When to book flights
 

Hi

Sorry to start a new thread about flights

We got our Visa yesterday and have started to look at the flights, we dont want to go until Feb/March next year so my question is.....do I pick a date and book now and risk needing to change it..or do I wait and have the risk of the prices going up??

Thanks in advance
Laura XX

Re: When to book flights
 

The best fares are normally to be had in advance. So booking now you will get a decent discounted price. The closer you get, the more expensive fares become as the discounted seats will sell. There are no last minute bargains to be had on long haul sector travel on the Australia route normally.

All fares are not created equal however and many deeply discounted ones will be non transferable and non refundable. You might consider avoiding those since they wont allow a date change. Make sure that your ticket is changeable and albeit you will normally be hit up for a small admin fee, at least that will give you the peace of mind if that's whats worrying you.

Re: When to book flights
 

Book now, but make sure its a flexi fare (that allows changes for free or a low fee, normally approx £50 depending on airline).

My thoughts on this are;

1. Flights rarely go down in price (unless a seat sale is announced - but this is very very rare on Oz flights as they are very popular)

2. The cost of oil is only going to rise so we can expect higher fares in future (see BA's announcement during the weekend)

3. It gives u a target date so that u have a goal to work towards when tying up all those loose ends.

Just my opinion.

Re: When to book flights
 

Thank you both for taking the time to reply. I think that I am going to shop around this week and then get them booked at the weekend!!
Like you say, gives me a date to work to and also its one thing off my very long list of things to do!!
Found a flight with Singapore out of Heathrow for £2300 for all of us, on the new airbus so might go for that!!

Thanks a lot
Laura

Re: When to book flights
 

Yip Im lookin to fly it in Sept, should be an experience in itself I reckon. Tho I'm sure after 6 hours twill be the same as any other glorified bus in the sky. :lol:

Re: When to book flights
 

Just booked thro Singapore Direct, went through Quidco, dont know if people have heard of it, its a cashback site. Got 1% of the ticket value back it all helps hey!!

7 months and counting!!

Laura XX

Re: When to book flights
 

Just like to know did you pay by credit card, if you did was you charged 3% on top for using the credit card

Re: When to book flights
 

I agree with Centurion - I would book sooner rather than later :)

Lau x

Re: When to book flights
 

I flew with Singapore airlines - if that is who you were using and they were fantastic :)

I am planning a visit to the UK in Oct so will check out Quidco (if they will let me book reverse tickets i.e. Aus - UK return)

Good luck with your new life.

Lau x

Re: When to book flights
 

Not that I know, It did say on the Singapore site that some C/card companies do charge, will get OH to call his CC and check, will post back!

Laura

Re: When to book flights
 

I have noticed if you book direct with airline Emirates/Singapore no credit card charges,

If you book with travel agents they charge you 3%-5% extra

Its not the credit card companies that charge you it is travel agents that add it on
.