Media Releases

Flight Centre Gets A Wiggle On

Aug 30, 2011

FLIGHT Centre Limited has taken flight with an Aussie icon in a strategic partnership to boost family holidays.

The company has moved to capitalise on the strong ongoing growth in family travel by becoming the official travel partner of The Wiggles.

Together, the two Australian companies will combine their respective strengths in travel and childhood development to encourage families to take more holidays together, both in Australia and overseas.

The exclusive travel partnership will see Flight Centre Limited create a range of unique family-friendly holiday packages to be sold through its family of travel brands, including Flight Centre and Escape Travel.

Flight Centre Limited will also be the official travel agent of The Wiggles for booking flights, accommodation and holiday packages.

Flight Centre Limited’s executive global marketing manager Colin Bowman said the partnership was in line with the company’s corporate social responsibility strategy and its goals to boost domestic and short-haul family travel.

“Family holidays continue to increase in popularity, as parents seek new experiences for their children and look to make the most of shared time away together,” said Mr Bowman.

“Whether you’re loading up the boot or landing at a location overseas, we are able to offer a wide range of child-friendly holiday options to suit all budgets, family sizes and preferences.”

Mike Conway, Managing Director of The Wiggles Pty Ltd added, “We are absolutely delighted to have the Flight Centre group of companies as a strategic partner of The Wiggles. Their leadership in the travel industry and their interest in driving meaningful socially responsible messages to encourage families to spend more time together resonate strongly with our own brand. We are genuinely excited about the opportunities we can drive together and look forward to working with them to bring many memorable family experiences to our collective audiences.”

Mr Bowman said the partnership came at the perfect time, with The Wiggles celebrating their 20th birthday this year and the launch of their upcoming national tour.

ENDS

Flight Centre’s 10 Tips for Booking a Bargain Airfare

Aug 18, 2011

1. Don’t wing it on the web

The web is a handy research tool, but trawling through the world of options available to you is time consuming and chances are you won’t find or understand all the options.

Talk to an agent about the special bonuses, stopover options and features you may be able to take advantage of.

 

2. Book early

A limited number of the cheapest economy class seats are available on any flight.

Naturally, these seats tend to sell out first, leaving the higher priced options available for those who book flights at the last minute.

Sign up to travel retailers’ newsletters to stay on top of the special offers from all airlines as they are released.

If you see a bargain, lock it in early.

It also pays to watch out for special earlybird deals.

 

3. Fly from A to B, via C

Ask about alternative airfare routing options – the best way for you to get from A to B, may be via C.

For example, if you’re travelling to the UK with a heavy luggage load, you can fly via the USA to take advantage of additional luggage allowance.

 

4. Travel off peak

Avoid peak travel times if possible.

Heavy demand means Christmas, Easter and school holidays are very expensive times to fly.

You may also find cheaper fares midweek than immediately before a weekend.

 

5. Take a mate

If you’re travelling with a friend or partner, you may be able to take advantage of special companion fares.

These fares are available to two people travelling together and can attract major discounts.

 

6. Consider a package

Rather than arranging flights and accommodation separately, ask about a package deal.

In some instances, the package will include special wholesale airfares that are only available as part of a package deal.

 

7. Airpasses

If you plan to travel extensively within a particular country or region, consider a moneysaving airpass.

 

8. Student and senior discounts

If you are a student or aged under-26, you may be able to take advantage of specially negotiated student and youth fares.

Some airlines also offer seniors’ fares.

 

9. Don’t forget the extras

Watch out for extra charges when booking online.

Fares and taxes can be complicated and website prices often increase as you progress through the booking.

You may also be asked to pay hefty booking fees if you choose to book online.

Similarly, if you’re flying on a low cost carrier (LCC), don’t forget to factor in the extra charges that will apply to the LCC’s “no frills” airfares.

 

10. Constructed fares

If you’re interested in a round-the world fare, ask your agent to build an itinerary that suits your travel plans, rather than simply booking an off-the-shelf fare.

Rather than limiting your round-the-world fare to a particular airline or alliance, your agent can mix and match carriers to tailor a great itinerary and save you money.