h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Why is it so expensive still to fly to Australia? I know it's a long way, but it appears to be going to cost between £1000-£2000 pounds *each* for me and my son to fly out and back.

I only want to visit a relative, and thought as I've had a bit of a windfall I'd be able to go out there before she's too old to enjoy our company, but I can't afford to blow that much just on a flight there and back!

When's the off-peak season?

Mina,

Who are you flying with? And also - is there a rugby match going on at the time you want to go --- a semi-serious remark as certainly; I know of one friend of mine who wanted to go to Hong Kong to watch a rugby event, and was quoted figures of £1000 upwards when usual flight prices are about £500 or thereabouts.

I know that when I flew to Oz last September, it was £680 return on Qantas, travelling out and back on a Thursday; if you can avoid leaving on a weekend, then it makes it a bit cheaper. Just checking on Qantas, it should be about £650-£800 return from Heathrow to Hobart.

Hope you find a flight which suits you

Stay ,
WD

Mina, when do you want to go? If you go in July or August, it's peak season (cos it's summer in the UK) for BA/Qantas, who have a joint service to Oz. If you can manage before the end of June, it would be about £1500.
Also, try some 'bucket shops' like trailfinders or carlson-wagonlit. They can often undercut the actual carriers, especially in off-peak times.

Wow Mina!!! Are you coming to Oz?? Don't forget to let us know if you are coming to Sydney - we'll have a Meet in your honour.

Where?? Well ... I might just mention that Linus is buying the Carlisle Castle

I wasn't sure who I'd be flying with, or when I wanted to go really. I did look in August because I thought it being Winter out there it would be cheaper.

The other dates I was putting in were October, as my son's half term - he can't afford for me to take him out of class - and I was just using any old date. Perhaps I'll think about the May half term for next year, rather than thinking about it for this year, and fly out on a weekday. It all depends on whether I get another job again soon - if not I'll be spending that cash on the mortgage.

I will try those places, pedro7, thanks!