How to Fly Around Australia on a Budget: Making the Most of Domestic Flights

Few places on Earth are home to more diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and natural wonders than Australia. From snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef to dining in the food capital of Melbourne or viewing the wildlife in the many national parks, Australia has no shortage of activities and sights. If you’re planning a trip to the Land Down Under, you’ll want to experience as many of its highlights as possible. Fortunately, with some careful planning, you can do so without breaking the bank.

Avoid Long Road Trips: Take Short Flights Instead to Bridge the Gaps

When planning your trip to Australia, you may be surprised at the distances between the places you want to see. The country is about the size of the continental United States, so road trips are not always practical unless you’re planning to stay for months. Instead, you can opt for short domestic flights to bridge the gaps between cities. For example, you can fly from Perth to Sydney in about 5 hours, while driving could be a weeklong excursion. Domestic flights are also quite affordable, so you can fly from place to place even on a budget.

Top Australian Domestic Airline Carriers

The first step in finding the best flights is to know about the top four domestic airline carriers and their pricing models.

1. Qantas
   Qantas is a premium service carrier, offering free meals and drinks, entertainment in-flight, checked baggage, and access to airport lounges for some passengers. It has the broadest range of flight options, with flights from both regional airports and major hubs. However, these amenities and options come at a cost, with typically higher flight prices than other airlines.
2. Virgin Australia
   Offering competitive prices with amenities like checked baggage and snacks, Virgin is a good middle-of-the-road choice for those who prefer its comfortable seating and family friendliness. Virgin focuses mostly on flights to major hubs, with only selective regional options.
3. Jetstar
   Known as the country’s low-cost airline option, Jetstar is great for cheap, short flights, but offers few amenities. Baggage must be carry-on only, and extras come with additional fees. Jetstar is targeted at tourists who are interested in traveling mostly to major hubs and popular vacation destinations.
4. Rex Airlines
   Known for connecting smaller regional areas to larger cities, Rex offers lower fares with some amenities included. It offers few major routes, so they are likely not an option if you’re traveling to and from larger cities.

How to Find Cheap Fares on Domestic Flights in Australia

When it’s time to book your flights, fare comparison tools can help. Webjet is Australia’s go-to flight comparison tool, offering user-friendly ways to compare flight schedules, baggage policies, and fares, all on one screen. It also offers hotel bookings, car rentals, and travel insurance options. You can even get fare alerts to notify you when a fare to your destination drops.

• Timing: Summer is the most popular travel time, so flights are more expensive unless you schedule well in advance. Generally, fares start at their lowest point when the flight first becomes available and then rise as seats are filled. Booking 10 to 12 months ahead can help you save a considerable amount. This is true even if you plan to travel in the off-season. Also, keep in mind that traveling on weekdays is often less expensive than on the weekends.
• Flexible dates: Often, fares can fluctuate from day to day. If you are willing to be flexible on your flight dates, you can keep an eye on the schedule and shift your flight when you find a lower fare on a different date.
• Regional airports vs. major hubs: Flights from regional airports are often more expensive than those in major cities because they face less competition and have higher operating costs. When possible, taking a drive to a larger airport may be worth the savings.

Avoiding Surprise Baggage Fees in Australia

When you’re working within a budget, you don’t want to be surprised by baggage fees when you get to the airport. Following a few tips can help you to avoid these fees.

1. Check the airline’s baggage policy. You’ll want to know how many bags are included in the price, the amount of weight allowed per bag, and any size limits on bags.
2. Buy lightweight luggage. Paying for new luggage that doesn’t weigh much is an investment that will save you money over time.
3. Weigh and measure your bags at home to make sure yours are within the airline’s policies. Extra weight comes with extra fees.
4. Pack well by rolling clothing, choosing lighter-weight items, wearing heavier items on the plane, and minimizing liquids in your bags.
5. Upgrade your baggage limits early if you know your weight will be over the maximum. It’s more expensive to do so at the airport.

Staying Connected When You Arrive at Your Australian Destinations

When you arrive at your destinations, you’ll want to get connected quickly, but finding Wi-Fi can be a hassle. If you’re visiting from abroad, purchasing an eSIM for Australia might be a good idea. It’s much easier and cheaper than buying a local SIM card, and much more convenient than always searching for Wi-Fi. Plans are usually very affordable, and you can get them for only the time that you’re traveling.

Enjoy Your Trip Without Breaking the Budget

With some planning, flying around Australia to see and do all that you can doesn’t have to break the budget. Compare fares, book in advance, know your baggage limits, and follow a few other tips so that you can have the vacation of a lifetime while keeping some cash in your pocket.