http://iwantthatflight.com.au/

(slow, but includes Tiger Airways flights)

http://www.webjet.com.au/

(faster, but does not include Tiger Airways flights)

You could always search Webjet, and then compare to Tiger Airways.

http://www.tigerairways.com/au/en/

Actually, I would recommend you double check Tiger in case.  I just searched I want that flight for Perth to Adelaide on the 12th of April and the cheapest was $172.  Tiger is quoting $109.95 + $20 for 20kg of luggage for the same leg.  However, the $172 flight departs at 10:30 AM, but the Tiger flight departs at 1:30 AM, arriving at 6:05 AM.  It may be worth it to pay the extra to depart and arrive at a more civilized time.

Tips, Traps, Warnings and Gotchas – mostly from personal experience.

Tiger and Jetstar both do hand luggage only flights, which is no good if you want checked baggage.  Checked baggage on one of these flights is very expensive.  Also, some only have a 15kg checked baggage allowance.  If you exceed the weight allowance they slug you again.  It may be worthwhile to spend the $10 or so to upgrade to 20kg.

Watch the flight times.  A 1:30 AM to 6:05 AM flight may not suit if you are doing something the day you arrive.  For sometimes not much more you can get a flight with better times.

The further ahead you book, the cheaper your flight is likely to be.  Flights can increase in price $50 in a week.

Watch the departure/destination airport.  Avalon in Melbourne is a A$60-70 taxi ride from the City.  You can catch a shuttle bus for $18, but there may be no bus if you arrive at 1:00 AM.  It’s better to check were the airport is before booking the ticket.

Most budget fares are non-refundable.  Check with the airline for conditions.  Most have a discount for purchasing on-line.  Generally, the name of the passenger, origin and destination cannot be changed, but date/time of departure may be able to be changed for a fee.  If you make a mistake in booking (i.e. booking Avalon instead of Tullamarine) call the airline immediately and they may be able to change the destination airport without a fee (this worked for me once, but no guarantees).

As with everything, always read the terms and conditions, check the details before you pay (I once transposed the origin and destination).

On a final note, if you fly with Tiger, be really, really early.  They are not kidding when they say book in 2 hours before departure time.  Check-in desks close strictly 45 minutes before scheduled departure time.  I have seen passengers arrive more than an hour before departure, and still “miss” their flight.  With all airlines, I would take the check in time seriously and be early.

In summary

• check the date/time
• check origin/destination airport
• check the baggage allowance.
• be early to check in.
  
• If you mess up, call the airline immediately.

If you have any feedback, please leave comments below…