“All in all, it was a bargain I think,” he continues, adding “I’ve heard Jakarta is one the the cheapest cities to fly from, but I’m yet to try it myself.”
Part of the reason for the price disparity, says Paul, is because of the pricing strategies many airlines use.
“Airlines base their prices in each country by taking into account that country’s average annual wage, inflation rate and affordability to the residents of that country,” he explains, “hence the reason places like Jakarta and Bangkok have such cheap fares, but those fares are dearer in Singapore and Australia.”
“It comes down to supply and demand,” agrees Immanuel Debeer, founder and editor of flighthacks.com.au, (which features a fantastic resource for those looking to dip their toe in the world of travel hacking). “There are a few cities in Asia where airlines offer substantially cheaper business class airfares compared to Australia.”
But what about economy flights? Are the same equivalent savings available flying cattle class out of Asia?
Sadly, says Immanuel, no.
“It wouldn’t be a saving to first position in Asia.”
That said, Immanuel just got off a business class flight from Perth to Amsterdam which only cost him $3,200, plus 45k points.
“My flight cost $3,200 departing from Bangkok to Amsterdam, with a stop in Helsinki,” he says. “It’s possible to find flights much cheaper, but I’m a big fan of the new Finnair A350, which has the best seats in my opinion!”