fares to Fiji over Christmas New Year-why so high?

Andrew Johnson · #1 18th August 2011, 03:08 PM

Had a quick look at what Strategic were offering late December to HNL & they were seats for under $1000 return from Brisbane, now cheapest is $1100or so, but alos looked at NAN & fares to Fiji, seem to be around same price as above.

This seems very high for flights that are only slightly further than BNE/DUD (around 100 miles further) for example.

Only 2 airlines fly BNE/NAN/BNE nonstop, but is there something else in play here.

Get the impression that people aren't asking for extra time off work (perhaps in case they come back & no job) so2 to3 week Christmas family holidays are being shortened to 1 week or so & as a result, if you want to go in absolute peak season,say from a few days before Christmas Day to New Years Day, you'll pay.

Know FJ's fleet is shrinking from mid Jan (737 replaces 767)so maybe no spare capacity,but you'd think DJ might be able to find a aircraft for a rotation or 2 BNE/NAN, even if back of the clock like some of FJ's services.

Paul Waters · #2 18th August 2011, 03:14 PM

You're kidding aren't you? You're asking why airfares are so high over Christmas/New Years?

Andrew Johnson · #3 18th August 2011, 03:27 PM

no am asking, as flights appear to be very close to full already (in mid August) ,why don't DJ put on more flights, even red eyes. FJ obviously can't,unless they borrow an aircraft from big brother Qantas.

Not many people going on a holiday are going to pay $1000 to get to Fiji return in Y class in current climate.

Paul Waters · #4 18th August 2011, 04:00 PM

Quote:

why don't DJ put on more flights, even red eyes.

Because it's not as simple as just "putting on more flights".

Quote:

unless they borrow an aircraft from big brother Qantas

If I'm correct, Qantas doesn't even provide aircraft to FJ now, so I wouldn't describe them as 'big brother'. Their current 747 for example comes from Singapore Airlines.

Quote:

Not many people going on a holiday are going to pay $1000 to get to Fiji return in Y class in current climate.

Well then that's their bad luck. I'm sure there will be people who do.

Paul

Sarah C · #5 18th August 2011, 07:13 PM

Two words: supply and demand.

Fiji, like so many other places all over the world are very popular in the peak time of year and there is only so many seats.

All airlines are stretched for aircraft and DJ aren't going to take them away from other ports that are just as busy. If they have the aircraft to do it, they would.

Andrew P · #6 18th August 2011, 07:55 PM

'Supply and demand' is three words!!!

Torin Wilson · #7 18th August 2011, 09:06 PM

The hotels play a part in this as well, there is only so many people that can be in Fiji at one time. Most hotels are already booked out for October, and the airfares are also very expensive then too.

Its how airlines make money, people want it enough they will pay whatever for it. Its the airlines getting the best possible revenue.

Andi O · #8 18th August 2011, 09:16 PM

Bilateral agreements also mean that an airlines just cannot go and put on extra seats when they are already utliising their full quota.

Quite simply any Australian school holiday periods are high demand for Fiji and you really need to get your act together over six months in adavance (as I found out last year when I tried to book July in February, but had to settle for September!!)

Andrew Johnson · #9 18th August 2011, 10:21 PM

Yes but hotels aren't full at all. They are even trying to do deals on sites like wotif, but people who can get a deal on hotel, can't get a deal on air, so they won't go (to Fiji) so may go somewhere else, like Hawaii.

A charter or a scheduled charter can be operated without any reference to bilateral agreement.

Hell, Tiger could probably do charters if they have ETOPS. Would have thought there would be a few aircraft not 100% committed over Christmas period, with the economy & confidence as it is.

Maybe after 24 AUG QF might have plenty of availability ?

Michael Cleary · #10 18th August 2011, 11:46 PM

Fiji has always been an expensive destination in relation to distance from Australia, especially at School Holiday times.

Just because the likes of Wotif, Hotels.com, Booking.com and so on have some specials doesnt mean there is a huge vacancy rate - these agencies are usually given a quota of rooms to sell, and when they have sold their 5 or whatever they say 'full'. A lot of their specials are also the "Pay now, no refund" variety.

Try Bali, Phuket and other 'family' destinations around Xmas and you will probably find a similar story too.