Hi Talon - It's difficult to know what to do with flights, isn't it?

The lucky ones got the Qatar flights from Manchester at about £450 but that price is now gone. Qatar do strange things with prices and there could be more reductions in the future but who knows?

We booked Qatar via Mumbai before the price was reduced (it's still not expensive to go Qatar to Mumbai) and then internal flights but if you're only going for a fortnight it's a lot of messing about.

In the past we've done last minute bookings and got great prices but they weren't around last year as the number of charters has reduced (because we're all using Qatar!!).

Keep your eye on the Jewel in the Crown website - they sometimes have some good deals.

I think it's a case of continually watching and checking and being decisive when something crops up.

Hi Roma Many Thanks!

Yes i will do that. I just love the place but the charm will go if it gets more expensive. I know it's dwon to oil and demand etc but i would have to think in the future. I got the haathi mahal for a very good price and to be fair to them they realise people may stay away so they are doing their best deals for some but i will keep looking. Thanks again!

Kevin

I think the days of cheap air travel are over full stop.

With the rising price of oil being one factor but many others come into play as well not least the U.K.s hideous taxes on air travel.

A lot of carriers have now stopped long haul routes out of the U.K. and instead stick you on a shuttle flight to Europe to connect to your final destination.

We were lucky enough to bag one of those cheap Qatar deals and paid £484 each. I think the taxes came to £237.Tell me how Qatar make money on that?

It would be interesting if someone could do a comparison calculation of flight prices 10 years ago and now taking into account inflation wage increases etc.

While I continually look for the best value my head tells me more of my disposable income now goes towards my yearly Goa fix.

Good luck.

Papa

Don't know independent flight prices from our 1st year in 1999, but we paid £1300 for the 2 of us in a package deal (with Manos), which at the time was our furthest port of travel. We have never paid above this figure in all our visits to Goa since then, which includes 2 further packages and the rest being diy.
If you look around for a cheap holiday in Europe for 2 weeks, a lot of the prices are not that far off what you would pay for Goa, so is it still a good price to enjoy travelling that distance ? - yes.
Glad I picked up on the tip about Qatar, another saving of £220.
Jewel in the Crown have had good prices over the last 5 years who we have used, last year was £1100 for the 2 of us.
Hope you get sorted.

Thanks to all so far that have replied! Hopefully Qatar will have another offer soon. I dont go to Feb which is late for me. Even thought of using a cheap dormhouse package for the flight only. I know i will end up paying well over probably as i've paid my money to Haathi Mahal so am going but any ideas etc aare much appreciated. Like most people there is that feeling of not wanting to get ripped off. No doubt i will get sorted!

Kevin

We find that the cheapest way to get to Goa is via Mumbai.
I know it takes longer and usually involves 2 stops.
We book about 10 weeks before we go and are flexible on dates.
We fly from Birmingham as it is almost as cheap as Heathrow and have flown Air france, Emirates and Lufthansa.
We book the flights to Mumbai through Soutall travel and the Mumbai to Goa leg through Cleartrip.
We do this as it has always worked out cheaper than through a single agent.
Up until last year we were paying a maximum of £400 each including the internal flights.
Last year with Emirates it was £475. The main increase being the UK tax change.
Currently Birmingham to Mumbai in January is £412.90 with Turkish Air and Mumbai to Goa is 5228rps (£75) with Kingfisher.
Similar prices are available from Manchester.

Hi Sam,
Thanks! That was nice of you to take the time. I'll take on board what you said!

Kevin

Kevin

Try southall travel and also fly.com - also some of the search websites are good (Skyscanner seems good!) we have booked for April 2012 - a bit late in season but only time we can go, last two times we have been with Jet Airways via mumbai (booked with Southall) and I prefer it to charter flights. Food/Service and in flight entertainment is good, but as everyone is saying flights are expensive currently (we paid £510 each!!) but its worth it.

good luck
Nigel

talon67 wrote:

Thanks to all so far that have replied! Hopefully Qatar will have another offer soon. I dont go to Feb which is late for me. Even thought of using a cheap dormhouse package for the flight only. I know i will end up paying well over probably as i've paid my money to Haathi Mahal so am going but any ideas etc aare much appreciated. Like most people there is that feeling of not wanting to get ripped off. No doubt i will get sorted!

Kevin

Kevin another thing worth doing is to go on the qatar web site and join the Qatar privilage club,you automaticaly get there offers directly e mailed to you soon as they come out.
worth joining anyway and its free air miles

Hi Split,
Great idea i will do that. If you hear of any other good deals let me know. Thanks!

Kevin