Rising airfares: How Kiwis can still find cheaper flights

Though several airspaces in the Middle East remain closed due to the ongoing Iran war, Kiwis are free to travel elsewhere in the world. But affording the cost of airfares is another matter.

Air New Zealand is now spending more than $7 million on jet fuel per day (up from $4m, the figure chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar cited in an interview on Ryan Bridge TODAY on March 12).

The conflict and the resulting issues around fuel supply have forced many airlines to increase fares. Air New Zealand announced increases ranging from $10-$90 for a one-way economy flight, while regional airlines Barrier Air and Air Chathams increased by $10-15 and $20, respectively. On Tuesday, the chief executive of US carrier United Airlines also warned of a 20% increase in passenger flight costs if jet fuel prices remain high, Bloomberg reported.

So how do Kiwis wanting to travel navigate rising airfares? The Herald asked travel and aviation experts what travellers should know before booking a ticket.

Visit places on highly competitive routes

“Yes, the price of fuel is going up and attacking every airline in a broadly similar way,” aviation industry commentator Irene King says. “But there are some routes where competition is thriving.”

According to King, direct flights starting or ending at popular hubs, which are destinations frequently used to reach other destinations, will be more expensive than routes that fly over them.

Auckland is a hub destination, for example. King says if you want to go to Bali, it would be cheaper to buy a ticket from Hamilton to the Gold Coast, then another ticket from Gold Coast to Bali, than to fly direct from Auckland to Bali, which is an available option. Other top hubs include Los Angeles, London, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

“Hunt for a stop,” King says.

Try less dominant airlines

King says that in general, Air New Zealand has significant market dominance due to its position as the national carrier.

“This is noticed in higher prices in the market,” she says, suggesting looking for “weaker” carriers, such as Delta Airlines and American Airlines, rather than United Airlines in the US, and Thai Airways in New Zealand when it resumes its Auckland to Bangkok route in July.

The issue of seasonality

Shoulder-season pricing is something to look out for, King suggests. For instance, it’s cheaper to travel to the Northern Hemisphere when it’s summer in New Zealand and winter over there.

“All destinations have ‘shoulders’,” King says. “The weather can still be pleasant, but you’re not paying big peak-season fares.”

Book early

The golden rule of booking flights hasn’t changed – get in quick.

“Airlines continue to revise airfares, and for those planning to travel in the near term, securing seats earlier can help provide more certainty around pricing and help avoid potential future increases,” air and product manager of Flight Centre Travel Group, Jen Staples, says, adding that it’s helpful to speak with someone in the industry.

“For anyone unsure about their travel plans, we recommend reaching out to your travel agent, who can chat you through the best options available based on your plans.”

King also warns against buying too far in advance.

“Airfares will come down as carriers look to re-establish presence,” King says. She advises looking for the best short-term deal for airfares placed on sale, which are advertised weekly.

Varsha Anjali is a journalist in the lifestyle team at the Herald. She is based in Auckland.