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People often ask me – How do you know if an airline’s Early Bird deal is valuable? Well, I put in a set of dates and checked the price of all airlines. It is February 17 to London, and the return will be March 14, 2026. I don’t use Adelaide as the home port because the city of churches always gets ripped off. I am looking at business class. I would also advise not always to take the word of Webjet – carriers can have private deals for regular flyers. So, the best deals are Turkish $7021 (2 stops), Malaysia $7900, Qatar $9358, Singapore Airlines $9772, and Emirates $10558. Remember, you must look carefully at what you are buying. Do you really want to stop over for it???? Hours? The best deal, in my opinion, is Malaysia Airlines.

Looking forward to trying the new A330 Neo.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES has released Time to Travel fares for 2026. The sale is until 05 November 2025. Fares shown are for return travel pp between 19 January 2026 and 26 October 2026 inclusive; blackout periods apply. I am talking ex Adelaide, but London costs Economy 1,679, Business 9,020.

ETIHAD EarlyBird deals end on October 29. The carrier now offers its A350-1000 aircraft ex-Sydney – equipped with 44 Business Suites, which include sliding doors for enhanced privacy and comfort. Sydney to Amsterdam prices in Business start at $7817. Check from your local departure port.

QATAR AIRWAYS has also released Early Bird fares to Europe in 2026. Book by 31 October 2025, for travel from 19 January until 31 October 2026.

MYCRUISES is offering 2027 departures to China. A 15 Day Fly, Train, and Small Group Tour from Beijing to Shanghai, including premium accommodation, a 5-star Yangtze River cruise, return flights, and other savings and a low deposit, is priced from $3999. Book by the end of this month.

VIKING says its 8‑day Rhine Getaway is a real value, with flights included. Sail from Basel to Amsterdam or vice versa. The cost is from AU$5,395pp, and you can fly free up to AU$5,000 per couple when you book by‌ 1‌ December‌ 2025‌. Use code FFR25.

HELLOWORLD has a long list of cruise deals, including a 10-night Christmas in New Zealand deal with Disney. Book before 31 October and receive exclusive savings of up to $2,700 per stateroom on select itineraries, plus return international flights from select Australian cities.

From last week:

MALAYSIA AIRLINES is promoting its new A330 Neo. I don’t know about other states, but the aircraft takes off in Adelaide in March next year. It is long overdue, I might add—the current aircraft is very tired inside. I was told the other day that we had duct tape on the arm of one of the seats. I have checked the business class deals—they certainly are good value.

ACCOR wonders if you are heading to New Zealand. This summer, save 15% on stays of two nights or more, plus 5% extra for ALL members. From Pullman and Mövenpick to Novotel and Ibis, your escape awaits.

ALDI HOLIDAYS – yes, the supermarket people – always have holiday deals – how about a 24-day best of Europe fly and tour holiday from London priced from $6999. They claim it is valued at 11000pp. Travel in April-December 2026.

TRADE ONLY: Travel Industry Club standout cruise deals include Auckland to Melbourne, a 9-night Australian Wine Cruise (Sydney), Singapore to Cape Town (30 days), and Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap from $3,607.

Breakaway Travel Club is promoting Regent Seven Seas Cruises, including the 18-night Seven Seas Navigator departing from Singapore and arriving in Sydney on January 5, 2026.

Remember, conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent, and travel insurance is essential. Finally, I make mistakes like all of us. Check websites to confirm details. Got a travel problem? Please send us details to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller.