Not all air tickets require payment immediately. The due date for payment varies by booking method, type of airfare, and seat demand.
Many factors determine when an airfare has to be paid. All airfares have an in-built ticketing time limit. The ticketing time limit specifies how soon after a reservation is made, that payment is required. It can vary depending on booking online or with a travel agent. The cheapest flights usually require payment sooner than more flexible fares. And during busy periods, the airline may bring the ticketing time limit forward so that unwanted seats are released more shortly.
This information is based on airfares sold from New Zealand but is likely to apply elsewhere.
Online Versus Travel Agent Payment Deadlines for Air Tickets
Payment dates for the same air ticket can vary depending on how you have booked the flight. Most online flight booking engines require you to pay for the visa as soon as you have made the reservation. However, with some airfares, especially long-haul airfares, a travel agent can hold the same seats for a more extended period before paying for them.
For example, if you book a London to Singapore flight on the Singapore Airlines website, you will be required to pay for the airfare straight away. However, if you book it through a travel agent, you may not have to pay for the air ticket two weeks before departure. So it is handy if you are booking in March, but your flight is not until July.
Similarly, if you ring Singapore airlines and book with them directly over the phone, they may also be able to hold the seats without payment until a later date.
Airfare Type Determines Payment Deadline for Airline Tickets
Cheap airfares have more restrictive rules. It usually includes having to pay for the airfare sooner rather than later. For example, airfare specials often require payment within 24, 48, or 72 hours, even when travel is not for several months.
If you purchase flights for travel in another country, then payment is usually required the same day. If you purchase a ticket in Australia to travel between Brazil and Argentina, the airfare is likely to be an ‘instant purchase’ airfare. It means that it needs payment straight away to secure the airfare quoted.
The payment and ticketing date for business class flights tends to be much closer to the departure date than economy flights. There is greater competition for economy flights than business class flights. In addition, business class flights are a lot more expensive, so you get to book now and pay later.
Airlines can Bring Air Ticket Payment Dates Forward.
Most people who travel at Christmas, New Year, school holidays, or other traditionally busy times will understand the importance of booking early. One book early to avoid disappointment later when they cannot get a seat. However, booking does not necessarily mean having to pay straight away.
If seats fill way in advance of travel, the airline can bring the ticketing time limit forward. This forces people holding seats to either purchase them or release them.
The airlines can also bring the ticketing date forward if they plan to increase airfare. If you have a seat held through a travel agent or with the airline directly, the agent or airline will contact you to allow you to purchase the airfare and avoid the increase, or keep the seat but pay for the new higher airfare later.
When do Airfares Require Payment?
If you are booking online, then airfares require payment straight away. The advantage of this is avoiding any potential airfare increases. However, if you are uncertain about whether you will travel but are anxious to hold a seat, then booking through the airline over the phone or with a travel agent may buy you more time before paying.
Ever wonder why the flight or series of flights you want are wildly expensive? It could be because no single airfare exists for it.
Not every route that can be flown has affordable airfare. For example, a complicated itinerary may produce completely unreasonable airfare. This is because, behind the scenes, that total may be made up of two or more individual airfares. As illogical as it seems, it may work out cheaper to do the same itinerary but include a few more stopovers, fly an alternative airline and purchase a return ticket when you only need a one-way airfare.
Routing Restrictions on Airfares
It’s not always clear why you can’t travel straight between A and B. This is because airlines need to maximize profitability, and even though it may seem illogical, this is achieved by traveling out of the way to collect more passengers.
For example, a flight between Auckland and London that flies via Seoul, Korea, and which involves an overnight stay is often cheaper than a direct flight. Direct flights commonly attract a premium even though they probably cost less technically. This is because demand for direct flights is greater. No one wants to stop over unless they have to. If there is a choice, most people will pay more to get between A and B as quickly as possible.
Flight Number Restrictions on Airfares
Ever wonder why you can’t just fly any flight number you choose? Sometimes specific flight numbers are restricted based on where the ticket is purchased, the combination of flights being purchased, and whether the airline is the operating carrier or a codeshare flight.
Airlines usually work within alliances to reach destinations that they don’t fly to themselves. It is how an airline can cater to the most significant number of passengers, even if it does not serve the destinations themselves.
For example, any domestic Australian travel must use Virgin Blue when flying between Sydney and Buenos Aires on Aerolineas Argentinas. Likewise, any domestic travel in Argentina must use only Aerolineas or Austral Lineas Aereas.
Airfare Rules and Cost Vary by Place of Purchase
Not all airfares are created equally. For example, an airfare that governs a domestic route can vary from an airfare sold from overseas in the same way. For example, a London to Auckland airfare on Singapore airlines is twice the cost when purchased from New Zealand as it is when bought from the U.K. Airlines decide where they want to sell seats from when setting their airfares.
Return flights may be cheaper than one-way flights. For instance, purchasing a one-way Lufthansa airline ticket between Frankfurt and Manchester might cost up to five times as much as purchasing a round-trip ticket. So it can work out to accept the return airfare and only use the first coupon.
How to Avoid Expensive Airfares
Airfares are not calculated in the way that an average person would expect. The most direct route is rarely the cheapest, even though it might be the shortest. A return ticket can be more affordable than a one-way airfare, and some seats on an aircraft are likely to be sold by other airlines.
Epic Adventures, Modest Budget: Your Ultimate Travel Savings Guide
Are you thinking of traveling on a budget? Well, no worries! This article is all about how we can manage that. Nowadays, people love to travel, whether it’s to hill stations or desert areas, for fun, scenic views, adventures, and an environment where one can relax and de-stress.
Travel used to be something only a few considered, but now most of us research and plan well for trips around the globe. We have better ways to get there, many places to explore, and loads of tips on how to do it without burning a hole in your pocket.
For those seeking budget-friendly destinations, exploring state and national parks within a reasonable driving distance can provide a change of landscape without breaking the bank. Additionally, house exchanges with friends or relatives offer cost-free accommodations, enabling the exploration of new regions at a minimal expense. Vacations don’t have to be expensive with low-cost lodging options like rental cabins in state parks or last-minute discounts on unsold cruise cabins. The key lies in making the most of available resources and seeking out discounted alternatives. Moreover, we will brief all the tips on exploring travel destinations on a budget and how to plan a low-cost vacation trip.
The possibilities for affordable and enjoyable holidays are abundant, offering alternatives beyond extravagant expenses and distant travels. Fun can be found in a change of scenery within 100 miles of home or a simple change of pace in the comfort of one’s residence. So, whether you’re planning a quick break, a relaxed getaway, or a big backpacking adventure, you can make it awesome without going broke.
Some fantastic tips to elevate your vacation experience are
Think Ahead and Plan Wisely
Choose Budget-Friendly Places to Stay
Pack Wisely
Avoid the Busy Times
Secure Savings with Early Booking
Choose Your Meals Wisely
Save with Budget Airlines
Combine Travel with Work
Use Public Transport
Make Memories Without Overspending
Let’s delve into these valuable insights!
Think Ahead and Plan Wisely:
When traveling on a budget, meticulous planning is your best friend. While spontaneity has its charm, a well-thought-out plan can help you avoid unnecessary expenses. Think about how long you’ll be staying in each place and draw a general route for your journey. Planning prevents last-minute expensive decisions on flights and accommodations, as they are more costly when booked in haste.
Choose Budget-Friendly Places to Stay:
Replace expensive hotel rooms with budget-friendly alternatives like hostel dormitories or accommodations on platforms like Airbnb and Agoda. Sharing expenses in communal areas not only extends your budget but also gives you the chance to connect with fellow travelers. Staying with family, friends, or acquaintances can provide a unique and cost-effective lodging option, while also providing personalized insights into the local scene.
Pack Wisely:
Pack smartly to avoid unnecessary expenses during your journey. Having everything you need means there’s no need for last-minute shopping. When traveling to warm or chilly destinations, make sure to bring versatile items like long jeans, a warm hoodie, and a waterproof jacket. Plan and pack accordingly to avoid overspending on souvenirs.
Avoid the Busy Times:
Avoid peak travel times, particularly during school holidays when prices spike. Take benefit of the “shoulder season” by planning your trip just before or after the busiest travel dates. During this period, you can still have a fantastic trip for less money, even if the sun doesn’t shine as brightly. Airlines and hotels frequently decrease their prices during these off-peak periods to attract budget-conscious travelers.
Secure Savings with Early Booking:
Ensure you have your flights booked well ahead of time, particularly your return tickets. Airlines commonly offer seats up to a year prior, and the cost tends to increase as the departure date nears. Choosing flights during the middle of the week, especially on Tuesdays, can also help you save money. Alternatively, think about flying economy to allocate your budget towards experiences at your destination, instead of spending it on the flight.
Choose Your Meals Wisely:
While choosing affordable lunches from supermarkets or local markets, you can save money on meals. Make sure to explore dining options before choosing a restaurant, as it prevents overspending. If your hotel has a kitchen, consider cooking for yourself to save money and be healthier.
Save with Budget Airlines:
Be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying during off-peak hours or weekdays. Pack light to avoid baggage fees, and subscribe to airline newsletters for exclusive discounts. Check nearby airports and use online comparison sites to find the most affordable options. Sometimes booking one-way tickets can be cheaper than round-trip fares. Watch out for extra fees, like seat selection or in-flight meals, and only pay for what you need. Understanding baggage policies is crucial to avoiding unexpected costs.
Combine Travel with Work:
While working during your explorations, you can transform your travel dreams into reality. Seasonal jobs, social media marketing, blog writing, video making, web developing, or freelancing on the go are all ways to earn money while immersing yourself in different cultures. There are many ways to earn money while traveling, like remote freelancing.
Use Public Transport:
Choosing public transport on a budget trip is a smart move. It’s wallet-friendly, saving on fuel and parking hassles. In cities, buses and trains offer stress-free navigation, letting you soak in the local scene. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, reducing your carbon footprint. Engaging with locals becomes easier, adding a cultural touch. Forget about vehicle maintenance costs and insurance fees that come with renting a car. Public transport systems often have flexible ticket options, and they help you avoid traffic delays, ensuring a smooth journey. It’s a budget-savvy, convenient, and authentic way to explore, making your trip memorable.
Make Memories Without Overspending:
When you’re exploring a new place, really soak in the local vibes by getting to know the culture and making friends. Look for free walking or bike tours in cities, it’s a super cool way to see the sights and meet new people, especially if you’re traveling solo. Some hostels even offer free stuff like cooking classes or pub crawls. And don’t forget to chat with locals and do a bit of digging – you might find out about free museum days or discover cool spots like parks and street markets that aren’t just for tourists.
By embracing the concept of a vacation day or evening each week, individuals and families can engage in local activities, from hiking and picnicking to exploring nearby landmarks. Quality time spent with loved ones often transcends monetary considerations and memorable moments can be created through new experiences, such as paddling a canoe, going fishing, hiking a mountain, climbing a rope, eating with friends or family, dancing in groups, sunbathing near the beach, exploring an island full of adventure, enjoying natural and eye-catching views, and much more.
Taking off on a low-cost vacation involves strategic planning and a willingness to explore the wealth of affordable options available. Whether opting for a staycation, day trips to nearby destinations, or embracing cost-effective lodging choices like camping or house swapping, there are numerous ways to enjoy a fulfilling getaway without straining your budget. Choosing off-peak travel times, leveraging discounts on activities, and utilizing public transportation can further contribute to cost savings. By prioritizing experiences over extravagant expenses and remaining open to creative alternatives, travelers can create lasting memories without the financial burden. With careful consideration and a sense of adventure, a budget-friendly vacation can be just as enriching and enjoyable as a more costly one.
Ultimately, the true essence of a vacation lies in the quality of shared experiences and laughter with loved ones. Lasting memories are not determined by the amount of money spent or the distance traveled but by the depth of connection and joy experienced during the time spent together. Whether it’s a simple day trip, a local adventure, or an unconventional vacation choice, the heart of a fulfilling holiday is in the moments created and shared with those we cherish.
Qantas is not the most popular choice of airline to fly between New Zealand and Australia. However, despite its shortcomings, Qantas does have its virtues.
In the eternal race for passenger dollars, Qantas falls miserably in their trans-Tasman route, i.e., the route between New Zealand and Australia. While Qantas often has cheaper fares than many of the other more popular carriers, the difference is not so much that it can always convince travelers to sit through three to four hours with no entertainment on demand.
However, on my early morning June 2019 flight between Auckland and Melbourne, I found the Qantas offering to be spacious because the flight was not complete, the staff to be friendly, and the lack of seatback entertainment was especially conducive to sleep.
Spare Seats on Qantas
Having a spare seat next to one on a flight is like finding gold. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, the sheer good luck makes one want to buy a lottery ticket immediately. Flying off-peak increases your chances of discovering airline gold.
I can recommend the 6:30 a.m. flight on a Saturday morning. If the flight is not complete, you may find the seat next to you has been blocked out for your comfort. Also, having a spare seat next to you makes it more convenient for stashing belongings and empty meal trays.
If you are a tall person, a spare seat next to you may not immediately alleviate the problem of knocking your knees on the seat in front, but it will at least let you splay your knees out wider.
Friendly Staff on Qantas
Qantas has not always had the best reputation for friendly staff. But not on the trans-Tasman route. The Qantas flights are serviced by their subsidiary, Jetconnect, which has a well-earned reputation for attracting quality cabin crew.
Even first thing in the morning, the crew are impeccably groomed and looking genuinely happy to be there. They hit the right note of friendliness and subordination, and of course, their New Zealand accents make kiwis feel right at home.
Entertainment on Qantas
For an airline that services the trans-Tasman route as frequently as Qantas, it seems bizarre that they would be so behind in updating their economy product regarding entertainment. Currently, there is no individual seatback entertainment, although that may change before the end of 2019.
However, for those not keen on watching movies at 6 a.m., the lack of seatback entertainment has several advantages:
there are no distractions, which is conducive to catching up on sleep missed from having to get up early
Some people find the individual screens too close to view comfortably, so the lack of screens eases pressure on the eyes; just for fun, try watching the movie which will show on various screens suspended from the ceiling, without the sound. You will be amazed at how much you can still follow the storyline.
Fly Qantas Between New Zealand and Australia
If you don’t mind flying off-peak and would rather play sudoku or sleep than watch movies, consider Qantas for your next flight between New Zealand and Australia. You may find yourself lucky enough to have a spare seat next to you, a friendlier cabin crew than you might be accustomed to, and more time to sleep or read instead of individual seatback entertainment.
Seize the opportunity to get as close as you can outside of Egypt to Tutankhamun, the ‘image of the living god,’ by visiting the touring exhibition.
The mystery and speculation surrounding the short life of Egypt’s famous boy-king, Tutankhamun, is one that many of my generations have enjoyed learning about. TUTANKHAMUN AND THE PHAROS AGE However, it is currently in Melbourne, Australia, which is the tour’s final stop before heading back to Egypt after November 2018.
The exhibition is potentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the relics of the most famous archaeological discovery in history. Take the audio tour for more information than what is posted on the exhibits. And do not miss the Egypt 3D movie, which is filled with additional information that helps place the exhibition in a historical context.
Once in a Lifetime Opportunity to see Egypt’s Treasures Outside of Egypt.
Almost everyone has heard of King Tutankhamun and the extraordinary discovery of his tomb by Howard Carter in 1922. Melbourne is the last stop of the touring Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Exhibition, so it is the final opportunity to see the artifacts from this incredible archaeological find.
The exhibit is well executed. The mystery surrounding the boy king’s short life and death translates well with darkened rooms and spotlighted presentations designed to emulate the atmosphere of discovery and reverence. In addition, large black and white wall photos of the original resting places of many of the artifacts help to place them in context.
The final of nine rooms that house the exhibition displays the artifacts found on Tutankhamun’s body. An inlaid floor display conveys the size of the nested coffins and caskets that housed Tutankhamun’s mummy. It helps one to understand how his mummy was able to remain undisturbed for so long.
Outside of the exhibition, a replica of his preserved body accompanies information about the procedures to extract DNA and other scientific discoveries that infer information about his state of health in life and the likely causes of his death.
Opt for the Audio Tour of the Tutankhamun Exhibition for Additional Information
If you are like me and absorb information better when spoken, instead of having to read it, then the audio tour will suit you perfectly. The audio tour provides additional details to 21 of the 130 artifacts. The audio hardware is on a cord, so you can hang it around your neck when you are not using it.
Narrated by Egyptian-born actor Omar Sharif, the information is both authoritative and entertaining. While he includes the same information as the descriptions on the exhibits, he gives a more significant explanation of the context with more information designed to fill out the historical and cultural significance of the artifacts.
View the Egypt 3D Movie Before Viewing the Tutankhamun Exhibition
Not included in the leading exhibition is the Egypt 3D movie. Therefore, it is an additional cost to the collection. Still, it provides an excellent preview and setting to appreciate better the historical significance of the treasures you are about to view in the top show.
The movie centers on the 1881 discovery of the final resting place of twelve of Egypt’s pharaohs. Hidden far from where was previously believed to be their last resting places, the coffins had been transferred to unmarked caverns deep underground to evade pillaging grave robbers. The film is an excellent prequel to the 1922 tomb discovery. The exhibition fills up the blanks.
The Golden Age of the Pharaohs
For those who have never been to Egypt but have always wanted to visit, an exciting method to tap into the enthusiasm and real-life mystery of one of Egypt’s most significant legacies. But, of course, it is not every day that one gets to stand right next to the coffin of a pharaoh or to gaze upon the golden treasures of a culture so the old one can hardly comprehend. Nonetheless, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs is a must-see show.
To fly or not to fly? Why do some airlines deem it safe to fly while others stay grounded during volcanic ash cloud disruptions?
In June 2017, the volcanic ash clouds from the eruption of Chile’s Mt Puyehue Cordon Caulle volcano disrupted the travel plans of thousands of travelers. In addition, they ground hundreds of flights in Australia and New Zealand. While no one blames the airlines for this event, confusion emerged when some airlines such as Air New Zealand and Emirates continued to operate while others like Qantas and Jet Star stayed grounded.
For those airlines that remained grounded, were they playing it safe? And if one airline continues to fly, does that mean it is taking risks? Can an airline fly safely under or around an ash cloud, and if yes, why not all airlines? And why does one airline provide accommodation for affected travelers while others don’t?
Grounding Flights During Volcanic Ash Clouds
Something is comforting about your flight being grounded due to volcanic ash clouds in the flight path. Make no mistake. It is inconvenient, but if the recent coverage of the thousands of passengers stranded around Australian and New Zealand airports showed anything, it was overall, travelers understood.
The confusion only began to arise when travelers learned that some airlines continued to fly while others remained grounded. Qantas insisted that company safety standards dictated that where there was the known existence of any volcanic ash in or around a flight path, their flights would not operate. Moreover, because the information available to them could not determine any measure of the ash density, they would not be flying.
This satisfied travelers for the first couple of days but once the grounding of flights was leading into the fourth and fifth day, and other airlines such as Air New Zealand and Emirates continued to operate without any aircraft falling out of the sky, the tide of understanding began to turn against Qantas. Qantas travelers demanded to be transferred to other airlines. I was one of them.
What is the Risk of Flying Under or Around Volcanic Ash Plumes?
One must believe that an airline will not fly if there is any uncertainty about safety. It is a morbid thought, but with each passing day that I was delayed due to the volcanic ash cloud, I was heartened that Air New Zealand and Emirates were continuing to fly without any of the airplanes falling out of the sky.
Air New Zealand insisted that they could see where the ash cloud lay. Therefore, they could safely fly at lower altitudes beneath the ash cloud and skirt around the outside as deemed necessary. Of course, more fuel would be required because the journey takes longer at lower altitudes. Yet as seats were snapped up and flights were taking off without a single spare seat, I do not doubt that they recouped any additional fuel costs.
All the while, rumors started to circulate about why Qantas refused to operate their aircraft. Maybe they didn’t want to pay more for petrol. If this was false, it was understandable. In the last twelve months, Qantas has given redundancy to hundreds of cabin crew and senior-level management. In addition, it has struggled to claw itself into a better state of financial health.
In the past year, the airline has also been plagued by a string of bad press ranging from parts of its new Airbus A380 coming loose in flight, tires bursting on arrival, dramatic losses in cabin pressure causing injury, and continued staffing strikes. So it is no wonder that the airline did not want to enter into any situation that could be misconstrued as unsafe.
Communication with and Alternative Arrangements for Disrupted Travellers
When a natural event disrupts travelers on this volcanic event’s scale, the accurate measure of an airline’s contingency processes is rigorously tested. It also reminds travelers of some fundamental home truths when flying.
All airlines seek to give as much notice of disruptions to travelers as quickly as possible. But they need the traveler’s contact information to do so. Therefore, when you make a flight booking, you advise the airline of your mobile phone number and frequent flyer number. For example, duringWe were phoned and texted by Qantas during this disruption to notify of delays.
In the event of a weather disruption out of the airline’s control, it is not the airline’s responsibility to find accommodation for travelers. A few airlines will see it as a gesture of goodwill. However, it is unreasonable to expect an airline to accommodate thousands of disrupted travelers for an indefinite time due to an event beyond their control.
An event such as this is a timely reminder of why travelers should never travel without travel insurance. Travel insurance should always be factored into the cost of travel. My travel insurance for this trip saved us thousands of dollars in additional flights and accommodation.
Volcanic Ash Disruptions to Air Travellers
The grounding of flights in Australia and New Zealand during the recent Chilean volcano ash plume was controversial. Qantas played it safe but will have suffered for it financially to the tune of reportedly AUD21 million. However, air New Zealand modified its aircraft patterns, minimized disturbance, and emerged victorious on the day.
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