nbn8

Hi

From experience is it cheaper to book flights early or leave until near the date? We are heading over to Gold Coast July next year and should I book flights sooner rather than later? Any good websites? Thanks Nicky

Janna and Nick

We've booked for May next year at £1200 (near as dammit) for two adults and a 3 year old with Singapore Airlines direct.

You may get cheaper flights if you leave it last minute but then you are not always guaranteed a seat at the cheap fares.

We've booked it as we will need to validate even if we don't move for good so either way will be going to Oz in May.

Singapore give you 40kg if you have an unvalidated visa on a one way ticket. Emirates give you 50kg's if you use the UKMOVE1 code on their website when booking.

Or if you have a validated visa, Emirates offer 30kgs as standard.

Hope this helps

MrCro

Does an unvalidated 309 spouse visa get the extra luggage allowance?

Janna and Nick

I think if it's a permanent visa and you have a 1 way ticket, then yes you would get the allowance. You can always check with the airlines

nbn8

Thanks that seems a really good price Ive been looking at July minimum of £2600 for 2 adults and 2 children. Think I will have another look around and then book.

nbn8

Ive been on Singapore Airlines and they are coming out at the most expensive. Where are you flying to?

suzyambrose

Ive been looking at flights and when we move we're going to fly from Heathrow instead of Manchester because it's alot cheaper, plus it's dearer when it's school holidays here - August is about £300 more expensive than June.

mecheng

Book them as early as possible and avoid looking at comparison websites from then until departure because inevitably you'll find cheaper.

Janna and Nick

We're flying from Heathrow and are flying to Perth. Just keep looking, on and off and something will come up. Qantas where also quite cheap in comparison to the others.

I had been looking for around 2 months and then when the visa was granted, I looked for another few weeks just to make sure there wasn't anything cheaper and booked.

Could you fly earlier or later (but not too near christmas) in the year?

nbn8

Will keep looking. Need to be in Oz by 28th July and wanted to finish the school year here. Im a teacher so would also need to give a terms notice so looks like July other option would be Easter. Will keep looking thanks. Are you validating or moving?

Janna and Nick

The plan is to move. But we can change to return if we need to. I am hoping that we can get the house sold and everything wrapped up in the 7 months we have so that we can move. But as with all things in life.... nothing is certain!

Where will you be flying from/ to?

bjohn

Check out Qatar Airways and some of the other middle eastern lot. Also Air China. The less know ones are the cheapest and still provide good service.

nbn8

We are looking at flights from Newcastle to Brisbane heading to the Gold Coast Exciting and nervous times eh!