How to Find Cheap Airfares to Australia

Australia is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts -- from the dramatic desert landscapes of the Outback to the lush tropical paradise of the Great Barrier Reef, there's something for everyone in Australia. Thanks to Australia's geographic isolation, you'll find wildlife and landscapes like nowhere else on Earth -- but the long flight can be expensive. With a little advance preparation, it is possible to get a cheap airfare to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Compare airfares online. Three airlines offer direct flights from the United States to Australia -- Qantas, V Australia and Delta. Compare rates across all three airlines at a fare comparison web site like Travelocity or Expedia. Look for codeshare flights with other major airlines -- if you're a United Airways or Northwest frequent flier customer, you may be eligible for a deal on a flight operated by one of its partners.

Step 2

Watch for special deals. Airlines often offer discount flights, especially for last-minute trips or outside the peak tourist season. Sign up for "V-Mail" at VAustralia.com to get weekly deals delivered to your in-box. Qantas also offers "Red e-Mail" from its Qantas.com website. If you're planning to visit several cities in Australia, consider booking an "Aussie Airpass" with Qantas. The deal includes your international airfare as well as four domestic flights at a steeply discounted rate.

Step 3

Be flexible with dates. Flights to Australia are most expensive in December and January, when Australians have their summer holidays. You'll find the best fares between June and September, Australia's winter. Also avoid leaving on a Friday or Saturday--these are the most popular days for travel to and from Australia. Aim to fly between Monday and Thursday for the best possible fares.

Step 4

Don't stop at nonstop. A nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Sydney seems long enough at 14 hours, but extending your travel time by just a little can save you money. Take a couple of days in Auckland, New Zealand, famous for extreme fun including bungee jumping and white-water rafting. Virgin Australia offers a stopover in Brisbane, where you can shake off jet lag with kite-surfing on beautiful Sandgate Beach.

Step 5

Book as part of a package. If you'll be staying in a hotel during your trip to Australia, combine your airfare and accommodation bookings in a package and save up to 30 percent on both. Expedia and Travelocity both offer package deals to Australia--add in your rental car for an even better deal.

Article Written By Hailey Williams

Hailey Williams is a freelance writer and editor from Los Angeles, California. She has a particular interest in culture, lifestyle, health, and women's interest reporting, and her work has been published in magazines including TV Week and Sugar. She graduated from the University of Sydney.

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