Neil_Oz

"The (Australian) Government has signalled it is only months away from an "open slather" deal on air routes between Australia and Europe, despite pressure from some countries that still own their national carriers to stop liberalisation."

"The agreement with the EU would follow similar ground-breaking agreements with the US and New Zealand. Airlines can now decide on their own how many flights a week they can operate between Australia and the US. This has led to a collapse in prices. Fares that were as high as $2500 return a year ago are now less than $1000 because of new competition.

"The agreement with New Zealand will be taken to a new level in the next few months, with the abolition of international status on trans-Tasman routes.

"Airlines will be able to operate from domestic terminal to domestic terminal in both countries, which they say will save them up to $60 a seat a flight .... The airlines have signalled that trans-Tasman fares could fall to as low as $130 one way."

Full article at:

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-...0812-ehv3.html

farrermog

Yeah, and with the European financial system apparently still vulnerable and the Euro overvalued there might end up being more bang for our Ozbucks by the time we eventually make it over there on the cheap(er) fares... but don't count on it.

JoanneH

On May 31st Qantas had some 24 hour special (or made a mistake) $459 with tax was $503.00 US round trip SFO-Sydney which of course we hopped right on it. Earlier in the year (end of March) it was around $1400. Delta is suppose to start that route from West Coast sometime this month or next which should also help lower fares.

Neil_Oz

Joanne, I believe Delta started Pacific services but there's now a cloud hanging over their future on the route. They've refused to disclose their load factors to date, which suggests that all is not well.

wlzmatilida

Hi Joanne!

Good for you for jumping on a fare when you saw it; so many don't and then wonder why they can't get that good deal the following month - you have to be quick! Qantas had a special last week that ran for about 3 days - $709, roundtrip, including taxes, from SFO-SYD.

Delta has started up, but I think Qantas feels more pressure from "V Australia"; Delta doesn't come CLOSE to Qantas and as Neil says, I'd be wary of them.

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

JoanneH

My theory on air fare is when you see what you think is a great price and its in your time frame grab it, and don't look back. While this was out of my time frame I was able to juggle work around so it worked in the end. Like many of us I have bought a fare thinking it was good only to see it go lower, I have never been able to get fares at the rock rock bottom but I am usually successful on getting them in the lower ranges which is good enough for me.