When Australian airline sales usually run

It'd be handy if airline sales landed on the same dates every year. In practice, timing varies, and we haven't found an official source that sets out a fixed sale calendar for Australian airlines. So rather than guess, here's how to keep an eye out so you don't miss one.

1. Why we don't list sale dates

Airlines decide when to run sales and don't publish a calendar in advance. Any "sale season" you read about is someone's observation, not a promise. We'd rather tell you that straight than send you chasing a sale that doesn't turn up.

2. Ways to watch for sales

• Sign up for airline emails. Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar all let you subscribe to offers on their own sites. You can unsubscribe any time.
• Join the frequent flyer program. Members often get offer emails. See Frequent flyer points basics, no credit card needed.
• Follow the airlines' own social accounts. Sales are often announced there.
• Check the deals pages. Qantas and Virgin Australia have deals or specials pages, and Jetstar lists its sales on Jetstar's own website.

3. Be ready when a sale drops

• Know your dates and how flexible you are.
• Know which airports you can fly from (see Flying from a regional airport: how to plan your connections).
• Check what's included before you book (see Carry-on-only fares: what's really included).
• Read the fare rules about changes and cancellations.

4. Check the sale is actually a good price

A sale price isn't always lower than a regular fare on another day. Before you book, compare a few dates and airlines. Our guide How to check a fare yourself before you book walks through it.

Key takeaways

• Sale timing varies. We don't publish predicted sale dates.
• Sign up to airline emails and follow their own channels.
• Have your dates and airports ready.
• Compare before you buy.

We don't list fares here, because they change all the time. Check the airline's own website for current fares and conditions.

Sources

• Qantas flight deals: https://www.qantas.com/au/en/flight-deals.html
• Virgin Australia specials: https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/specials/
• Jetstar: Jetstar's own website