We're planning to go back to Australia next for New Year 2002. Does anyone know which is the cheapest day to fly to Australia around Christmas time? We've heard rumour that you can get cheap flights if you fly on Christmas Day itself...Anyone got any advice?

Phone someone like Trailfinders or Austravel and they'll tell you - you don't have to book with them to get the info, though I've found them both to be pretty good in the past

Fares are based on seasonality, then vary depending on how far ahead you book, on the type of promotiional ticket e.g 21, 15, or 7 day advance; or ones saying immediate payment required.

Airlines also vary greatly in price, and it can depend on which route e.g I've found JAL the cheapest for Melbourne to New York, flying via Tokyo. So, it may depend if you don't mind which airline, having a longer journey, and transiting, to save on cost.

Let your travel agent know these things.

Book early as Christmas is a peak season. Last minute bookings are dearer. One way fares are expensive, so check the cost of a return, it may be cheaper if there is a deal on,(sounds crazy, but believe me it can happen)

You don't have much time, so seriously start looking.

The cheapest seats on any flight are always very limited in number e.g. 10 seats available, so you really need to get in very fast to get them (this is why you get the subject to availability condition). These are promotional fares and used to lure people to book the airline advertised, or through a particular outlet where there is a 'prefered' relationship between the agent and airline.