QANTAS DROPS TWO MILLION CHEAP SEATS FOR SUMMER, BUT YOU ONLY HAVE UNTIL WEDNESDAY
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If you have been daydreaming about a summer break, a family catch-up interstate or a cheeky long weekend next year, now might be the moment to stop dreaming and start booking.
Qantas has just opened a domestic sale with more than two million discounted seats, and the clock is already ticking.
The sale launched on Thursday 29 October and, according to Travel Weekly, closes at 11:59pm AEDT on Wednesday 4 November, or earlier if seats sell out.
That leaves just a few days to grab a bargain.
Where Qantas can take you, and for how much
The sale covers more than 100 domestic routes and 58 destinations, with travel on selected dates between 30 November 2026 and 30 September 2027.
Crucially for families, that window includes selected flights over the summer school holidays, Christmas and New Year, Easter and the winter school holidays.
Some of the standout one-way Economy fares include Sydney to Ballina, the gateway to Byron Bay, from $99, Brisbane to Hervey Bay from $109 and Adelaide to Kangaroo Island from $109.
Melbourne to Launceston starts from $129, Sydney to Melbourne from $139 and Perth to Geraldton from $169.
Travel Monitor reports that Cairns to Townsville starts from $119, Brisbane to Hobart from $199 and Perth to Sydney from $349, and that 39 routes have Economy fares under $149.
If you fancy a little luxury, Business fares start from $299 one way on selected routes such as Brisbane to Newcastle, and from $999 between Perth and the east coast capitals.
Sale Economy fares include checked baggage, food, drinks and entertainment, which is worth factoring in when you compare prices with budget carriers.
Think beyond the usual hot spots
Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson described the sale as "a great opportunity to lock in a fare for that next summer holiday" and encouraged travellers to look further afield.
The airline is particularly keen to point people towards regional Australia, with fares such as Sydney to Coffs Harbour or Dubbo from $129, Mildura to Melbourne from $149 and Canberra to Uluru from $379.
Regional trips can be a wonderful way to stretch your holiday budget, with quieter beaches, country towns and national parks often costing less on the ground than the big-name destinations.
A busy week for airfares
Qantas is not the only airline chasing holidaymakers.
Virgin Australia ran a seven-hour Halloween flash sale on Thursday evening with fares from $55 one way, for travel next autumn and winter.
That sale has now closed, but it is a reminder that deals can appear and disappear quickly, so it pays to keep an eye on both airlines' websites and sign up for their email alerts.
Tips for snapping up the best deal
Move fast.
Sale seats are limited and the cheapest fares on popular dates, especially around Christmas and the school holidays, tend to go first.
Be flexible.
Selected travel dates and blackout periods apply, so if your plans allow, try shifting your departure by a day or two, or flying midweek, to find a lower fare.
Check the details.
Advertised fares are based on the lowest published prices on qantas.com, so prices through travel agents may differ.
Read the fare conditions before you pay, particularly around changes and cancellations.
Book accommodation early too.
A cheap flight is only half the story during peak season, and popular holiday spots can book out well ahead of summer.
You can browse the full range of fares on the Qantas flight deals page.
Whether it is a beach escape, a visit to the grandkids or that Uluru trip you have been promising yourself, it might just be the perfect excuse to pack a bag.
