Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Idle Chat > Cheap flights to Brisbane/Oz

[swannymere]

Longshot but does anyone have any idea how to get the cheapest return ticket to Brisbane this Christmas? Having a very expensive year so far and my friends (and godchildren) are moving to Brisbane soon and i've kind of promised the godchildren that i would visit them at Christmas. Cheapest so far is with Etihad 22/12 from Heathrow, 2 stop, return 04/01 £804 inc. taxes. Anyone got any experience with Etihad? anyone have a connection at an airline? Has anyone tried the air courier route (legal!) and what about leaving it to the very last couple of days and trying my luck then? Willing to try almost anything to save a bit of cash or the new bike (749r) will have to wait another year

[Jools]

You could try stealing a loaf of bread?

Never travelled on Etihad but all the middle eastern airlines are trying very hard at the moment, usually with a stopover in Dubai. As we know, the gulf states are awash with cash as well so although the flights are cheapish, none of the 'state' airlines skimp on the planes or the service, the flights are more often done as a flag waving loss leader to attract more international travellers and establish themselves as a hub in the global economy.

I've had colleagues travel on middle eastern airlines before and they've been quite complementary.

As for cost, I've travelled internationally on business for years and I still can't fathom airline pricing. Rule of thumb is that costs go up nearer the date. You might be able to turn something up in the last couple of days if their flights aren't full but, UK to Aus at Christmas?

[phillc]

Try using somewhere like Flight Centre.

When I travel within Europe, or even to the US, I generally search around and do the booking myself.

However, when I travel to Australia, which is usually at Christmas time, I've had better luck getting Flight Centre to do the leg work and find me the best deal - better still if I can be a bit flexible regarding dates. I flew back on New Year's eve/day once and saved a couple of hundred Pounds.

[RickyX]

Originally Posted by swannymere

anyone have a connection at an airline?

Yup.

Can get you to Sydney on a bearded gentleman's airline......
Sometimes though the price isn't much better than the likes of Emirates/Etihad/Aeroflot(!)...as they can go direct to Brisbane.

pm me with dates etc.

R