SYDNEY- Australians flying to Europe on Qantas (QF) from Sydney Airport (SYD) are beginning to rethink peak season travel, as early November flights show lighter loads, smoother airport processes, and milder conditions across destinations like Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
Many travellers arriving outside the July–August rush report avoiding the extreme heat, congestion, and high prices linked to traditional Euro-summer trips.
Growing interest in this quieter period comes as spending forecasts show Australians planned more than $280 million on European flights and hotels in 2025, a rise of almost 10 per cent from the year before.
Reported by news.com.au, Qantas cabin crew suggest this shift may signal the beginning of a new travel pattern for Australians keen to enjoy Europe with more comfort and flexibility.
Qantas Cabin Crew Tips to Aussies
As European summers become hotter and more crowded, many Australians are noticing the drawbacks of mid-year travel.
Popular destinations such as Italy, Greece, Spain, and France have seen packed beaches, restaurants booked out months in advance, and limited availability for simple experiences like hiring beach beds.
With the Euro-summer trend disrupted during the pandemic, 2025 delivered a strong bounce-back, though not without increased congestion.
Intrepid Travel predicted that within five to ten years, more Australians would choose Easter or September school holidays for Europe instead of the intense July–August period.
Recent traveller experiences support this shift. The early November “secret window” offers warmth without heat, brisk mornings without harsh cold, and sights free from peak-season crowds.
One traveller departing on Qantas (QF) from Sydney noticed no lines at the airport on November 3, moving through check-in and security faster than expected.
Onboard the Sydney–Perth–Paris flight, premium economy passengers found empty rows, allowing some to move freely and even secure entire rows for rest, an experience “you’d never see mid-year,” especially on Qantas’ highly demanded direct routes from Perth to London (LHR), Rome (FCO), and Paris (CDG).
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Experiencing France During the “Secret Window”
A week spent travelling from Montpellier (MPL) to Paris revealed a noticeably calmer France. Christmas spirit was already present across the cities, yet the weather remained mild enough for shorts and at times even T-shirts.
Iconic avenues such as the Champs-Élysées were easy to stroll without weaving through heavy foot traffic.
Taking photos at landmarks, often impossible during summer, became quick and effortless. Landmarks typically overrun by global tourists felt open and accessible, creating the sense of having the city “almost to yourself.”
This freedom made the trip feel more relaxed, spontaneous, and less structured than a peak-season visit.
Insights From Qantas Cabin Crew
Qantas customer service manager Christopher Marchioro, who has worked with the airline for 11 years, said this pre-Christmas shoulder period is one of his favourites.
He explained that hotels are more affordable, queues at attractions like the Eiffel Tower are shorter, and travellers can secure restaurant reservations without booking six months ahead.
He shared that on a recent day in Paris, he walked along the Seine, visited a gallery, and became warm enough to take off his jacket, despite it being November.
He emphasised that travellers worried about missing the “summer vibe” often overlook the significant benefits of this shoulder season, including greater flexibility and better weather than expected.
Qantas Expanding Travel Options
Qantas’ extended codeshare with Air France (AF) provides smoother access to French regional cities such as Bordeaux (BOD) and Nice (NCE), enhancing point-to-point travel for Australian passengers.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace noted that direct Perth–Paris, Perth–Rome, and Perth–London flights continue to rank among the airline’s highest for customer satisfaction.
Wallace added that autumn and winter are some of the best seasons to explore France, with easier reservations at brasseries, shorter queues at major attractions, and more opportunities to experience local culture.
The expanded Air France partnership strengthens Qantas’ premium international network and increases year-round options for Australian travellers.
Current Fares for Europe Travel
Travelers considering the quieter season can find competitive pricing on Sydney to Paris (via Perth) routes:
- Economy: from $2184 return
- Premium Economy: from $4384 return
- Business Class: from $11,983 return
These fares highlight the accessibility of Europe outside the frenetic summer season, giving travellers an appealing alternative for better comfort and value.
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