Flights to Australia – Domestic Flights within Australia
In an island continent almost as large as the continental United States, the quickest way to visit the splendors of different regions in a few weeks or even a month is to fly. Train service, especially aboard the legendary Indian Pacific or Ghan Railroads, is an excellent and relaxing way to sit back and admire the changing landscapes of Australia's destinations when you have the luxury of time. Although the scenic vistas are not as grand on most flights, they do take less time.
Domestic air travel in Australia can often be confusing. Not every airline flies to every destination; flight schedules are typically not as frequent as in the US; and pricing tends to become quite expensive as the flight date approaches. Fortunately, Australia's airlines tend to hold to their schedules.
Small charter planes are available for scenic flights and reaching idyllic destinations
When planning your package tour to Australia, you can save money by booking your domestic Australian airfare with your international flights to Australia. If you purchased a low-cost international fare already, call us at 1-888-825-4529 or email Authentic Australia for suggestions on keeping your airfare costs down when planning your trip. We offer a discount on Qantas domestic flights with flights to Australia on Qantas, and offer a complementary Lounge pass with VirginBlue's airpass if your international flight is with Delta.
Some of the choices for discounted flight packages that can be added to your international flights to Australia are –
Qantas Aussie AirPass
Qantas’ Aussie AirPass allows for travel to four cities within Australia for approximately the price of just the international airfare. If you are planning to visit several destinations within Australia an AirPass may offer the best value. Pricing is based on the time of year you’re traveling (May is least expensive, December to mid-February has the highest fares) and the destinations within Australia you plan to visit.
Special offers with the AirPass may feature a free flight to a specific destination. The Qantas Aussie AirPass is only available through Qantas, a travel agent or tour operator.
Virgin Blue Airpass
Virgin Blue’s Airpass is available only to international visitors and must be purchased before arrival in Australia. At least 3 and less than 8 flights within Australia, or internationally to New Zealand and several South Pacific islands can be purchased for Virgin Blue/Pacific Blue flights, with substantial savings.
The pass is non-refundable, but tickets can be changed online up to 24 hours before departure without a fee.
Jetstar
Jetstar is owned by Qantas and operates as Qantas’ low-cost airline. Jetstar flies to fewer destinations than Qantas, but recently announced plans to increase flights to Western Australia and New Zealand.
Tiger Airways Australia
Sister airline to Singapore-based Tiger Airways, Tiger is Australia’s no-frills airlines with limited routes.
Regional Express flies to smaller airports in Australia
Tips for Flying within Australia
Checked luggage limits on domestic Australian flights are different than those on your international flights from the US – except for travelers who arrive in Australia or New Zealand on Qantas and are flying within Australia on Qantas.
If you fly to Australia with a coach class Qantas ticket, you will be able to check two pieces of luggage on all your Australia / New Zealand Qantas flights.
Virgin Blue and Jetstar flights allow only one piece of checked luggage (depending on the ticket purchased). Costs for an additional checked bag can quickly add up and it would be a shame to leave a bag of treasures behind.
Weight limits for all luggage are less on the smaller regional and private airlines. Be sure to check the luggage limitations of your chosen airline before you depart as they are subject to change.
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