Page 558 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

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Domestic Air Travel

Air travel is by far the most practical way of taking in a
country the size of Australia, particularly for those with time
constraints. The country’s main domestic air carriers, Qantas,
Virgin Australia, Tigerair and Jetstar, concentrate on the
high-volume interstate routes, while a host of small operators
including Regional Express (Rex) and QantasLink handle air Domestic flight operated by Virgin
travel within states and to regional and more remote Australia
locations. Fares can be expensive, but with the range of
discounts available in a deregulated and competitive industry when booking your international
ticket. The pass offers greater
it is unlikely you will ever have to pay the full fare, providing convenience than return flights
you plan your trips in advance. Speciality aerial tours of and is usually fairly flexible, but
distant or hard-to-reach places are also available (see p539). restrictions do apply, so check
when booking. You can also
manage your booking on the
Qantas website.

Other Budget Fares
The cheapest domestic flights
are available from the budget,
no-frills airline services of Jetstar,
a subsidiary of Qantas, Virgin
Australia and Tigerair, which is
owned by Virgin Australia. The
best deals are found by booking
direct with them online, but
The domestic terminal in Brisbane, Queensland flights can occasionally be
cancelled at short notice if they
Air Routes and Airlines Zealand), with significant savings are not full. In these instances,
Australia’s air network is vast, on domestic flights to more than you will be offered a seat on the
but reasonably streamlined, so 60 destinations, when you fly next available flight, or a refund.
arranging flights to even the Qantas internationally to and All domestic airlines regularly
most remote spots should never from Australia. You can book promote sale fares valid for
be a problem. It is possible to fly your domestic flight at the same travel during set periods, usually
direct between most major time as your international fight excluding school holidays. Most
destinations such as Sydney– or at a later date. Domestic of the entry-level budget fares
Darwin or Melbourne–Perth. destinations are divided into are non-refundable, incur hefty
However, if you are travelling two zones, based on distance fees for any changes (if changes
to smaller centres, you will travelled. Surcharges, fees and are allowed) and may include
invariably have to fly first to the taxes will be calculated when only carry-on hand luggage. Be
capital city in the state before you make the booking. You need sure you understand the strict
then taking another flight on to choose the multi-city option conditions before booking.
to your final destination.
Regional airline QantasLink
is a subsidiary of Qantas, which
means bookings can be made
through Qantas’ centralized
booking system.

Discounts for Overseas
Visitors
Discounted domestic air travel
is often offered as part of an
international package, so check
with your travel agent about
booking domestic trips before
leaving home.
Qantas offers a Walkabout Pass
for visitors to Australia (and New Plane on the harbourside runway, Hamilton Island (see p221)