Given the high amount of flight bargains being posted I thought it would be a good idea to share whats a true bargain and what's not (even though on the surface it is).
I'm talking sub par carriers, possible delays, long layovers etc. For me, what's a true bargain is always bang for the buck (which may not be the lowest price). Not too long layovers with less risk of cancellations or delays.
Whats yours?
People have different priorities. Best to let all offerings be posted and subject to comment and the usual voting arrangement.
For example I am generally only interested in Qantas flights for my Qantas Club membership. Have been burnt by cheaper carriers too many times.
I often jump on cheap asia deals. It's 8 hours, I don't need luggage, food or creature comforts. Sub-par carriers and layovers are known quantities of the deal, and even the worst carriers have a very low risk of substantial delay.
I think what is a bargain is different to many people. Whats a bargain to an office worker may not be a bargain to a student, or vice versa.
I prefer to go for the cheapest flights as my travel plans are flexible and I don't need the in-flight comforts.
But as you said it will be different for everyone. I think what's important is doing your research and ensuring your minimum standards are met so that when things aren't going as expected you won't regret it as at the time of the booking you took into consideration what criteria was most important to you.
Obviously you can be a little bit flexible but you don't want to be missing out on things which are important to you or paying for things which aren't important to you just because it's good value.
i paid 5k for business flights on etihad to europe in winter peak time
Flew Air Asia X and upgraded to their Premium Flatbed for an extra $160ish. Was totally worth it as they had heaps of perks like a flatbed to sleep on, lounge access and extra baggage.
Ive flown X business and never had lounge access - can you share more info where the lounge is?
klia2 terminal at Kuala Lumpur. Not worth paying the usual $25 to enter as the food is mediocre and cramped in peak times. Had 2 showers from memory.
https://www.airasia.com/au/en/inflight-comforts/airasia-prem…
Premium Flex & Premium Flatbed guests Walk-in guest
Pre-book guests**
Complimentary for the first 3 hours*
There is also the website option town that allows you to buy upgrades on airasiax
Yeh used them before — bit hit and miss but good concept.
A bargain is finding your flight comes with free accom instead of sitting in the lounge for 10hours, or flying to KL for 180 return (or China with 5 flights for $308 return), or reading hotel policies and beating them at their game scoring double room upgrades (but you generally only get this with 5* hotels). Right now anything to Europe for $800 return and USA for $700-800 is cheap.
I found most of the iwant that flight bargains (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/deals/iwantthatflight.com.au) Have long lay overs and leave at not convenient times for most people. I would prefer if the deals listed from Iwantthatflight to clearly state if their is a lay over, sure you might save few hundred on a flight but you either need to spend a night at a airport or book a hotel so your savings have gone. Most people will find the airfare will be the cheapest part of the holiday its the activities and accommodation which can really add up.
I second your thoughts .. Too many useless offers which claim to be bargain but aren't actually.