How To Get Cheap Flights To The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays, with its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, is a total Queensland gem and a top-visited destination globally. Whether you’re looking to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, sail around the islands, or enjoy a relaxing beach holiday, flying there doesn’t have to break the bank.
From someone who has flown to the Whitsundays more times than she can count, here is how you can score cheap flights to the Whitsundays and save those dollars for your next island tour instead!
1. Use Flight Price Comparison Tools
To find the best deals on flights, start by using price comparison tools like Skyscanner and Google Flights. These platforms aggregate flights from multiple airlines and booking sites, helping you find the cheapest options. You can set up price alerts to monitor fluctuations and snag tickets when prices drop.
Skyscanner is particularly useful because it shows you not only the best prices but also flexible travel date prices. If your schedule is flexible, you can find significantly cheaper flights by flying on off-peak days, which we will get to later. Google Flights offers a similar feature, allowing you to compare a range of dates and set up alerts for specific routes, ensuring you don’t miss out on any deals.
I recommend using both (to compare the comparisons if you will) to double-check that you’re getting the best price data, and set up your price alerts as soon as possible.
2. Maximize Frequent Flyer Points and Qantas Loyalty
If you’re a frequent traveller, take advantage of your frequent flyer or Qantas points to reduce the cost of your flight. Qantas and Virgin are some of the major carriers that service the Whitsundays, and using your points can make a significant difference in ticket prices.
Many airlines, including Qantas, offer credit card partnerships where you can earn points through your everyday spending. This can help you accumulate enough points for a free or discounted flight to the Whitsundays. Additionally, check if any promotions or special deals are available for Qantas or Velocity members that can help lower the overall cost.
3. Fly During the Low Season for Best Deals
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider visiting during the low season and outside of school holiday peak times. The Whitsundays’ low season typically falls between May and August, which coincides with winter. Not only will you find cheaper flights, but you’ll also benefit from fewer crowds and competitive accommodation prices.
And personally, I prefer to escape the stinking tropical heat and avoid the summer! While many might think that winter in the Whitsundays means colder weather, it’s actually the perfect time for visiting. The days are mild, the humpback whales are splashing about and stinger season is over!
4. Pack Light & Avoid Extra Luggage Costs
As you're using the flight comparison scanner tools, you may notice that the fares displayed are often very basic options. That is, they usually do not include any checked luggage, and can not always be refunded. However, if you are fine with packing light (you are visiting the tropics after all), you really can get away with a smartly-packed carry-on bag only. Just make sure that your carry-on bag fits into the luggage weight restrictions to avoid a pesky luggage charge at the airport. Jetstar is particularly infamous for its strict carry-on weighing procedures!
Read our ultimate packing guide for the Whitsundays to pack smarter, not heavier!
5. Book Airport Shuttle Transfers
Once you’ve secured your cheap flight, the next step is getting to your accommodation from the airport. Save money on an expensive taxi and lock in those travel plans! Many travellers opt for airport shuttle services, which offer a convenient and affordable way to travel to and from the Whitsunday Coast Airport.
There are a variety of airport shuttle products available that can take you directly to your hotel or resort. You can book these shuttles online in advance or at the airport, ensuring a smooth start to your trip. These services are usually cheaper than hiring a taxi or booking a private transfer, and just as convenient, dropping you right at your door.
For a more detailed guide on how to get from the airport to your destination, be sure to check out our guide to getting from Whitsunday Airport to Airlie Beach.
5. Consider Flying Into Hamilton Island Or Mackay
In addition to Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine), you may want to consider flying into Hamilton Island Airport or Mackay Airport. While flights to Hamilton Island can sometimes be pricier, deals can still be found during the off-season, especially when booked in advance, and especially on package deals with accommodation. From Hamilton Island, you can easily catch a ferry to the mainland or other islands in the Whitsundays, or stay on and enjoy an easy, deluxe island holiday without even stepping foot on the mainland!
We have a large selection of Whitsunday tours departing Hamilton Island - check them out!
Mackay is about a two-hour drive out of Airlie Beach and can sometimes have really cheap flight sales, so it's definitely worth checking out if you're trying to save some dollars and plan on renting a car anyway.
Which airlines fly into Whitsundays Coast Airport?
- Jetstar Airways – Offers flights from major cities like Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, the Sunshine Coast and more.
- Qantas – Also provides services to Whitsunday Coast Airport, often connecting through Brisbane for more remote locations.
- Virgin Australia – Operates flights from major cities like Brisbane and Sydney.
- Alliance Airlines – This regional airline operates flights to Whitsunday Coast Airport from cities like Brisbane, often for charter services or through codeshare agreements.
- Regional Express Airlines (Rex) – While not as common, Rex occasionally operates services to regional airports in Queensland, including Whitsunday Coast.
When is the cheapest time to book flights to the Whitsundays?
How far in advance to book flights to the Whitsundays
For domestic flights within Australia, data shows it is best to book tickets 1 to 3 months prior to your departure date.
This window often offers the most competitive prices, however, it's worth turning on price notifications on comparison sites like Skyscanner as far in advance as possible to stay alert to any sales that pop up.
Best days to book flights to the Whitsundays
Booking your flights on Sundays and mid-weekdays is proven to be cheaper than booking flights on Fridays and Saturdays. This is a great rule of thumb for nabbing the best deals, but again, always have flight price notifications on to check for the best deals in advance.
When is the cheapest time to fly to the Whitsundays?
Visit the Whitsundays in between May and September
Travelling during the shoulder months of March to May and September to November can result in significant savings. These periods are outside the peak tourist seasons, leading to lower demand and more affordable fares, along with cheaper tour and accommodation times. Avoid any school holidays, particularly Christmas and Easter if you're looking for cheaper flights.
Be flexible with departure dates & fly mid-week
Flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays is often cheaper than weekend departures. Being flexible with your travel dates can open up more affordable options. It may very well be worth taking a long weekend if flying on a Monday or Tuesday means you save some dollars! And, as a perk, you usually get a less hectic airport experience with all of the weekend warriors having returned to their desks!
While it might be surprising, travelling to the Whitsundays doesn’t have to be expensive! By using tools like Skyscanner and Google Flights, leveraging your frequent flyer points, and booking during the low season, you can save money on your flight.
Don’t forget to arrange affordable airport shuttle transfers to make your journey smooth and easy. Whether you’re flying in to experience winter whale watching or enjoying the stinger-free beaches, the Whitsundays is waiting for you to explore!
Ready to plan your next Whitsunday adventure?
