyscanner. Jan 2nd etihad airways $818.

December 19th. China southern 9hr 40mins flight rest with Turkish airlines $1377 via jetabroad (skyscanner search).

$2195 is more expensive than your flights but your return is all etihad. Turkish airlines, not sure how good they are compare to Air France but from what I've read they're decent and they got European airline of 2011. Still though not sure how good they are.

Also I've booked with Expedia and jetabroad before and there are no additional costs.

Did you click through to book.those flights though? Both scanner and jetabroad basically screenscrape fares and when you click through to.book they often update and increase in price substantially...

I got similar results with jetabroad weeks ago but when went to book it fell over with error saying could not confirm price. Skyscanner prices don't mean anything if.they are out.of date, which huge amount are.

Batgurl

Also not sure if it helps anyone here but Bupa offer 15% off British Airways flights.

It's not a code so can't help you like with the Emirates code but if you are a Bupa member, no harm in checking prices.

irishmover

jackbhoy wrote: »

irishmover wrote: »

jackbhoy wrote: »

irishmover wrote: »

Flight back with Etihad is $820 on Jan 2nd. Sometimes simply booking return flights isn't the cheapest. Two one ways can work cheaper. I don't believe u saved $1600.

Where are you getting that $820 from?

I checked many sites/combinations before booking and nothing close to as cheap as CS. I just looked up Etihad now and you are correct, I didn't save $1600 compared to Etihad, it's more like $2100.

On their site return for those dates are $6108 (for 2 people). Single from Mel to Dub is $4000+. Single from Dub to Mel is 2400+ euros.

In any case the flight out from Mel on Dec 19 was always going to be the really expensive part of the trip so even if could get an $850 return leg the outbound flight would probably negate the saving....

Expedia.com.au via skyscanner. Jan 2nd etihad airways $818.

December 19th. China southern 9hr 40mins flight rest with Turkish airlines $1377 via jetabroad (skyscanner search).

$2195 is more expensive than your flights but your return is all etihad. Turkish airlines, not sure how good they are compare to Air France but from what I've read they're decent and they got European airline of 2011. Still though not sure how good they are.

Also I've booked with Expedia and jetabroad before and there are no additional costs.

Did you click through to book.those flights though? Both scanner and jetabroad basically screenscrape fares and when you click through to.book they often update and increase in price substantially...

I got similar results with jetabroad weeks ago but when went to book it fell over with error saying could not confirm price. Skyscanner prices don't mean anything if.they are out.of date, which huge amount are.

I booked a $842.52 etihad flight via Skyscanner a few days ago. The price originally said $842.52. The price taken from my bank account was $842.52.

I done the same 7 weeks ago for my flight home. Same price as was originally quoted was taken out of my bank account.

Same goes for flights I booked in April. So far I've not come across price variation.

And same goes to mates/relatives who've also booked through Skyscanner. Probably about 12 flights I've seen booked and none had price variation from original price on first search.

I'm not saying I don't believe you or it doesn't happen but so far I've not seen an occurrence of it.

jackbhoy

irishmover wrote: »

jackbhoy wrote: »

irishmover wrote: »

jackbhoy wrote: »

irishmover wrote: »

Flight back with Etihad is $820 on Jan 2nd. Sometimes simply booking return flights isn't the cheapest. Two one ways can work cheaper. I don't believe u saved $1600.

Where are you getting that $820 from?

I checked many sites/combinations before booking and nothing close to as cheap as CS. I just looked up Etihad now and you are correct, I didn't save $1600 compared to Etihad, it's more like $2100.

On their site return for those dates are $6108 (for 2 people). Single from Mel to Dub is $4000+. Single from Dub to Mel is 2400+ euros.

In any case the flight out from Mel on Dec 19 was always going to be the really expensive part of the trip so even if could get an $850 return leg the outbound flight would probably negate the saving....

Expedia.com.au via skyscanner. Jan 2nd etihad airways $818.

December 19th. China southern 9hr 40mins flight rest with Turkish airlines $1377 via jetabroad (skyscanner search).

$2195 is more expensive than your flights but your return is all etihad. Turkish airlines, not sure how good they are compare to Air France but from what I've read they're decent and they got European airline of 2011. Still though not sure how good they are.

Also I've booked with Expedia and jetabroad before and there are no additional costs.

Did you click through to book.those flights though? Both scanner and jetabroad basically screenscrape fares and when you click through to.book they often update and increase in price substantially...

I got similar results with jetabroad weeks ago but when went to book it fell over with error saying could not confirm price. Skyscanner prices don't mean anything if.they are out.of date, which huge amount are.

I booked a $842.52 etihad flight via Skyscanner a few days ago. The price originally said $842.52. The price taken from my bank account was $842.52.

I done the same 7 weeks ago for my flight home. Same price as was originally quoted was taken out of my bank account.

Same goes for flights I booked in April. So far I've not come across price variation.

And same goes to mates/relatives who've also booked through Skyscanner. Probably about 12 flights I've seen booked and none had price variation from original price on first search.

I'm not saying I don't believe you or it doesn't happen but so far I've not seen an occurrence of it.

Sorry, I wasn't saying they charge you more on card, what I meant was prices displayed on skyscanner are often out of date or no longer available. I had this problem with several prices I was quoted on skyscanner and when updated to live price they increased a lot or when clicked through to jetabroad or expedia the flight wasn't available.

irishmover

jackbhoy wrote: »

irishmover wrote: »

jackbhoy wrote: »

irishmover wrote: »

jackbhoy wrote: »

irishmover wrote: »

Flight back with Etihad is $820 on Jan 2nd. Sometimes simply booking return flights isn't the cheapest. Two one ways can work cheaper. I don't believe u saved $1600.

Where are you getting that $820 from?

I checked many sites/combinations before booking and nothing close to as cheap as CS. I just looked up Etihad now and you are correct, I didn't save $1600 compared to Etihad, it's more like $2100.

On their site return for those dates are $6108 (for 2 people). Single from Mel to Dub is $4000+. Single from Dub to Mel is 2400+ euros.

In any case the flight out from Mel on Dec 19 was always going to be the really expensive part of the trip so even if could get an $850 return leg the outbound flight would probably negate the saving....

Expedia.com.au via skyscanner. Jan 2nd etihad airways $818.

December 19th. China southern 9hr 40mins flight rest with Turkish airlines $1377 via jetabroad (skyscanner search).

$2195 is more expensive than your flights but your return is all etihad. Turkish airlines, not sure how good they are compare to Air France but from what I've read they're decent and they got European airline of 2011. Still though not sure how good they are.

Also I've booked with Expedia and jetabroad before and there are no additional costs.

Did you click through to book.those flights though? Both scanner and jetabroad basically screenscrape fares and when you click through to.book they often update and increase in price substantially...

I got similar results with jetabroad weeks ago but when went to book it fell over with error saying could not confirm price. Skyscanner prices don't mean anything if.they are out.of date, which huge amount are.

I booked a $842.52 etihad flight via Skyscanner a few days ago. The price originally said $842.52. The price taken from my bank account was $842.52.

I done the same 7 weeks ago for my flight home. Same price as was originally quoted was taken out of my bank account.

Same goes for flights I booked in April. So far I've not come across price variation.

And same goes to mates/relatives who've also booked through Skyscanner. Probably about 12 flights I've seen booked and none had price variation from original price on first search.

I'm not saying I don't believe you or it doesn't happen but so far I've not seen an occurrence of it.

Sorry, I wasn't saying they charge you more on card, what I meant was prices displayed on skyscanner are often out of date or no longer available. I had this problem with several prices I was quoted on skyscanner and when updated to live price they increased a lot or when clicked through to jetabroad or expedia the flight wasn't available.

Ah well fair enough. I've only ever seen price unavailable a few times. Or sold out. Which is inevitable!