Qantas and Virgin Australia drop massive sale with flights starting at $49 ahead of summer holidays

Australian airlines Qantas and Virgin Australia have announced major sales for hundreds of flights across the country, with prices starting at $49.

More than 800,000 domestic seats on Qantas flights are up for grabs as part of its summer sale, with flights departing between December 1, 2026 and February 27, 2027 including flights over Christmas, Australia Day and the school holidays.

The sale spans 300 routes to more than 60 domestic destinations including one-way economy flights from Adelaide to Melbourne or Sydney to the Gold Coast from $99.

Perth residents can catch a one-way economy flight to Sydney for $299 or make the trip to Melbourne for $329.

Those living in Darwin can make a visit to Perth for $299, and Melbourne residents can plan a trip to Tasmania, with one-way economy flights to Hobart for $119.

Qantas Domestic chief executive Markus Svensson said the sale would give customers “more opportunities to discover the destinations, communities and experiences that make our own backyard special during one of the most popular time for holiday-makers”.

“Customers can combine discounted seats with the Qantas Hotels offer and get the best value out of their trip this summer, whether they’re returning to a favourite holiday spot or visiting somewhere new,” he said.

The Qantas sale ends on July 24 at midnight unless sold out prior.

Virgin Australia is also dropping the price of one million of its domestic and international flights ahead of the summer holidays, with economy one-way fares across the country starting at $49.

Sydney residents hoping to catch some rays can make a one-way economy lite flight to Ballina Byron from $49, the Gold Coast from $65 or the Sunshine Coast from $69.

Meanwhile, those living in Melbourne can check out the Gold Coast from $89 or take a trip to Adelaide from $105.

International flights are also being slashed as part of the sale, with return economy lite flights from Melbourne or the Gold Coast to Bali from $429.

Sydney residents can catch a flight to Bali from $469 or check out Queenstown in New Zealand from $535.

Flights to Fiji are also on sale, with flights from Melbourne and Sydney starting at $599, while flights from Brisbane start at $609.

Prices for business cass flights are also being reduced in the sale, with one-way trips from Sydney to Ballina Byron from $219, which includes priority check-in and boarding, lounge access and reclined leather seating.

Virgin Australia executive Libby Minogue said almost half of Australians in a recent survey put a holiday as their No.1 savings goal.

“Whether it’s a quick weekend escape, an overseas adventure or treating yourself to business

class, there’s something for every Aussie traveller, with great value fares and packages across

domestic and international destinations,” she said.

“With one million sale fares up for grabs starting from as low as $49, we encourage Aussie

travellers to book early.”

Virgin Australia is also offering the potential to earn Velocity double Status Points with its Virgin Australia Holidays packages if booked before July 27.

Some of the Virgin Australia Holidays deals include return economy lite flights from Melbourne to Cairns from $479, including two nights’ accommodation for two people.

The sale is available until midnight July 27 unless sold out prior for selected travel dates between August 25, 2026 and June 22, 2027.