Advice: Booking Flights

[whufc]

Im looking at taking the partner and 3 kids over to the UK & Ireland next April/May.

Last time I booked an overseas holiday was over 5 years ago so im not the most up to date when it comes to best sites/methods etc.

So far I am seeing so many different ranges in prices available depending on site. What sites do people generally trust? What ones do you find are cheapest? Pro & Cons to booking on-line versus in store with a flight centre etc.

[Jim05]

I have several methods. I do have access to a TA’s account and often play around on it but in the last few months the price gap is almost non existent as flights are close to an all time low price wise.
Use something Google Flights, Momondo or Skyscanner to find the prices/dates you want and you can go from there if you want. I would suggest checking out any reviews online as there are some companies that have a shocking reputation. Once you have found the price on one of those sites go onto the website of the airline direct and see how it matches up. If the price is close I’d always book direct with the airline as there will be less hassles if something goes wrong.
Avoid places like the Flight Centre is another bit of advice for you.
Most importantly prepare to be flexible, there can be good savings by avoiding flying during school holidays or weekends. For Europe it’s often cheaper to avoid flying out of London or the UK as the departure taxes are higher. As you are taking kids avoid the super long haul and try to look at a stop over in the ME just to break it up.

[whufc]

I have several methods. I do have access to a TA’s account and often play around on it but in the last few months the price gap is almost non existent as flights are close to an all time low price wise.
Use something Google Flights, Momondo or Skyscanner to find the prices/dates you want and you can go from there if you want. I would suggest checking out any reviews online as there are some companies that have a shocking reputation. Once you have found the price on one of those sites go onto the website of the airline direct and see how it matches up. If the price is close I’d always book direct with the airline as there will be less hassles if something goes wrong.
Avoid places like the Flight Centre is another bit of advice for you.
Most importantly prepare to be flexible, there can be good savings by avoiding flying during school holidays or weekends. For Europe it’s often cheaper to avoid flying out of London or the UK as the departure taxes are higher. As you are taking kids avoid the super long haul and try to look at a stop over in the ME just to break it up.

Thanks all sounds like great advice!

Yeah taking the kids, I’m done a fair bit of travel without the kids in recent times and can’t bring myself to go without them and have them miss out.

[The Bedge]

Wasn't sure where to put this.. looking online at possible flight options end of the year for the family to head to Japan. Obviously I'm looking at most cost effective.

Some cheaper options have self-transfer at Cairns - it's a 2hr layover from arrival to departure.

Is that allowing enough time to comfortably go from domestic arrival to international departure?

[Jimmy_041]

I have several methods. I do have access to a TA’s account and often play around on it but in the last few months the price gap is almost non existent as flights are close to an all time low price wise.
Use something Google Flights, Momondo or Skyscanner to find the prices/dates you want and you can go from there if you want. I would suggest checking out any reviews online as there are some companies that have a shocking reputation. Once you have found the price on one of those sites go onto the website of the airline direct and see how it matches up. If the price is close I’d always book direct with the airline as there will be less hassles if something goes wrong.
Avoid places like the Flight Centre is another bit of advice for you.
Most importantly prepare to be flexible, there can be good savings by avoiding flying during school holidays or weekends. For Europe it’s often cheaper to avoid flying out of London or the UK as the departure taxes are higher. As you are taking kids avoid the super long haul and try to look at a stop over in the ME just to break it up.

Thanks all sounds like great advice!

Yeah taking the kids, I’m done a fair bit of travel without the kids in recent times and can’t bring myself to go without them and have them miss out.

Or HK as the airport is only 20 minutes from the city and there's plenty to see and do even if its only 8 or 24 hours.
Airport express is brilliant - you can check your bags and yourselves in in the city terminal and go out until you need to get moving

[heater31]

Wasn't sure where to put this.. looking online at possible flight options end of the year for the family to head to Japan. Obviously I'm looking at most cost effective.

Some cheaper options have self-transfer at Cairns - it's a 2hr layover from arrival to departure.

Is that allowing enough time to comfortably go from domestic arrival to international departure?

It's a 5 minute walk between the buildings via a covered walkway.

[Jim05]

Wasn't sure where to put this.. looking online at possible flight options end of the year for the family to head to Japan. Obviously I'm looking at most cost effective.

Some cheaper options have self-transfer at Cairns - it's a 2hr layover from arrival to departure.

Is that allowing enough time to comfortably go from domestic arrival to international departure?

Cairns is a breeze, 5 minute walk but it’s very pertinent to know if it is all on the same ticket and PNR as that will make a huge difference. AFAIK Jetstar won’t through check baggage so you will have to collect bags at Cairns and then make your way to International check in, passport, immigration etc. Check in closes 1hr before flight so as long as everything is on time you will make it but it will still be tight

[The Bedge]

Cairns is a breeze, 5 minute walk but it’s very pertinent to know if it is all on the same ticket and PNR as that will make a huge difference. AFAIK Jetstar won’t through check baggage so you will have to collect bags at Cairns and then make your way to International check in, passport, immigration etc. Check in closes 1hr before flight so as long as everything is on time you will make it but it will still be tight

Excellent! Thank you, that's a great response!

Can't say i'm filled with confidence with Jetstar so bit to consider haha!

[Jim05]

Cairns is a breeze, 5 minute walk but it’s very pertinent to know if it is all on the same ticket and PNR as that will make a huge difference. AFAIK Jetstar won’t through check baggage so you will have to collect bags at Cairns and then make your way to International check in, passport, immigration etc. Check in closes 1hr before flight so as long as everything is on time you will make it but it will still be tight

Excellent! Thank you, that's a great response!

Can't say i'm filled with confidence with Jetstar so bit to consider haha!

If it’s booked all on 1 PNR then Jetstar has to wear any delays including accomodation etc but they will also bend the check in rules and it’s not uncommon for them to allow you to check in only 30 minutes out.
If however you are on seperate PNR’s they will wash their hands of it and your flights aren’t protected meaning you will be up for new flight, accomodation etc

[Jimmy_041]

Cairns is a breeze, 5 minute walk but it’s very pertinent to know if it is all on the same ticket and PNR as that will make a huge difference. AFAIK Jetstar won’t through check baggage so you will have to collect bags at Cairns and then make your way to International check in, passport, immigration etc. Check in closes 1hr before flight so as long as everything is on time you will make it but it will still be tight

Excellent! Thank you, that's a great response!

Can't say i'm filled with confidence with Jetstar so bit to consider haha!

This ---------^

[The Bedge]

Alright, pulled the trigger, bought family flights to Japan for December - super excited and a quite nervous - but decided I'm going to start doing more stuff I want to do, and put myself / family first for a change.

Huge thank you to Jim05 for his advice and insight.. only travel I do is for work and that's domestic so it's piss easy - and usually to the same places.