Anybody here knows any hacks for getting cheap return tickets to India?
I've been keeping an eye on Beatthatflight but nothing worthwhile has come up yet.
I saw a trick a user here posted, booking a return flight from Australia as Scoot does deals every now and then, but haven't been able to find a good deal yet.
Intending to travel in August.
Any tips will be helpful!
but when you actually click the link, the price changes
So flights to India are special, because that specific route still gets heavy discounts from travel agencies (especially the Indian ones), while the retail online prices are significantly higher. It's due to the bulk guarantees travel agencies are able to give to Singapore Airlines and other SEA carriers. You won't find much online on this. Talk to the whole in the wall ones on Sandringham road (if in Auckland) and they'll give you a bit of a sharper price.
Overall though, the prices have definitely increased due to greater demand. Lots of Indian expats in NZ now, same flight capacities.
Sign up to ozbargain and subscribe to this page for alerts
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/search/node/India%20category%3A…
Wait for cheap flights then book nz to aussie legs to the airport they fly from.
This is good and bad idea though becuase:
Flying to oz adds 450 plus extra costs and time
Might need accomodation and long layover to ensure you make your flight
Having done this to Singapore from aussie for like 200, it was worth it as I wanted to explore Melbourne anyway (12 hour layover) and worth saving 500++
What did the travel agents say when you asked them?
They don't mention anything about booking flights using Scoot, AirAisa etc from Australia. Their quotes are on the higher side. Around $2k when I see $1800 options online. Still looking to bring this down a bit by keeping an eye out for any online deals.
Maybe try some different agents - no idea who you've talked to, but most should be able to beat that for you by a few hundred I would expect. If you aren't already, you usually need to walk into the store for them to bother putting in the effort.
You could also try messaging Beatthatflight directly - no harm in trying.
As you'll note further down, others are also advising you need to go in and actually talk to someone in person to get the best deals. That's just the way the real world works, and that's coming from someone that has been continuously online for more than 35 years ;-)
@Alan6984: Unfortunately, that's not how travel agents work anymore. I went to all the agents in Sandringham and one in New Lynn. Their quotes were all over $2k. At the Sandringham place I opened my phone and showed Skyscanner which was showing an option for $1359. The agent then dismissed Skyscanner as a scam and said they can do $1610 for it.
At the Sandringham place I opened my phone and showed Skyscanner which was showing an option for $1359. The agent then dismissed Skyscanner as a scam and said they can do $1610 for it.
No idea what sort of travel agent you are talking to that thinks SkyScanner is a scam - perhaps you need to be a little more discriminating?
However, I'm sure you'll do you :-)
@Alan6984: I mean makes sense they'd say that, as they are desperate for business so lying isn't that improbable.
I mean makes sense they'd say that, as they are desperate for business so lying isn't that improbable.
I've never had that kind of experience with a travel agent myself, but as noted elsewhere, it could certainly depend on the type of travel agent.
I find Google Flights quite useful for price comparison.
From a quick look it seems possible in August for $1430 - $1450.