Sky high Airlines - Has the Descent Begun?

Over the past 12 months, business travellers have all been talking about one thing – the high price of airfares. It’s no wonder: travellers are paying much more than they did before COVID, and good deals have been scarce.  

Explanations for inflated prices include increased demand, limited capacity on certain routes, availability of aircraft due to maintenance, elevated fuel prices, staffing shortages and higher labour costs, and airlines basically recouping losses incurred during COVID. There are myriad other factors at play too, like seasonality and the rise in extreme weather events.   

Recent Flight Centre Travel Group data shows that prices for October / November 2022 are generally higher compared to the same period in 2019. The global average international fare increase is up 15% for business fares and 12% for economy. But have the wheels come down and the descent for prices begun?  

Need help with your business travel arrangements?  

Our Travel Managers are dedicated, experienced and knowledgeable. When you work with a Flight Centre Business Travel Manager you’re choosing peace of mind. Direct access to the same person, who gets your business – and its travel needs – inside and out. 

Sharmin says there are many ways in which Flight Centre Business Travel Managers can provide insights. A few of her favourite top tips are below:

Suggesting alternative route options, airlines, or a business frequent flyer membership that you haven't taken advantage of to maximise benefits to your company. 

Using the power of an advance purchase strategy to ensure you get the best deal. Most airlines release advance purchase fares or sale fares months ahead of time. The savings on domestic airfares are considerable, even with purchase policies such as 14 days +. Your travel manager can work with you to set an air travel policy that makes the most of early airfares.

When you travel is also important. Consider seasonality and peak travel times, such as school holidays which inflate the demand and cost of air travel. It is even worth checking which day you travel - Tuesday is the new Monday in business travel with so many people working from home Mondays, which means Tuesday to Thursday are the peak days for domestic travel. The time of day also matters! It really is true that the early bird gets the worm, it is much cheaper to travel at 6am then 7:30am. 

Get in touch today or call us on 1300 797 826