Why is LHR-SYD rtn cheaper than SYD-LHR rtn

[YSSY]

In all classes there are some superb deals flying from the UK to Australia, yet vice versa the prices are often considerably higher. Is there any reason for this? Extra taxes and fees? Or is just pure economics, supply and demand?
The present BHX-DOH-SYD rtn deal with Qatar is a great example, if it was in reverse for the same price, then I'd be booking that immediately.

I look at flights from SIN and they can half the price of those from Perth or Sydney.

 

[JohnK]

This has always been the case with many overseas airports.

One reason is greater competition overseas. Another reason is our geographical location and being so far away from everyone generally pay more for airfares.

For 6-7 years I used to purchase return airfares ex-BKK or ex-SIN as I was there 3-4 times a year and the airfares were much cheaper. Now those airfares are more expensive as Qantas has tightened up the seasonality from those airports which didn't exist in the first place.

 

[BillytheFIsh]

...
Or is just pure economics, supply and demand?
...

That's a bingo!

They charge more for same reason we pay more for a million other things including things delivered entirely online... because they can.

 

[bam71]

its been like that for a very long time. The trick is to position yourself in Europe and buy EU to AU return tickets if one is travelling regularly.

 

[Buzzard]

2 separate tickets isn't a bad idea. Somewhere like BKK or SIN return and BKK /SIN to Europe return and enjoy a stop over each way.

 

[wandering_fred]

This has always been the case with many overseas airports.
One reason is greater competition overseas. Another reason is our geographical location and being so far away from everyone generally pay more for airfares.
For 6-7 years I used to purchase return airfares ex-BKK or ex-SIN as I was there 3-4 times a year and the airfares were much cheaper. Now those airfares are more expensive as Qantas has tightened up the seasonality from those airports which didn't exist in the first place.

The fact that the SGD and the AUD are now roughly at parity rather than the SGD having a 30% discount plays a large part in the air fare arbitrage game from Singapore.

Having said that deals are still able to be found. At least one airline (at the time I was looking six months ago or so) offered K class exAustralia and N class ex overseas... Creating a rather large fare difference.

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[opusman]

Australia Tax.

 

[JohnK]

The fact that the SGD and the AUD are now roughly at parity rather than the SGD having a 30% discount plays a large part in the air fare arbitrage game from Singapore.

That plays some part. Qantas has tightened up the airfares ex-SIN. Routings are not as flexible. Seasonality is now in play.