Flight Bookings

Cheap Airline Tickets in New Zealand

Planning your next trip within New Zealand or internationally? Use this guide to flight bookings so you can get to your destination when you want, for the price you want.

• Airlines

Trying to plan a trip? Whether it is for business or pleasure, the obvious first step to getting out of town is flight bookings. The internet has opened up an entire world of booking airline tickets. For some people it can be overwhelming. There are so many travel websites, so many deals, and so many options.

Book Early
Booking your tickets early is the best way to get cheap flights, both locally and internationally. Trying to find cheap tickets at the last minute - while it can be done - is not advisable. Ideally, keep an eye on flights and promotions three months or so before you wish to travel.

But Not Too Early
Booking flights too far ahead will mean you'll be in before the sales begin. It is on a case by case basis; however booking a year ahead will often mean you'll pay the full, rack rate price. Unless you're getting a great deal by booking far in advance, hold out on booking until six months prior to travel, and watch the bargains as they are promoted.

Last Minute Flights
There is one situation when flying last minute can work to your advantage - if you have several destination options. Need to get out of town quickly, but not fussed on where? Last minute deals on flights and accommodation are perfect for you.

You can often find amazing deals just a few days before the weekend for travel that weekend. You will have a chance to explore a city you may have never thought of going to, or have a chance to return to an old favourite.

Last minute deals are not great if you need to get to a particular business meeting, but you can reap serious savings if you are flexible about your destination. Keep an eye out for hot deals as airlines try to fill up unfilled flights just days before departure.

Get Alerts
Airfare sales come up often but it can be hard to keep track of them. Furthermore, by the time you find out about a sale, so has everyone else. The cheapest tickets go fast, so you want to get them as soon as they're available. Sign up for e-mail alerts from online travel websites to ensure you get sent every promotion. Often, it'll be the first thing in your e-mail inbox in the morning. Acting quickly on these promotional prompts gives you a chance to get online and book before the masses start getting click-happy.

Choosing Your Flight Times
Did you know that the time of day that you fly can change the cost of your flight? It's not commonly known that airport levies are cheaper in off-peak times. This means, the airline you travel with has to pay less if they arrive out of standard daytime hours. Grabbing the dawn flight out or the midnight flight in will pass the airline's savings on to you. If you don't mind travelling in the dark, you can save significantly!

Additionally, choosing to fly on off-peak days can save you money. Consider flying mid-week, rather than on a weekend. There is less demand from holidaymakers, therefore more seats to fill. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are best, so if you can afford the time off work, make your vacation weekend a week-long holiday. 

One Way Tickets
Over the past few years, most flight tickets have been offered in a 'one-way' format. This means you often pay different prices on return, which can be both positive and negative for your wallet. A big bonus is that you do have the flexibility of flying with different airlines with one-way flights. This can mean you get the best prices, and the most convenient flight times for you. It also gives you a great way to 'open jaw' travelling. An 'open jaw' trip is one where you arrive at one destination, but have a return ticket home from a different destination. It gives you the chance to do your own thing in between, and make your own way to destination number two spontaneously.

Beware of buying a one-way ticket when travelling internationally. Some countries require you to have an onward ticket upon entry to their state. This prevents them from dealing with overstayers. Before you book a one-way ticket, check the requirements of the country you plan to travel to via the New Zealand embassy in that country.

Need Flexibility?
Generally, the less flexible the flight, the cheaper it will be. Most cheap fares aren't changeable. If there's a chance that your plans could change, consider paying a little more to get a flexible ticket. You'll have the ability to change the time, date and destination of your flight, or even transfer it to someone else.

Looking for more information on airline flights? Check out the NZS.com director

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Travel images from Flickr: Plane Wing, New Zealand Lake and Dolphin.