Sunday Tribune

Flight price relief on the itinerary for travellers

BERNELEE VOLLMER Bernelee.vollmer@inl.co.za

SOUTH Africans could see more rands in their pockets as the price of flights is likely to drop this spring. This is great news for cost-fatigued travellers, who have been facing rising airline ticket prices internationally as well as to local destinations this year.

Among many reasons behind this significant rise in flight prices during the winter months might have been the folding of local carrier Comair, rising fuel costs, and airport chaos, following an increase in demand for flights as travellers spread their wings after travel restrictions were eased.

However, relief is in sight as “Cheapflights” flight search data from June to August showed around a 26% decrease in flight prices for long-haul destination trips during spring (September to November), compared to the travel period over the past winter (June to August).

The international round-trip price for spring appears to be as little as about R12 700 on average, while it was over R17 000 during the winter period.

Average flight prices for travelling in South Africa over the next three months see a drop of about 12%, compared to prices recorded for travels in the June to August period. Local travellers can book a domestic flight for about R2 300 on average to have a trip this spring.

“Passengers who plan their travels strategically and fly out of peak season this year can stack up the savings, while still getting to do a trip across the country, or take that long-desired journey abroad,’’ said Laure Bornet, GM, Kayak Emea, who manages Cheapflights.co.za.

“There are always seasonal flight price changes that travellers can benefit from. This spring flight prices are seeing an even bigger decrease compared to before the pandemic.’’

TRAVEL

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2022-09-18T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-09-18T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytribune.pressreader.com/article/282256669349916

African News Agency