Thinking about a mid-year escape to Europe or beyond? You might want to book sooner rather than later.
Travel experts are warning that airfares are set to rise sharply in June, especially for long-haul international flights. Europe-bound trips are expected to take the biggest hit. So if you’re holding out for a last-minute deal, you might want to reconsider.
Why are airfares going up in June?
June marks the start of the Northern Hemisphere’s peak summer travel season, when demand for flights between Australia and Europe surges. Airlines typically adjust fares upward in response to this seasonal pressure.
Fares from Australia to Europe are likely to feel the squeeze from both sides. Australia is expected to see the steepest airfare increase globally, with economy prices up 13.7% and business-class fares rising 7.8% on average. Europe’s fare increases might be smaller – but together, it still adds up to a pricey booking window.
What destinations are most affected?
While airfares are trending upwards globally, certain regions are expected to see sharper increases due to a mix of high demand, limited airline capacity, and seasonal travel trends. Here’s where travellers are likely to feel the biggest pinch:
Europe
Europe remains a favourite for travellers in the winter months – but flights to cities like London, Paris, Rome, and Athens are expected to jump in price significantly as the European summer kicks off. Direct routes and premium cabin seats are already seeing early sellouts.
North America
Flights to the United States – particularly through major hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York – are also likely to increase. Leisure and business travel demand remain high, and with fewer non-stop services available compared to pre-pandemic levels, competition for seats is strong.
Asia
Destinations closer to home like Singapore, Tokyo, and Bangkok aren’t immune either. The winter school holidays in Australia, along with recovering tourism flows, are placing added pressure on these high-traffic routes, especially with fewer budget options available.
Domestic travel
Even travel within Australia is feeling the impact. Routes to popular holiday destinations such as Broome, Cairns, Gold Coast, and Hobart are expected to see moderate fare hikes during the winter peak. Regional capacity remains limited, and last-minute bookings during school holidays are rarely cheap.
How to beat the fare hike
If you’re looking to keep travel costs under control, here are a few ways to get ahead of the surge:
- Book before the end of May – locking in your flights early is the best way to avoid rising costs.
- Travel mid-week – flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays often delivers better value.
- Be flexible with airports – flying into cities like Frankfurt or Milan can sometimes offer savings over more popular hubs.
- Set up fare alerts – use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track price changes.
- Secure travel insurance early – AllClear offers comprehensive cover with no age limit and tailored options for pre-existing medical conditions.
Don’t delay, save today
Whether you’re planning a European summer, an American adventure, or a sunny escape within Australia, the message is clear: book now or pay more later. With airfares on the rise and availability tightening across key routes, early planning isn’t just smart – it could save you hundreds.
Don’t wait for prices to climb. Get your flights booked, sort your Travel Insurance, and start counting down to your next adventure.