OH, little one and I went out to OZ in August 2006 on a reccie and paid about £1750 for the 3 of us for return flights (Birmingham to Perth - Emirates). Which I thought was pretty reasonable.

I have been looking at the cost of returning this summer to validate but can't get anywhere near the price we paid (obviously taxes etc will increase it a bit). Have tried the usual sites; travel supermarket, opodo, travel zoo and the airlines direct but to be honest we are looking at the very least to pay about 3K Some have even quoted nearer 5K for cattle class!

I think I booked in the April 2006 last time so I am booking at around the same time so that can't make much of a difference.

Anyone else noticed the increased costs? Also any ideas for cheap flights?

Yes I have noticed an increase in flights. We are wanting to go to Perth at the beginning of Dec 08. Last time we flew out it was approx £650 each as it is usually cheaper if you go before the 8th Dec.

This time we are looking at £950-£1000 each and this is on the 4th or 6th Dec!! A family of 4 costing £3500 to £4000 which is out of our price range.

I have been looking for flights this summer as well (for 4 of us) - but they will be one-way tickets... Last November we paid about £3,400 return to Perth with Emirates...but i notice that is much more now... We couldnt afford to go with Singapore Airlines last November but i notice now that the summer flights are cheaper with Singapore (we'll be flying to Melbourne this time) than they are with Emirates...
5k does sound a lot for the 3 of you.... maybe its the specific dates you're enquiring about?

Last week I was checking return flights for my brothers wedding in June.In one day they had gone up 4,000 dollars.We had missed out on the early bird special.The travel agent told me to wait a week which I did.A bit risky but they went back down to 7,300.All in all door Perth to Cork airport for two adults and two kids 8,000.Mind you with prices still like that I wont be stocking up in Next clothes.This is our second trip in under two years.:eeeg

quantas were doing flight for around 700 in may

Cheers

Haven't looked on the Quantas site due to the comments I have heard on here!!!!! Will go and have a look now - I would use my own wings at the moment

just checked flights from HEATHROW £641 per adult going may (12th) other days available at same price. maybe Heathrow might be a better option to save money. hope this helps

Well my Father has been booking flights recently and was told that the cost of oil has bumped up the price, airlines having to pay more for fuel. They also said that prices were set to rise further in the next couple of months.

Hi
We recently returned from a reccie to Brisbane and flew with Etihad airways. The journey was a three legged affair starting firstly Heathrow to Abu Dabai, then on Singapore and finally on to Brisbane.
Basically they are three flights around 7 hours a piece with a very short stop over in each location, we only had 40 mins in Singapore airport but it was enough to stretch your legs and break up the journey. The Airline was pretty good I must say and very punctual, fortunately we had planes only half full for two of the three returning flights, this was a god send for the kids they could stretch out on several seats and sleep for a hugh chunk of the journey.
We are a family of six and travelling this way saved us well over £2k compared to Singapore Airlines and Malaysian, I would recommed it if that helps,

Dave

when I went over at christmas I booked direct after the info I got off this site http://www.australiatravelmarket.com/ it really is an eyeopener to compare the differences between companies (searches most travel companies and airlines direct)

Hi, we have just booked our flights & return from Heathrow to Sydney in June for a month validation visit, for 2 adults & 1 child aged 11, with British Airways non stop flight for 2k.