The answer is, of course! However...

The last time I visited Australia 2 years ago, I flew on FF miles. In fact, most of my international travel over the last 3 years has been "free". Now there are no more miles in the account, I have to join reality like most everyone else.

I want to depart on Christmas day, and all the fares are about $2,100. Anyone have any experience going to Oz around the holidays? I am aware it's holiday prices, so I will pay peak fares, but I wonder if they might offer breaks for Christmas day departures (which are traditionally slow at airports). I remember seeing something like that a year or two ago.

I just hope the fares don't get worse...I have no problem paying 2K. I am just debating if I want to wait a little longer for a slim chance of a price break. I don't think the planes will sell out (I hope not!) Thoughts?

Don't come at Xmas time - I got a quote the other day from Brisbane to Miami for $1639 Australian - which is about $1100US or less. Its always dearer at Xmas. If you want a quote on what the likely fares are going to be then look on www.webjet.com.au and put in a later month.

Mina-

Check out consolidators and look for a flight that leaves on 24 December. I did that a few weeks before leaving and got a fare of about $900US. The flight was half empty. You see, you literally MISS Christmas day as you leave Christmas eve around 11pm and arrive in Oz on the morning of the 26th. Most people don't want to do that, so there are heaps of consolidator seats available.

Good luck.

Unfortunately Janese, I have to go at that time...3 of us are meeting in Sydney and the two have already booked their tickets. I'm the last one to confirm my arrangements!

Pixie Chick, that's encouraging news, thanks so much. Any good ones you can recommend? I've used Save-on-travel before and was very happy with them, but if you have any other suggestions I'd appreciate it. I can definitely leave Christmas Eve...not a problem, although it means finding a place to stay on Boxing Day since my friend's will not have flown back from their holiday yet. But I have noticed that even now, Dec 24 departures are a tad lower than 25, so thanks for the tip. I will hold out until at least Thanksgiving....

try flightcoordinators.com

Hi Mina

Take a look at Abeltasman.com as they have a deal at 1199. from LAX to SYD and we've used it before. Thee's another for 1500 so perhaps one of these can give you a little better price and definite tickets. They also have an 800 number so you could call and learn more.

Wish I were going too - have to wait til next spring tho. Let us know who you get some GREAT prices with and how great your trip is.
Patti

Thanks again...I found economytravel.com which offered fares about 300 lower. I'm still holding on though, just for a couple more weeks!

I will definitely keep y'all posted Patti!