Most read
‘Optimistic borrowers’ could endanger housing market, RBA says...
‘Optimistic borrowers’ could endanger housing market, RBA says...
Latest Podcast
Home values up 30% (or are they); NFTs taking the world by storm, and why Keatin...
Home values up 30% (or are they); NFTs taking the world by storm, and why Keatin...
Resources
There is $17.5 billion in lost and unclaimed super across ...
There is $17.5 billion in lost and unclaimed super across ...
Save
Half-price flight scheme launches today
Aussies are being offered half-price flights as the government looks to spur domestic travel to regions it has defined as key to economic recovery.
Half-price flight scheme launches today
Aussies are being offered half-price flights as the government looks to spur domestic travel to regions it has defined as key to economic recovery.
As of this morning, the government’s $1.2 billion tourism stimulus package has kicked in, offering 800,000 half-price flights to popular tourist spots across the country.
According to RMIT associate professor Chrystal Zhang, the stimulus package may vary significantly, ranging from just above $100 to over $500, one way, as airlines look to maximise the margin on each seat.
“Likely, only a limited number of half-price fares will be available for travel in the immediate few weeks after they go on sale, as airlines have justified grounds to optimise revenue,” Ms Zhang said.
Travellers are said to have the best chance of getting a cheaper fare if they travel later in the eligible time frame (July, August and September), but avoid school holidays and weekends.
“Bargain hunters should look at routes like Darwin to Cairns, Adelaide to Gold Coast and Avalon to Gold Coast, with one-way fares likely to drop $50 to $80,” Ms Zhang said.
Her RMIT colleague, Dr James Gilchrist Steward, doesn’t believe the airlines will move to inflate their prices, with the ACCC said to keep a watchful eye.
However, with the end of JobKeeper coming at the same time as these cheap airfares, there’s a possibility accommodation providers and tourism operators may increase their pricing.
“The bigger question here is whether day trips, equipment hire and food and beverage suddenly get more expensive as tourism operators are desperate, especially as autumn and winter can be quiet at the best of times. Worst-case scenario is a $4 beer could cost $12,” Dr Gilchrist Steward said.
Moreover, the most recent COVID-19 outbreak has echoed that holidays are in fact a lot more complicated given the risk of border closures.
“Every airline, accommodation and tourism operator have their own terms and conditions – meaning if there’s a lockdown or similar, consumers must unravel multiple contracts for one holiday.
“The constant threat of border closures, like we are seeing with the Brisbane outbreak, may result in contractual frustration – where the contract can’t be completed as it’s out of everyone’s control,” said Dr Gilchrist Steward.
The current government-nominated routes include the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Carins, the Whitsundays and the Mackay region in Queensland.
Also on the map are Uluru and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, the Tasmanian towns of Launceston, Devonport and Burnie, WA’s Broome, Avalon near Melbourne, Merimbula in NSW and SA’s Kangaroo Island.
About the author
About the author
Expenses
Insurance prices rise despite payout falls
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen insurer payouts fall by $500 million, but Australian consumers are continuing to pay more, the consumer watchdog has revealed. ...Read more
Expenses
CBA cops civil proceedings for overcharged interest
ASIC has commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against the Commonwealth Bank over the bank charging an interest rate on business overdraft accounts that was substantially higher tha...Read more
Expenses
What are the top 10 most expensive cities in the world?
Logistical issues and currency fluctuations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has seen the most expensive cities in the world drastically change, new research has revealed. ...Read more
Expenses
Sydney adviser pleads guilty to misappropriating $2.9m
A Sydney financial adviser has pleaded guilty to misappropriating $2.9 million in his clients’ funds. ...Read more
Expenses
Telstra set to refund 10,000 customers
Ten thousand past and present Telstra customers are entitled to a refund due to being overcharged a total of $2.5 million. ...Read more
Expenses
iSelect in hot water for energy plan comparisons
Comparison tool iSelect has been ordered to pay $8.5 million in penalties for making false and misleading representations about its electricity comparison service. ...Read more
Expenses
Pandemic puts stopper in big spending
Two-thirds of Australians have seen their finances impacted by COVID-19, according to new research – and it’s affecting everything from holidays to houses and careers. ...Read more
Expenses
The financial products giving Australians the most grief during COVID-19
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has received 7,420 complaints about financial products since the onset of the pandemic. ...Read more
Home values up 30% (or are they); NFTs taking the world by storm, and why Keating thinks Aussies will be ‘poor’ in retirement
Listen now
Raging floods, the tech stock bubble and the ongoing SG debate
Listen now
Meet the Manager with Trilogy’s Philip Ryan: RBA rates and property price growth
Listen now
The continued property boom, ethical investing and engaging with your super fund
Listen now
Expenses
Insurance prices rise despite payout falls
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen insurer payouts fall by $500 million, but Australian consumers are continuing to pay more, the consumer watchdog has revealed. ...Read more
Expenses
CBA cops civil proceedings for overcharged interest
ASIC has commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against the Commonwealth Bank over the bank charging an interest rate on business overdraft accounts that was substantially higher tha...Read more
Expenses
What are the top 10 most expensive cities in the world?
Logistical issues and currency fluctuations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has seen the most expensive cities in the world drastically change, new research has revealed. ...Read more
Expenses
Sydney adviser pleads guilty to misappropriating $2.9m
A Sydney financial adviser has pleaded guilty to misappropriating $2.9 million in his clients’ funds. ...Read more
Expenses
Telstra set to refund 10,000 customers
Ten thousand past and present Telstra customers are entitled to a refund due to being overcharged a total of $2.5 million. ...Read more
Expenses
iSelect in hot water for energy plan comparisons
Comparison tool iSelect has been ordered to pay $8.5 million in penalties for making false and misleading representations about its electricity comparison service. ...Read more
Expenses
Pandemic puts stopper in big spending
Two-thirds of Australians have seen their finances impacted by COVID-19, according to new research – and it’s affecting everything from holidays to houses and careers. ...Read more
Expenses
The financial products giving Australians the most grief during COVID-19
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has received 7,420 complaints about financial products since the onset of the pandemic. ...Read more
More articles
Website Notifications
Get notifications in real-time for staying up to date with content that matters to you.
