The cheapest fare you're likely to find is available
during the low-season months of April to June. The most expensive
time to fly is in the two weeks before Christmas. To stand a chance
of getting a cheap ticket, try to book at least 6 months in advance.
From Britain and Ireland
The market for flights between Britain
and Australia is one of
the most competitive in the world, nd in real terms prices have
never been lower. Modern aircraft can now reach the north Australian
coast from London in just
15 hours flying time, though in practice the journey to Sydney
or the other eastern cities takes a minimum of 21 hours by the
time you've stopped and refueled. If you take a bit longer - breaking
the journey in Southeast Asia or North America - it need not be
the tedious, seat bound slog you may have imagined.
Direct scheduled flights depart from London's main two airports,
Gatwick and Heathrow, although Singapore Airlines has daily flights
from Manchester to Singapore which connect with onward flights
to Sydney. There are no direct flights from Ireland.
From the US and Canada
From Los Angeles its
possible to fly nonstop to Sydney in fourteen and a half hours.
Qantas, United, Air Canada and Air New Zealand all operate direct
flights to the east coast of Australia. Flying in on an Asian
airline will most likely stop in their capital city and if you're
traveling from the west coast of North America to the east coast
of Australia, you'll probably find their fares on the Pacific
route somewhat higher than the American or Australian competitors.
However, if you're traveling from the east coast of North America,
a carrier such as Singapore Airlines of Malaysia Airlines with
a transatlantic routing may offer the best value.
Flights leave the west coast of the US in the evening and there
are good connections from most North American cities.
From New Zealand
New
Zealand - Australia routes are busy and competition is fierce,
resulting in an ever-changing range of deals and special offers.
It's a relatively short hop across the Tasman Sea; flying time
from Auckland to Sydney
is around 3 1/2 hours.
From the Southeast Asia
A satisfying way of reaching Australia and really getting some
impression of the distance you've come is to travel overland through
Southeast Asia. Plenty of people make this journey, especially
Australian backpackers heading in the other direction at the start
of their trip. Southeast Asia isn't as straightforward or relaxing
as Australia, buts it's a fascinating region and is unlikely to
make a big dent in your budget.
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