Which routes offer the best value for money?

Australians make more than 10 million overseas trips every year, with budget-conscious travellers always seeking better value for every dollar spent.

A new analysis by Money.com.au has ranked Australia's top 10 most popular international flights based on their average cost per minute to reveal which trips offer the best bang for your buck. 

Best overall value for money 

The Perth to Singapore flight took out the top spot for best value for money, with an average cost per minute of just $1.41. It's around the middle of the pack in terms of flight duration, meaning travellers on this route can easily reach southeast Asia without breaking the bank, enjoying both good value relative to other routes and a manageable travel time.

Melbourne to Singapore comes in second for value, with a cost per minute of $1.78, followed by Perth to Denpasar with a cost per minute of $1.96.

Long-haul flight with the best value for money

As well as taking second place for overall best bang for buck, the Melbourne to Singapore journey ranks number one as the best value for a long-haul flight (over 6 hours). With a flight time of approximately 7 hours and 55 minutes, it offers a reasonable cost per minute at $1.78. 

Best value for Bali 

Perth to Denpasar is the more affordable option for Australians heading to Bali (perhaps due to Jetstar expanding its Perth network), with an average cost per minute of $1.96, followed by Melbourne to Denpasar with a cost per minute of $2.62. 

Best value for New Zealand

The Melborune to Auckland route offers the best value for flights to New Zealand, with an average cost per minute of $2.31, while Sydney to Auckland has a cost per minute of $2.74. 

Most expensive international flight 

One of the longer journeys among Australia’s most popular international routes, the Brisbane to Singapore flight comes in with the highest cost per minute at $3.18. If you're taking this route, a little smart planning can stretch your dollars further, like bringing your own snacks to skip pricey onboard options.

With cost of living pressures taking their toll, Money.com.au’s Finance Expert, Sean Callery, says many travellers are looking at ways beyond the obvious to get the best value possible from their trip.

“Considering total cost together with the journey time offers travellers a fresh dimension for measuring value for money,” he said.

“The research shows that in some cases opting for a longer journey will make your dollars go further too. Singapore is a good example, as flights there from Melbourne and Sydney represent very good value on average based on cost per minute, compared to flying across the ditch to Auckland.”

“Singapore is also by far the most common destination for Aussie flyers overall. It’s often a stopover, but holidaymakers can also take advantage of the abundance of available flights there by making it their final destination.”

“On the flip side of cost per minute, some flyers, like those travelling with kids, will tolerate a relatively expensive flight if it means touching down as soon as possible. The important thing is to think carefully about cost and what value it represents based on what’s important to you.”