As December approaches, travellers seek ways to keep their holiday season stress-free—and budget-friendly.
A recent analysis by Compare the Market has revealed that securing flights from major cities like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne doesn’t have to break the bank. If planned carefully, passengers can save hundreds of dollars by choosing the correct travel dates, even amid December’s peak holiday rush.
According to research based on Skyscanner’s flight data, the first half of December holds the most affordable airfare days, specifically from the 3rd to the 5th and again from the 10th to the 13th. Travellers flying on these dates could save hundreds, especially when booking flights from Australia’s most bustling cities.
Early December Flight Discounts: Seize the Opportunity Before Prices Soar
Whether flying domestically or internationally, timing is essential for holiday savings. Compare the Market’s findings spotlight December’s first half as the window for affordable travel. However, for those flexible enough to extend their holiday, the 31st of December emerges as another valuable opportunity for cheaper tickets across various routes.
The analysis showed a trend shift from last year when flights were generally cheapest between the 11th and 17th of December. This year, cost-effective days appear even earlier in the month—a discovery offering strategic advantages for travellers who can adjust their itineraries accordingly.
Catriona Rowntree, travel expert at Compare the Market, underscores the importance of strategic booking during peak travel periods: “Holiday budgets are often tight, but savvy travelers who choose off-peak flight times or dates can avoid the bulk of December’s price hikes. With some flexibility, families can experience memorable holidays without overspending.”
Cost-Saving Flight Days by Departure City
The research data shows the cheapest departure days from major Australian cities to common destinations. Prices vary by day, and differences in price highlight how careful planning can yield significant savings.
Brisbane Departures
| Destination | Cheapest Days | Lowest Price | Avg. Dec Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Dec 4, 10-11 | $72 | $120.35 | $48.35 |
| Melbourne | Dec 4, 7 | $107 | $142.32 | $35.32 |
| Wellington | Dec 3, 9, 11 | $255 | $446.48 | $191.48 |
The most costly flights out of Brisbane peak between December 20th and 29th, highlighting the premium attached to late-month travel.
Sydney Departures
| Destination | Cheapest Days | Lowest Price | Avg. Dec Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane | Dec 3-4 | $72 | $143.10 | $71.10 |
| Melbourne | Dec 3, 17, 31 | $51 | $79.74 | $28.74 |
| Wellington | Dec 3 | $257 | $405.13 | $148.13 |
Sydney’s priciest flights follow a similar trend, with peak prices occurring between December 21st and 30th.
Melbourne Departures
| Destination | Cheapest Days | Lowest Price | Avg. Dec Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane | Dec 3, 11 | $97 | $145.32 | $48.32 |
| Perth | Dec 4, 6 | $195 | $278.84 | $83.84 |
| Christchurch | Dec 1, 3, 6, 8 | $231 | $360.52 | $129.52 |
In Melbourne, flights from the 21st through the 30th are notably more expensive, so early bookings or year-end departures can relieve the budget.
Wellington Departures
| Destination | Cheapest Days | Lowest Price | Avg. Dec Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Dec 2, 9 | $173 | $296.26 | $123.26 |
| Melbourne | Dec 4, 7, 14-15 | $200 | $312.55 | $112.55 |
| Christchurch | Dec 2-4, 7, 11 | $36 | $74.45 | $38.45 |
Peak fares from Wellington also cluster around late December, mirroring Australian trends.
Analysis of Year-Over-Year Price Changes: Brisbane Leads with Savings
Compared to December 2023, airfare prices have shown an overall reduction, particularly for Melbourne routes, with flights to Cairns seeing the most significant drop at 25%. Here’s a breakdown of December 2024’s year-over-year (YoY) price shifts across Australian cities:
- Brisbane: 9.9% decrease
- Sydney: 6.1% decrease
- Melbourne: 14.3% decrease
This downward trend in average prices is a promising sign for budget-conscious travellers, especially families planning to reunite over the holidays.
Adrian Taylor, Executive General Manager at Compare the Market, highlights the relief these trends offer: “It’s encouraging to see flight costs becoming more manageable, especially for families hoping to reconnect this season. Booking early and exploring flexible travel dates can further maximize these savings.”
Flight Price Insights by City Pair: December 2023 vs. 2024
To provide a clearer picture, the following table summarizes the YoY percentage changes for December flights departing Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne:
| Departure City | Destination | Dec 2023 Price | Dec 2024 Price | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane | Perth | $364.81 | $302.94 | -17.0% |
| Sydney | Hobart | $169.84 | $127.52 | -24.9% |
| Melbourne | Cairns | $219.26 | $163.81 | -25.3% |
A stark YoY decrease in flight costs to Perth, Hobart, and Cairns suggests potential savings for those flying from Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne.
Additional Travel Tips: Optimize Your Holiday Season Travel Experience
- Prioritize Off-Peak Hours
Rowntree advises choosing flights during non-peak hours to avoid overcrowded airports and hectic check-in processes. - Book with Flexibility
As Taylor suggests, booking with a flexible timeline allows travellers to select the least costly days. Flexibility can significantly reduce overall expenses, especially during high-demand periods. - Add Travel Insurance
While many focus solely on flight costs, travel insurance is essential for the holiday season, as unpredictable weather can impact plans. Taylor emphasizes the value of insurance for domestic trips, especially those travelling across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand.
Taylor recommends, “Whether you’re embarking on a local adventure or international exploration, having adequate travel coverage can ensure you’re protected from unexpected expenses—especially important with weather patterns forecasting a wetter-than-average summer.”
Planning Your Trip: Key Factors for Cost-Effective December Travel
According to Compare the Market, specific trends hold firm for December travel:
- Peak Periods to Avoid: December 20th–22nd and December 26th–29th are the highest-cost days.
- Book Early: Last-minute bookings in December may lead to inflated prices; earlier is generally better.
- Consider Alternative Destinations: Flexible itineraries allow travellers to capitalize on cheaper flights by adjusting destinations.
Last-Minute December 31st Bargain Flights
Flights on the 31st offer a notable cost advantage across many routes, ideal for those aiming to maximize holiday time without compromising their budget. Here are some December 31st fares:
| Departure City | Destination | Avg. Dec Price | Dec 31st Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane | Melbourne | $142.32 | $108 |
| Sydney | Melbourne | $79.74 | $51 |
| Wellington | Christchurch | $74.45 | $51 |
Why Now is the Time to Plan Your December Travels
December is notorious for high demand, but knowing the trends can help travellers seize savings without compromising holiday plans. Analyzing the cheapest days to fly and avoiding peak periods makes it possible to make cost-effective decisions. As airfare trends shift earlier in December, savvy travellers should secure their seats before prices climb.
Holiday travel doesn’t have to drain your finances. From Brisbane to Wellington, valuable savings await those who book thoughtfully and early. With insights from Compare the Market, you can confidently navigate December’s airfare landscape, ensuring a budget-friendly holiday season with memorable experiences.
Written by: Michelle Warner
