Aussies are planning to flock overseas at astonishing rates this summer season, with new data revealing a 164 per cent increase in international flight searches for the December period.
Travel search engine KAYAK said the findings proved increased prices weren’t deterring Aussies from laying the groundwork for their overseas journeys when the seasons change next month.
According to the group’s recent data, international flight searches were up 164 per cent compared to the same period before the pandemic in 2019.
This is despite a 33 per cent increase on airfares for economy return flights, which means flights are roughly $500 more expensive.
The most searched date for flights from Australian airports included December 23, which had been searched 210 per cent more than the daily average from 2019 levels.
This was followed by December 22 (163 per cent more) and December 26 (131 per cent more).
“Both international and domestic search insights suggest that December 23 will be the busiest day at Australian airports over the festive season period,” KAYAK brand director Nicola Carmichael said.
“Those hoping for smooth sailing to their destination may prefer to set off slightly earlier or later.”
In terms of cost, the flight search data showed the most expensive day to fly is December 20.
The average cost of a return international economy flight is more than $370 more expensive than the daily average over the period.
Interestingly, the cheapest day to fly internationally is January 26. Flying on Australia Day will save travellers more than $640 on their return flights, according to KAYAK. Experts from the site also suggest travelling in the middle of the week for more affordable flights.
“Avoiding the peak travel dates can also help travellers secure the best possible fare price,” Ms Carmichael said.
Holiday destinations also revealed some surprising results, with Melbourne to New Delhi topping the most searched routes.
The international route had a 43 per cent search increase compared to 2019, according to the data.
It was trailed by Sydney to Denpasar, Melbourne to Denpasar, and Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
Domestically, the most searched route was the Melbourne to Coolangatta route which was followed by flights from the east coast to Perth.
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