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Looking to book the cheapest airfares around New Zealand? Here's the low-down:
1. Book it direct and on the internet. Air New Zealand, Pacific Blue, Qantas and Jetstar each offer the ability to book domestic airfares on their websites. These websites are the only places you'll find the cheap fares without any extra booking fees. If you ring an airline or use a travel agent (even us) to book a domestic New Zealand airfare you'll end up paying a little extra. To book online though you'll need a credit card.
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Make sure you check Grabaseat. This is where Air New Zealand release some extremely cheap airfares on selected routes each day. You need to be really quick off the mark to get these but they are very, very cheap. Or, you can register to 'get the scoop' on the Grabaseat deals right here and we'll email them to as soon as they are released (even if it's midnight.)
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2. It pays to mix and match. Domestic airfares these days are all based on one-way levels so you can sometimes (in fact quite often) get the cheapest airfare by combining two different airlines. Try (for example) Air New Zealand in one direction and Pacific Blue (aka Virgin Blue) in the other.
3. It doesn't pay to change your mind. Once you buy an airfare online direct with the airline you're stuck with it. If you change your mind later or someone else does... it's usually expensive to try and change your ticket. Most of the time your ticket is non-refundable. You can always buy insurance (which will cover cancellation fees if you cancel or change due to unforeseen circumstances) and we can arrange that - just call us on 0800 438 688.
4. Avoid peak times like the flights at the beginning and end of the business day. Business travellers tend to travel on flights that get them to their destination for the start of the business day and return home on flights that leave around the end of the business day. You'll find less cheap airfares on flights before 9am or flights around 5pm. Look at flights around mid-morning, midday or mid-afternoon. Fridays and Sundays are usually busier, as are public holidays and the first week of school holidays.
So... still want to book yourself? Just use the links below direct to the airline websites.
Of course, you can get an expert to do it all for you for $25 extra per booking. Just call us on 0800 438 688 and we'll book your seats for you and look after the whole thing, no worries!
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