Hi bargain pros,
I haven't been able to travel for so long - (and I'm still not going anywhere, sadly)
However, I have been tasked with finding a flight for a much loved senior family member, who needs to go to Europe to see family for probably the last time.
Now, being an older person, they go to the Qantas website, put in dates, think "oh, that's so expensive!!!' and then book anyway, thus removing a large chunk of their travel money.
I've taken it on myself to find them a good deal - but here's the problem, I'm honestly so out of practice, that I've resorted to just reloading skyscanner again and again in the hope of finding something.
Unfortunately, the travel dates are non-negotiable and it's basically the three weeks of winter school holidays arrgh. They have to fly from Melbourne into Vienna, and then return from Amsterdam back to Melbourne. Also, being a senior, it means no 12 hour layovers, no budget carriers and no more than 1 stop (all of my cheap-ass techniques, basically).
So, using sky scanner - I can get something around $2663 on Emirates and Qantas, but only via third party sites, like Flight Network and GotoGate, and I'm not 100% comfortable using them for another person (I'd probably risk it for myself).
In the past, I've price matched these third party sites with Emirates/Qantas - but gee, it was a really precise and intricate art, that required reading the T&C like a pro and then screencapping every possible proof they could need. So I'm reluctant to risk that too, unless one of you can confirm that they definitely price match say, Flight Network and have had success yourself.
I've tried out codes on Emirates (entertainment book), which work, but only shave off a small amount considering the inflation (brings down the whole price to around 3400).
Emirates also tells me that I can only book their medium range flex-pro tickets, all the cheaper flex tickets are gone for flying out.
I've even used ITAMatrix, was thrilled to get a good Qantas price and was figuring out how to book before I realised it was probably in USD. That's how rusty I am!
(At this point, those of you screaming "Use your points!", I'm afraid there's no points here. We don't travel often and very sadly nobody is a credit card churning master)
So please, help this grasshopper to remember how to wax-on-wax-off the flight system. I honestly want to make sure they have enough cash left to enjoy themselves once they are there. Strudels, danish pastries and all :)
All help would be greatly appreciated. I've spent a number of hours on this and have hit the wall - time to reach out to the pros.
Edit as requested below, here are the dates. If someone enjoys the challenge and wants to give it a go, you're a real good egg for trying to help.
Departing Melbourne to Vienna: 25th / 26th or 27th June. Please don't include the 5am flight that is on offer, as I called last night to see if that was okay and apparently it's not, given the probable peak queues and getting to the airport at 1am at least… (sigh).
Returning Amsterdam to Melbourne 13th/14th July (possibly can stretch even one day outside of that either side)
UPDATE
Ok, so I took all the help on board and tried to contact some travel agents to arrange the flights I found from ITA Matrix.
Whoa.
If Flight Center are that rude to someone trying to book a flight, I can only imagine what they're like to people trying to get their refunds.
I asked very politely, but got told point blank that they will not look at my itinerary, will not price match any price except for what's listed by the actual airline, and are only doing appointment based bookings right now…with no appointments until next week. Hilariously, she then said "I'm on brea- I mean, I have an appointment now, so have to go" and hung up! It was actually funny (it was around lunch time).
I tried a few more Flight Centers, but got the same (albeit marginally politer) responses. (Clearly, calling around 4pm means no more hangry staff)
So, I'm back onto trying to book online myself but am struggling to find a price similar to what ITA Matrix shows. I'm still getting late 2700-2900, but even skyscanner is showing over 4000 now…
Where on earth is ITA Matrix pulling these prices from? Any help?
I read the title as fight hunting.
Was disappointed.