The Six Types of Flight Search Seekers

In the same way there are different kinds of travellers, there are different kinds of flight searchers too. From organisational whizzes to the ultimate planning procrastinators, Aussies have their own habits and tactics when it comes to planning their next trip. 

Nathan Graham, Regional Sales Manager at Cheapflights ANZ, said: “Our recent Cheapflights Compass report showed that Aussies collectively rack up almost eight years of flight searches each month, so it’s clear we’re a nation chasing our wanderlust.”

The experts at Cheapflights.com.au have identified the six most common booking personalities and what their strategies say about their travel-style.

1.       The thrifty searcher – These searchers know that in the midst of all the viral cat videos and ‘fake news’ articles, there are great deals to be found on the web. They’d happily search for hours to find the cheapest possible flights, and not be put off by a pesky stopover or inconvenient departure time. With more than 10 million hits on the Cheapflights website and app in a year, it’s fair to say there are plenty of bargain hunters in Australia!

2.       The impatient traveller – The expression ‘it’s not the destination, but the journey’ couldn’t be less true for these travellers. When it comes to flying, they are all about convenience and have no time for alternative routes or out-of-the-way airports. Annual leave days are precious after all, and rather than sitting in an airport, they prefer to fly direct to be on the beach, cocktail in hand ASAP. These searchers don’t want to fly in December, the most popular month to depart, when long queues and delays are almost a guarantee.

3.       The logical booker – These calm and collected types know that sometimes you get what you pay for. Before making a purchase, they scour the web for reviews, peruse the T&Cs and spend hours researching and comparing airlines and destinations. They know it can pay dividends to shell out a bit more and that often the quickest option isn’t the most cost effective. They’ll always be able to tell you the best bargain, like swapping French Polynesia for New Caledonia to secure a tropical getaway, and major savings – more than $1,500 to be precise.

4.       The impulsive purchaser – These busy folks will book a holiday at some point but they don’t put too much thought into the where and when. They know roughly what type of trip they’re looking for, and will jump when they see a deal. They know however, not to rely on airlines offering cheaper seats to fill planes last minute. Indeed, Cheapflights Compass data shows booking within one week of departure could cost travellers more, from a 22 per cent premium for Trans-Tasman flights and 17 per cent more for Asia Pacific, to 15 per cent for long haul trips.

5.       The fussy planner – We all know a travel complainer – one that is picky about their preferred airline, departure time and where they sit. Basically, they’re the people who make planning a group trip infuriating. However, being particular could save you big bucks. With Friday the most expensive day to depart, even flying out on Saturday morning could save you eight per cent for Trans-Tasman trips, and you’ll still get to your destination in time to enjoy the weekend.

6.       The deal fiend – For these types of bookers, hunting isn’t really their forte. Their searching style could be described as more of a casual browsing anywhere, anytime they feel the urge. They’ll invest in finding the ideal trip but like to keep the search easy and nab the first deal they see – any saving is a good saving! And the majority of Aussies opt to search for flights on the go too, with more than 50 per cent browsing on their smartphones.

To search for your next holiday deals, visit Cheapflights.com.au.

ENDS