Airline Guide

When it comes to holiday queries, let our experts show the way. They're well-versed in getting the best out of airfares and plane travel for their clients. As you'll soon find out; a bit of industry insider knowledge goes a long way when it comes to booking your next flight.

"I am travelling to both Los Angeles and London. What ticket do you suggest I take?"

Lucky you! Because you are going to quite separate destinations, a Round-the-World ticket is the best option. With this type of ticket, you can include multiple destinations on one ticket as long as you continue to fly in one direction.

Round-the-World tickets are a great way to add some extra destinations to your holiday, and are often a cheaper way to go than by booking separate tickets or multiple one-way trips.

Contact myself or your travel consultant for more information.

Micha Vescio, International Travel

Consultant, Flight Centre Cremorne, Cremorne, NSW

"Do baggage amounts vary between carries?"

The answer is Yes, and it can vary by destination and airline. It can get tricky between the number of pieces permitted and the weight of your luggage.

For example, if flying to Europe most carriers allow 30 kilos per checked bag. Some carriers such as Cathay Pacific and Emirates have slightly different permitted amounts.

For the USA., it's on a piece system allowing up to two bags at 32 kilos per bag. But again this can vary between the airlines you fly. For example, Air New Zealand allows one bag at 23 kilos.

However, if you have a higher frequent flyer status, some carriers let you take more luggage.

It also depends on your cabin class, as different cabin types allow different amounts (e.g. economy, premium economy, business class and first class). It can be very confusing.

Ask your travel consultant to check specifically on the carrier for each trip.

Michelle Flazi, Travel Consultant,

Flight Centre Miami One, Miami, QLD

"I am not sure when I am coming home. Are tickets flexible?"

It really depends on the type of ticket you have bought. Generally, carriers will charge a re-issue fee which could range between $50-$200, or more.

You may be required to pay the fare difference if you change your flight to a day where the price you booked is no longer available.

There are flexible ticket options which are more expensive but advisable if you need the flexibility.

Prudence Payne,

Flight Centre Air Tactician

"I am a frequent flyer member. Will I earn points if I fly different carriers?"

There are two major frequent flyer programs within Australia: Qantas Frequent Flyer and Virgin Australia's Velocity Frequent Flyer.

Both work with an airline alliance, and each alliance has a number of different partners where frequent flyer points and status credits can be earned and/or redeemed. The world of frequent flyer points is full of terms and conditions that you will need to check first for eligibility, but if you fly with another carrier you should be eligible as long as they are an alliance partner of the airline in your program.

Other alliances such as Star Alliance, oneworld and Sky Team are global, offering multiple benefits.

Karen Hale, Senior Travel Consultant,

Flight Centre Brookside, Mitchelton, QLD

"What discounts apply to families, specifically children and infants?"

Airlines generally charge 10 per cent of a full fare for a child up to two, then 75 per cent for ages two to 11. This varies between airlines and is a guideline only. Note that, generally, kids' meals are available on most major carriers but it wouldn’t hurt to check.

A Nanny on Board is a 'newish' initiative introduced by Etihad to many of its long-haul flights. Also, most international aircraft on long haul have bassinets for infants. These generally have to be booked ahead of time because of limited availability.

Kimberly St Clair, Team Leader,

Flight Centre Jesmond, Jesmond, NSW

"Do airlines allow a stopover en-route to Europe? If so, where?"

Yes, because a stopover may be required due to the distance travelled. This is normally just a few hours on the ground to refuel the aircraft, restock, and change the crew.

Most airlines include a stopover in their home port as part of the ticket price. For example, if you fly Singapore Airlines you will stop in Singapore in either direction. Or flying Etihad Airways you will stop over in Abu Dhabi. The major airlines also allow overnight (or longer) stopovers at their hubs, which are a great way to break a journey and minimise jetlag.

Jamie Meakin, Senior Consultant,

Flight Centre Burleigh Heads,QLD

"Business Class seems quite expensive. Are there any other options you can suggest for more comfort?"

There are a few options available that can provide more comfort, especially for long-haul flights.

The innovative Air New Zealand Skycouch is in the main cabin across three seats, folding out to a flat bed.

Premium economy is another alternative that helps bridge the gap between the economy and business class. Qantas, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific and select other carriers offer premium economy from Australia.

A further option is a mixed class airfare. These are a great way to travel in economy on the shorter flight from Australia to Asia, with business class for the longer leg onward to Europe.

Exit row seating is popular with most carriers, allowing you to reserve more legroom and space for a fee. Another popular option is use of your frequent flyer points to upgrade to the next cabin class.

Lastly you could buy an extra seat next to you, cheaper than a business class ticket, to ensure a spare seat to stretch out.

Sarah Adam,

Flight Centre Air Tactician

Do you have a travel question you need answering? Tweet it to @FlightCentreAu using #FlightCentreTravelClinic

Find the right fit for your trip, wherever you're going, with the Flight Centre Airline Guide providing an easy way to access and compare airlines across the world. Learn more about the airlines Flight Centre works under the Domestic Airlines, International Airlines and Low Cost Airlines tabs, including details on cabin classes, check-in options, baggage allowances, rewards programs and airline lounges.

Getting ready to fly

Should I choose the cheapest fare?

It's worth noting low-priced fares usually have more restrictions and penalties if you require changes. Generally the more expensive tickets, or flexible fares, have fewer restrictions and penalties. So if your plans are subject to change, or you would like the freedom of flexibility in your ticket, ask your consultant for this option.

I'm going to a few different places, am I best to fly with just one airline?

Airlines often form alliances to offer the freedom and flexibility to fly you anywhere in the world. Here at Flight Centre we offer tailor-made itineraries such as Double Dip or Triple Dip flights that allow free stopovers. Other options include Round the World, Circle Asia, Circle Pacific and air passes by region. Talk to your local Flight Centre consultant about creating a flight plan to suit you.

Can I use the airline lounges at airports?

Airlines usually offer lounges to First and Business Class travellers or as a benefit of membership to their frequent flyer programs. Increasingly however, some airports and airlines allow passengers to pay to use their lounges, with facilities including internet access showers, massages, meals and refreshments. Visit our Airport Guide for more information.

Making the most of travel loyalty programs

There are a variety of airline loyalty programs available that allow you to earn frequent flyer points for flying with a specific carrier or purchasing goods or services from its affiliated partners. To maximise the amount of points earned, choose an airline that best reflects your travel needs – including departure points, flight network and timetables. Try to book your flights with this airline and take advantage of their affiliated airline partners to earn points across a global flight network. Usually, the higher the cabin class and higher your membership status, the more points you'll earn.

Today, points are earned on the ground too with affiliated partners or through credit card loyalty programs linked to an airline or travel partner. This means you can earn points on a variety of everyday purchases. Points can be redeemed for a wide range of travel benefits and increasingly non-travel related goods and services as well.