Travel & Holidays Cheapest way to book flights?

Discussion in 'Living Room' started by Jmillar, 25th Nov, 2017.

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  1. Jmillar

    Jmillar Well-Known Member

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    Hi guys,

    Just wondering if anyone has some tips for booking cheap flights? I fly from Sydney to Brisbane at least once a month. I usually use Skyscanner but it redirects you to different websites each time, and sometimes the price you see at first is not true, as they add random surcharges in just before you complete your booking.

    Does anyone have any tips for securing cheap flights easily?

    Thanks
     
    Jmillar, 25th Nov, 2017
    #1
  2. geoffw

    geoffw Moderator Staff Member

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    If you're a little flexible with flights you can save. Also browse Skyscanner in incognito mode, or use a different computer when you've chosen a flight and you're ready to book.

    I did once find that the people that Skyscanner directed me to (eg Webjet) had a few more options than were shown on Skyscanner, and could possibly do cheaper.
     
    geoffw, 25th Nov, 2017
    #2
  3. D.T.

    D.T. Specialist Property Manager Business Member

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    Why?
     
    D.T., 25th Nov, 2017
    #3
  4. DaveM

    DaveM Well-Known Member

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    Airlines use cookies to track searches and will adjust prices/availability based on previous searches.

    I have seen this first hand where a subsequent search will yield flight for $400 when it was $299 on a search a few hours ago, but will show as $299 from another browser etc
     
    DaveM, 25th Nov, 2017
    #4
    legallyblonde, Peter_Tersteeg and geoffw like this.
  5. Gockie

    Gockie Life is good ☺️ Premium Member

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    Can't hurt to join "Skyscanner Australia deals club" on facebook but perhaps maybe you'll end up booking stuff you weren't intending on...
     
    Gockie, 25th Nov, 2017
    #5
  6. Gockie

    Gockie Life is good ☺️ Premium Member

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    I've just read there's an app called "I know the pilot". Worth trying?

    And you can set up alerts on Skyscanner.
     
    Gockie, 25th Nov, 2017
    #6
  7. WestOz

    WestOz Well-Known Member

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    Cleaning crap like that from your PC with "free" programs like this before searching again could help - CCleaner - Free Download or try CCleaner Professional - Piriform

    You can also check deals on - Travel: Deals and Coupons - OzBargain

    Not relevant to OP, but,
    While at it, for perhaps better PC performance you can also update any old hardware device drivers with this - Download Driver Booster - The best free Nvidia, AMD, Intel & Dell driver update software for Windows 7 & above.
    Just use the free version, when installing (+ updating later) ensure any additional programs/options are not selected, are un-ticked.

    I use this freeware for virus, spyware etc etc - Free Antivirus Software - Download Bitdefender Free Edition
    I've never subscribed/paid for one in 30+ years, never had an issue.
     
    WestOz, 25th Nov, 2017
    #7
  8. mikey7

    mikey7 Well-Known Member

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    I've always found that going to each individual website (Qantas, virgin, Jetstar etc) will allow me to find the best price. Webjet etc adds fees, and often doesn't find the best prices.
    If you're in no rush, travel agents can get good prices too - and don't add fees because the airlines pay them.
     
    mikey7, 25th Nov, 2017
    #8
  9. Marg4000

    Marg4000 Well-Known Member

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    I always check webjet for an overview.

    Then go to the actual airline site to book.
    Marg
     
    Marg4000, 25th Nov, 2017
    #9
  10. Fargo

    Fargo Well-Known Member

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    I have a quick squizz at Web Jet to see what the prices are. Then a quick call to Flight Centre to match and usually get a cheaper flight or a flight which is quicker with faster connections. that isn't listed. They do have bulk pre booked ticket that may not show up as available on flight search web sites, and may be keen to dispose of them. You can book the flight without having to pay immediately, and being locked in, while getting better and cheaper connections. You can cancel, or change flights and itinerary, or get a refund with a simple quick call to the agent rather than bang you head against a wall with a foreign speaking airline.
     
    Fargo, 25th Nov, 2017
    #10