We are aussies planning group travel (20 persons-a cricket trip) from sydney to the uk in July 2005.

Right now if we talk to airlines all they quote is standard peak 2004 fares.

Are we crazy to expect a sizeable group discount?

When will airlines set their pricing structures for July 2005?

How much pricing discretion do the people at group sales have?

Do we have to use a travel agent?

Any tips on group ticketing would be appreciated.Thanks

You are not crazy to look for a deal but<:

It's way to early, most airlines don't load the flights into the reservation system until 330 days to a year before.

Don't call the regular reservation line, you have to find a number to their group dept.

I assume you would prefer direct flight, so your choices are limited to Qantas, British and Virgin. You may know of some others. If you are willing to connect, you also have Cathay Pacific, Singapore and few other Asian airlines as well as some major European airlines(you will have to do the research.

All I could suggest is to call your local office of the airline(s) you choose and try to find the numbers for their group bookings.

Thanks AA

we will start calling airlines from a year out.

There are no direct flights sydney-uk and we are flexible on stopovers..so we have a range of airlines to deal with.

The only ones we have ruled out are the bottom of the range...Garuda etc

What is your view of Malaysian?

I have only heard good things about Malaysian Airlines. They are working lately to at least match if not surpass Cathay and Singapore Airlines. I can't tell you personally as I have never used them. I assume you will be flying in coach, so remember any one of the above will be tight back there. One option is British Airways Economy Plus. It will be few quid more but on a long flight like this it may be worth it.

Now about direct flight. You noticed I did not say non-stop. I said direct because there is a difference between that and connecting. A direct flight might have a stop, usually for refuelling like in your case, but it's the same flight number and in your case it will be the same plane, and also usually a very quick stop. A connecting flight may involve a long stop-over somewhere depending on the schedules and it does involve changing planes. For example I had a connecting flight on Cathay few weeks back I was flying Los Angeles to Hong Kong to J'Burg. The stopover was over 16 hours as that's the only schedule. I really didn't mind because I could use the fabulous Cathay Lounges at HKG, took a bath, shower, got a massage, ate, drank all for free and I also went to town for 1/2 day after leaving my carry on at the lounge. But if you don't have access to something like then it could make it for a loooong day and ultimately flight. Just something to consider when picking flights.

I also would start calling around for the group dept phone number now and even call them to make an early inquiry just so you get an idea of what's possible and what's not. Try contacting some travel agencies and see what they can do for you as well. With a big group like that they may be able to swing a better deal than you on your own. Remember they do have access/knowledge to some fares that average traveller does not even know exist.

I would just hold off on purchasing the tickets unless you found a super deal. Don't forget with 20 people going on a trip in almost a year and a half, many things could change till then.

AA once again thanks.In particular for clarifying non stop vs direct.

We are attracted by a sydney-manchester flight (it leaves sydney at night)
Could you comment on-
-emirates as an airline?
-manchester v heathrow?
-dubai airport?

Emirates- great airline, trying to be better. Would not hestitate to fly them

MAN vs LHR? I would take MAN anyday. Smaller. The tran station is downstairs. In and Out in less time.

Dubai? - Great shopping airport for high end items. Nice restaurants and bars. I don't know if they have public showers available, but I would assume they do. Do a Google search for the airport as I'm sure they have a web site. If you use Singapore airines through Singapore, the airport has a nice outdoor pool for a small charge with a bar and restaurant. It's kind of nice to be able to hang by the pool outside. I'm not sure that's possible but if you do talk to the group sales yourself or if you end up going through a travel agent, you may want to negotiate a lounge access of the airline involved, especially if you end up connecting somewhere. Again, I'm not sure that's possible, but why not ask?

Try www.seatexpert.com for comments on seats of some of the airlines you may end up using.

Sorry about the spelling above I had a long night out, here in Hong Kong and I'm just barely functioning now. It was the last night blow out party before going home tonight.