To buy the plane ticket now, or not? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

SGRHewitt · 06-10-2008, 01:42 PM

I intern at a travel agency, where they are telling me that ticket prices are going nowhere but up(yeah no surprise). Regardless, I have been off and on talking about doing an Australia work/travel program. Trying to figure out some things.

Right now flights from LAX are only $800(each way on Air Pacific) to Sydney. That would obviously be the bulk of my costs. I would only purchase the one way, since I couldn't possibly buy a plane ticket for late 2009/early 2010 this much in advance.

I guess my question is, should I commit to it now. Knowing that it's 6-8 months in advance. I guess if nothing else I could spend a couple of weeks in Australia if I can't do the work abroad thing. I just don't want to wait, and the LAX-Sydney leg approaching $1000 and over. I am at least 90% committed to this though.

Just wanted some of your opinions.

**ajb3000** · 06-10-2008, 04:02 PM

If you'll definitely be free of other commitments and definitely want to do it, then I say go ahead a book. I like to live with the philosophy that you should take every opportunity that comes your way, as it might not come round again.

lucky · 06-10-2008, 05:06 PM

I keep hearing fares are only going to go up, too. They certainly have.... fuel costs are getting worse by the day and airlines seem to be dropping like flies.

I would probably buy ASAP.

Have you looked at the RT fare? Sometimes they're the same (or less....can't explain that one) so you could buy a return for a couple weeks later (w/o intending to actually use it then), then, depending on the fare rules, possibly change it once you've used the first leg to get there. Sometimes airlines will let you change a leg for $100-$200, and you have a year to re-book. They're all different, but it may be worth checking into.

SGRHewitt · 06-10-2008, 07:54 PM

Yeah, the only problem with this trip is. I wont know until time gets closer. On how much money I'll have. I'd most likely put this flight on a card, but I'd like to have it paid off before i go. Though I've looked into getting interest free cards just for that reason, if I can find another 15 month no-interest visa, I'll probably get it.

SGRHewitt · 06-10-2008, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky

Have you looked at the RT fare? Sometimes they're the same (or less....can't explain that one) so you could buy a return for a couple weeks later (w/o intending to actually use it then), then, depending on the fare rules, possibly change it once you've used the first leg to get there. Sometimes airlines will let you change a leg for $100-$200, and you have a year to re-book. They're all different, but it may be worth checking into.

I haven't, and I keep forgetting to look that up. Thats not a bad idea at all though. I'll look up the price difference between a one way and a RT and see what I get.

SGRHewitt · 06-10-2008, 08:10 PM

Just looked it up, only 140 difference from booking one-ways versus RT's... Change fee is 100. So it wouldn't be worth the risk of them bumping me up to another teir and charging me the difference in fares.

The girl at my travel agency said that student universe or STA booked air pacific flights, but none are showing. Is she mistaken, or do I need to go through one of their own agents to see if I can't find a better deal?

SGRHewitt · 06-10-2008, 08:13 PM

Okay this is probably getting annoying, we raelly need an edit button so I can put all this info in one post lol...

Regardless, student universe is offering a qantas round trip for 1230(40 dollars cheaper than air pacific). I can get a refund minus $150 if I cancel before departure, which is rare to find. And changes are $50, and possibly a rise in cost due to fare increase.

So, this is where I am at this point. I'm sure in another two minutes, I'll have something else to post.

SGRHewitt · 06-11-2008, 06:08 PM

Has anyone ever tried calling STA to book a flight. Didn't know if they could do a massive search, finding me the best dates(and perhaps the longest) for the cheapest price.

**Esterina** · 06-11-2008, 06:20 PM

I called them years ago. The agent was a darling and she patiently searched for me, suggested several itineraries until it met my needs and budget. Booked with them. Was happy ! I personally rather have a live discussion over the phone than deal with internet. Good ideas come out of conversations.

My two cents!

SGRHewitt · 06-11-2008, 06:27 PM

Yeah I agree, although the closest STA office is in W. Lafayette, IN or Columbus, OH

. Both a solid 2 hour drives.

**Esterina** · 06-11-2008, 06:46 PM

oops, I meant "live" as in "over the phone"...

The office I dealt with was a few-hour drive as well.