HOTY Planning

 Once again we are low in enthusiasm for the HOTY.

MINIMUM OPTION
Fly down Friday first flight Friday and return Saturday evening.
As a sweeping generalisation, Qantas seems to have the lowest fares. 

Qantas First Flight  5:05am arr MEL 8:30am $412 then lets add 2hrs to get to Hawthorne 10:30.  
Jetstar is 6am-9:20 am $327 so even later and we really don't trust Jetstar.
Assume say $100 taxi.  So the spend is $512 and we essentially arrive later than the rest of the club who we believe will arrive 9:30.  - So we will forget this option.

 

THURSDAY - SUNDAY (Traditional Option)
The question becomes: What to do in Melbourne during the day on Thursday.
QANTAS    8am-11:25   $335 
Extra legroom $47
Virgin 8:55 - 12:15 Virgin $299 Flex. $35 cheaper but gone
Virgin 10:55-2:15 Flex $389
Flight Centre > Virgin $269 "Choice" incl bags  CHEAPEST BUT!
ahh but add $29.95 Booking fee -> $297.95  Essentially the same as on the Virgin web site.
Extra leg room exit row add $81.  Standard seat $0.  Oter seats vary $22-$28.
Interestingly they have seats in front of the wing.

SUNDAY 
Qantas 7am $284  CHEAPEST
Virgin 8:10am $389 "Flex" includes a bag  ($282 no bags)
Flight Centre>Virgin 7:10 "Choice" incl bags $329