This woman was quoted an unbelievable amount for a domestic flight! Is Qantas going too far?
- Replies 5
Flying is no longer just a mode of transport for globetrotters and business moguls.
With the growing popularity (and necessity) of air travel, it's fast becoming an essential part of our lives, with many of us depending on airlines to close gaps between families and friends.
With the holidays just around the corner, Australians everywhere are making plans to see friends and family. But one woman travelling from overseas during peak season was in for a shock when she discovered the enormous fee quoted for a simple domestic flight.
Hayleye was searching for domestic flights to link to her flight from London and received an offer from online travel agent booking.com for £880 (approximately $1,700!) for a Qantas flight to travel from Sydney to Hervey Bay in Queensland on December 27 and returning January 8.
'This is what they are charging from NSW to QLD. This makes me beyond angry!' Hayleye said.
Though not the cheapest flight available, Hayleye could not comprehend why the airline would charge as much. One user suggested it may be because she is booking the flight from a location outside Australia, but this may not always be the case.
According to Australian Traveller Managing Director Quentin Long, there are many influencing factors on price flights.
'There's all sorts of flight pricing algorithms that influence exactly what price you get shown,' Mr Long said.
'You've got the margin that some of these third-party groups put on top... You've got to understand how they make their money, and what they're trying to achieve.'
Mr Long also shared some tips to find the best price.
He advised hopping around and using websites like Skyscanner that search multiple travel sites. Doing this can help you compare and find the best possible fare.
A search done using the website revealed that these particular flights were available last Tuesday (September 12) directly through Qantas for a total of $935—significantly less than the price Hayleye was quoted.
Furthermore, factors such as your location when you search for a flight, type of fare, and loyalty membership, and the use of a third-party booking platform may also affect the price.
Mr Long also recommends 'flexibility' on variables like dates, layovers, and airlines when looking for the best price, as well as being aware of extra fees that third-party online booking agents charge.
'The more flexible you are, the more options you'll have,' Mr Long said.
Lastly, for those flying during the peak summer period, he suggests travelling a day later for extra savings. He also shared that travelling outside peak periods can help you achieve significant savings.
Other users quickly responded to Hayleye’s complaint, with one suggesting asking a family member in Australia for help.
'If you have family in Australia get them to book the flights, it’s cheaper. Qantas is picking up that you're in another country,' they suggested.
Another user said to book a flight to a regional airport instead, as peak summer period is bound to increase fares.
'[Christmas and New Year] period is peak (mega peak!), so it wouldn’t be cheap anyway.'
While some also shared their frustration with Qantas prices, with one user saying:
'I’ve not used Qantas at home in a long time as they’re more often than not at least double the price of Virgin or other airlines. Probably worth checking out the new airline Bonza or even old classic Rex as they’ll definitely be much cheaper than that.'
You can see Hayleye’s full post below:
What are your thoughts on this story, dear members? Are you planning on booking a flight soon? Let us know in the comments below!
With the growing popularity (and necessity) of air travel, it's fast becoming an essential part of our lives, with many of us depending on airlines to close gaps between families and friends.
With the holidays just around the corner, Australians everywhere are making plans to see friends and family. But one woman travelling from overseas during peak season was in for a shock when she discovered the enormous fee quoted for a simple domestic flight.
For one woman, a Qantas flight from Sydney to Hervey Bay cost £880 ($1700 AUD) on booking.com. Image sources: Instagram/@qantas (left), Facebook (right).
Hayleye was searching for domestic flights to link to her flight from London and received an offer from online travel agent booking.com for £880 (approximately $1,700!) for a Qantas flight to travel from Sydney to Hervey Bay in Queensland on December 27 and returning January 8.
'This is what they are charging from NSW to QLD. This makes me beyond angry!' Hayleye said.
Though not the cheapest flight available, Hayleye could not comprehend why the airline would charge as much. One user suggested it may be because she is booking the flight from a location outside Australia, but this may not always be the case.
According to Australian Traveller Managing Director Quentin Long, there are many influencing factors on price flights.
'There's all sorts of flight pricing algorithms that influence exactly what price you get shown,' Mr Long said.
'You've got the margin that some of these third-party groups put on top... You've got to understand how they make their money, and what they're trying to achieve.'
Mr Long also shared some tips to find the best price.
He advised hopping around and using websites like Skyscanner that search multiple travel sites. Doing this can help you compare and find the best possible fare.
Using a flight comparison website such as Skyscanner may help you find the best price for your flight. Image source: rawpixel.com on Freepik.
A search done using the website revealed that these particular flights were available last Tuesday (September 12) directly through Qantas for a total of $935—significantly less than the price Hayleye was quoted.
Furthermore, factors such as your location when you search for a flight, type of fare, and loyalty membership, and the use of a third-party booking platform may also affect the price.
Mr Long also recommends 'flexibility' on variables like dates, layovers, and airlines when looking for the best price, as well as being aware of extra fees that third-party online booking agents charge.
'The more flexible you are, the more options you'll have,' Mr Long said.
Lastly, for those flying during the peak summer period, he suggests travelling a day later for extra savings. He also shared that travelling outside peak periods can help you achieve significant savings.
Other users quickly responded to Hayleye’s complaint, with one suggesting asking a family member in Australia for help.
'If you have family in Australia get them to book the flights, it’s cheaper. Qantas is picking up that you're in another country,' they suggested.
Another user said to book a flight to a regional airport instead, as peak summer period is bound to increase fares.
'[Christmas and New Year] period is peak (mega peak!), so it wouldn’t be cheap anyway.'
While some also shared their frustration with Qantas prices, with one user saying:
'I’ve not used Qantas at home in a long time as they’re more often than not at least double the price of Virgin or other airlines. Probably worth checking out the new airline Bonza or even old classic Rex as they’ll definitely be much cheaper than that.'
You can see Hayleye’s full post below:
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