Travel expert reveals flight booking hacks which could save you hundreds

This is the advice from RMIT Aviation Academy operations manager and a former network controller for major airlines, Justin Brownjohn, who said "travel hacking" was becoming more prominent in today's inflationary environment.

Historically, travellers have reduced costs by using frequent flyer points, point-stacking, seeking points bonuses and redeeming them smartly, Mr Brownjohn said.

But you can also save by booking in advance - but not too far in advance.

"Absolutely never book 12 months ahead - this is when airlines automatically release their schedules, which is when the most expensive fares are made available and you'll be at risk of fare dropping," Mr Brownjohn said.

"Usually the best time to book flights is between six to eight weeks ahead for domestic travel and three to four months ahead for international travel. The best days to book a flight include on Tuesdays, Saturdays and public holidays."

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show international trips have exceeded pre-pandemic levels. RMIT calls this "revenge travel", as Australians book more holidays to make up for lost time.

The market is finally normalising post-pandemic, and this means prices are coming down, according to Flight Centre global managing director, Andrew Stark.

There was a 13 per cent decrease in the average price of international economy airfares sold in Australia during the first half of 2024 and prices could fall even more, Flight Centre data shows.

"September and October traditionally offer great deals for travellers looking to get in early for next year, particularly for those interested in a European summer getaway," Mr Stark said.

RMIT associate professor in finance, Dr Angel Zhong, said there are other ways to keep your holiday costs low: be conscious of your spending, be flexible with your travel dates, and use comparison websites to find the best deals.

"Opt for travel destinations that offer good value for money, such as places with favourable exchange rates or a lower cost of living. Recent data shows Indonesia is a top travel destination for Australians," Dr Zhong said.

"Plan a daily spending limit for your trip to keep track of expenses and stick to this budget to avoid overspending. Decide how much you're willing to spend on the entire trip, including flights, accommodation, meals and activities."

The top three international destinations from which Australians returned in June 2024 were Indonesia, followed by New Zealand and then the United Kingdom, ABS data shows.