Aside from knowing about the latest flight deals, timing can make a huge difference in how much you pay for your flights. So, when is the perfect time to book your flights from Melbourne? Below is a breakdown of when you should consider booking to increase your chances of getting the best flight prices.

• Six to Three Months Before: For international travel, it's generally best to book your flights three to six months in advance. For domestic flights, aim for one to three months ahead of your travel date. This is when you'll often find the most competitive prices and even score early bird deals from your favourite airlines.
• Before Summer and Christmas Holidays: These are school holidays and usually the time when everyone seems to be flying out of Victoria. So, booking well before these peak seasons can save you money, especially for popular destinations like Perth, Hobart, and Darwin or international spots like Bali, New Zealand, or Singapore. Don’t forget to check out our website and newsletters for end-of-year sales discounts. 
• Off-Peak Travel Season: Consider travelling during shoulder seasons—just after or before the high season in certain destinations. For example, visiting Cairns just before the winter school holidays can offer both better deals and more pleasant weather.
• Sales Cycles: Keep an eye on airline sales, which often happen during major holiday periods such as Easter or public holidays. Airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar typically offer lower fares during these times.

Last-minute travel can be costly. Flight prices are usually higher the closer the travel date is. But that doesn’t mean you can’t score awesome savings on last-minute flights. Here are some insider tips to get the best airfare deals on your spontaneous trips:

• Check Melbourne Airport’s Social Media: When airlines have flash sales or last-minute deals, you’ll most likely see it on our Facebook Flight Deals page. So, if you’re planning a spontaneous last-minute trip, this should be at the top of your to-do list.
• Check Airline Websites Directly: Sometimes, airlines post last-minute deals directly on their websites. So, make sure to check out the airline’s website too. Refer to our airline information page to see which airlines are flying from Melbourne.
• Last-Minute Packages: Look into last-minute travel packages that include hotel stays. These can sometimes be cheaper than booking a flight alone. Travel packages are especially worthwhile for popular destinations like Canberra or Denpasar.
• Compare Flight Prices: If your travel dates aren’t flexible, compare flight prices before booking to see which is cheapest.
• Sign up for Alerts: Many airlines allow you to set up alerts for last-minute deals. This means you get instant notifications when prices drop for flights from Melbourne.

Which is cheaper, round-trip or one-way flights? This is one of the most common questions people have when looking for the best flight prices. The short answer is it depends.

In general, booking a round-trip flight is cheaper. Airlines often offer better deals for return journeys because it guarantees them that the seats will be filled both ways.

On the other hand, one-way tickets offer more flexibility. This can be great if you’re not sure when you'll return or if you're considering multiple stops. However, one-way tickets can sometimes come at a premium, especially if booking last-minute or during peak travel times.

To get the best value for your money, make sure to:

• Consider Your Travel Needs: If your travel dates are set, a round-trip ticket often makes the most sense. It’s straightforward and typically more affordable.
• Check Both Options: Always compare prices. For some routes, particularly domestic flights in Australia, one-way fares could add up to less than a round-trip ticket, especially with budget airlines offering competitive one-way deals.

Don’t want to miss out on the best flight deals from Melbourne ever again? Subscribe to our Melbourne Airport newsletter or connect with us on social media now! Whether you're planning a trip to Sydney, Brisbane, or beyond, we've got the deals that make travel more affordable. Join our community today and start flying smarter!