Stop overpaying for Christmas flights—this one simple tip could save you a fortune
- Replies 0
When it comes to booking flights over the holiday season, the search for a bargain can feel like a battle. With so many factors at play, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by rising prices and endless options.
But what if we told you there’s a surprising strategy to score a cheaper fare? The answer might just be hidden in plain sight.
Millions of Aussies were set to travel across the country to spend Christmas with their families this year, but many could save hundreds of dollars on airfare by flying on 25 December.
According to RMIT Aviation Academy operations manager Justin Brownjohn, those willing to miss a few hours with family could find big savings by booking flights for Christmas Day.
'Christmas Day is the cheapest day to fly,' Mr Brownjohn said.
He added, 'There’s always a lot of discussion about how to get the best deal when you’re travelling over summer. The tried-and-true method is to travel on Christmas Day.'
He explained that domestic flights were often chaotic in the days leading up to Christmas, while international flights were most popular after Boxing Day and into the New Year.
Mr Brownjohn continued, 'If you’re looking for a relatively stress-free day of travel, and to make some savings, the sweet spot is December 25th itself.'
He shared that for instance, a one-way flight from Melbourne to London on Christmas Day with a major airline cost $1684.
Beyond the savings, Mr Brownjohn pointed out that Christmas Day flights often felt less stressful for passengers.
'People are in a festive mood and there’s a shared sense of community at airports for those working and travelling,' he said.
He also mentioned, 'There’s also a feeling of gratitude to staff who are working to keep airlines flying over Christmas.'
While Christmas Day presented an affordable option, research by Compare the Market found that flights in the lead-up to the big day were also cheaper than expected.
Their data, based on Skyscanner options, showed that flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Wellington, NZ to major Australian cities were among the cheapest between December 10-13.
Flights to Christchurch also fell into this affordable window.
In contrast, the most expensive days to fly from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Wellington were found to be 20-22 December and 26-29 December.
Compare the Market travel expert Catriona Rowntree shared additional tips for budget-conscious travellers.
'If you have the option, fly out during the day when there’s not as much demand,' she advised.
She cautioned against peak travel times, explaining that flying after school or work could create added stress.
Rowntree said, 'Creating family memories doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Your kids don’t care about that fancy hotel–all they really want is to spend quality time with you and that could be anywhere.'
RMIT associate finance professor Angel Zhong also stressed that travellers should plan ahead and be mindful of pricing strategies.
'Dynamic pricing taps into the urgency and emotions of the holiday season, knowing many travellers are willing to pay more to reunite with loved ones,' Dr Zhong said.
She added, 'This makes it crucial to stick to a budget and avoid spur-of-the-moment purchases.'
Dr Zhong also recommended using tools like price alerts and fare trackers, saying, 'Airlines adjust prices in real time based on demand, seat availability, and competition.'
She warned, 'Over the festive season, surging demand often leads to sharp price increases, leaving late bookers to bear the brunt.'
Despite the seasonal spikes in prices, flight costs out of Brisbane were 9.9 per cent lower than the previous year. Similarly, Sydney saw a 6.1 per cent decrease, and Melbourne’s airport passengers paid 14.3 per cent less than in 2023.
So, with all these tips and tricks to save on flights, are you willing to embrace the Christmas Day travel hack or are you sticking to your usual holiday plans? Tell us about your plans in the comments below!
But what if we told you there’s a surprising strategy to score a cheaper fare? The answer might just be hidden in plain sight.
Millions of Aussies were set to travel across the country to spend Christmas with their families this year, but many could save hundreds of dollars on airfare by flying on 25 December.
According to RMIT Aviation Academy operations manager Justin Brownjohn, those willing to miss a few hours with family could find big savings by booking flights for Christmas Day.
'Christmas Day is the cheapest day to fly,' Mr Brownjohn said.
He added, 'There’s always a lot of discussion about how to get the best deal when you’re travelling over summer. The tried-and-true method is to travel on Christmas Day.'
He explained that domestic flights were often chaotic in the days leading up to Christmas, while international flights were most popular after Boxing Day and into the New Year.
Mr Brownjohn continued, 'If you’re looking for a relatively stress-free day of travel, and to make some savings, the sweet spot is December 25th itself.'
He shared that for instance, a one-way flight from Melbourne to London on Christmas Day with a major airline cost $1684.
Beyond the savings, Mr Brownjohn pointed out that Christmas Day flights often felt less stressful for passengers.
'People are in a festive mood and there’s a shared sense of community at airports for those working and travelling,' he said.
He also mentioned, 'There’s also a feeling of gratitude to staff who are working to keep airlines flying over Christmas.'
While Christmas Day presented an affordable option, research by Compare the Market found that flights in the lead-up to the big day were also cheaper than expected.
Their data, based on Skyscanner options, showed that flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Wellington, NZ to major Australian cities were among the cheapest between December 10-13.
Flights to Christchurch also fell into this affordable window.
In contrast, the most expensive days to fly from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Wellington were found to be 20-22 December and 26-29 December.
Compare the Market travel expert Catriona Rowntree shared additional tips for budget-conscious travellers.
'If you have the option, fly out during the day when there’s not as much demand,' she advised.
She cautioned against peak travel times, explaining that flying after school or work could create added stress.
Rowntree said, 'Creating family memories doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Your kids don’t care about that fancy hotel–all they really want is to spend quality time with you and that could be anywhere.'
RMIT associate finance professor Angel Zhong also stressed that travellers should plan ahead and be mindful of pricing strategies.
'Dynamic pricing taps into the urgency and emotions of the holiday season, knowing many travellers are willing to pay more to reunite with loved ones,' Dr Zhong said.
She added, 'This makes it crucial to stick to a budget and avoid spur-of-the-moment purchases.'
Dr Zhong also recommended using tools like price alerts and fare trackers, saying, 'Airlines adjust prices in real time based on demand, seat availability, and competition.'
She warned, 'Over the festive season, surging demand often leads to sharp price increases, leaving late bookers to bear the brunt.'
Despite the seasonal spikes in prices, flight costs out of Brisbane were 9.9 per cent lower than the previous year. Similarly, Sydney saw a 6.1 per cent decrease, and Melbourne’s airport passengers paid 14.3 per cent less than in 2023.
So, with all these tips and tricks to save on flights, are you willing to embrace the Christmas Day travel hack or are you sticking to your usual holiday plans? Tell us about your plans in the comments below!
Last edited:
