Cheap flights, best travel deals October 2026: Free Japan and South Korea flights in major sale

Jetstar has launched one of its most popular airline sales of the year offering free return flights from Japan and South Korea.

The low-cost carrier is just one Aussie airline that has kicked off October with bargain flights to some of the most popular holiday destinations on our radar.

Did someone sale free Japan flights? iStock

Jetstar’s Japan & South Korea Return for FREE Sale is offering 14,000 return fares from $0 for the next 72 hours.

Customers who purchase an outbound Starter fare to Seoul (Incheon), Osaka (Kansai) or Tokyo (Narita) can receive the return Starter fare FREE with a list of selected travel dates available.

Some of the best fares on offer include:

Cairns to Osaka (Kansai) from $449Brisbane to Seoul (Incheon) from $469Cairns to Tokyo (Narita) from $479Sydney to Osaka (Kansai) from $569

Jetstar’s Return for Free sale is back. iStock

Club Jetstar members will have 12 hours’ exclusive early access from midday AEDT today.

“Japan and South Korea are two of our customers’ most-loved international holiday spots, and with the return flight free, travellers can make their holiday go a lot further,” Jetstar Executive Manager Customer and Digital Prue McKenzie said.

More flight deals

Qantas

Qantas has launched a three-day Northern Territory sale, in partnership with Tourism and Events NT, with more than 42,000 discounted seats available across flights to and from the Top End and Red Centre.Spanning 26 routes, the sale connects Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru with 10 destinations across AustraliaOne-way Economy fares start from $199 between Adelaide and Alice Springs

Red Centre flights are on sale with Qantas. Maurizio De Mattei

Virgin Australia

If Europe is in your plans, Virgin Australia has launched an early bird Europe sale featuring fares starting from $1,641 return (Economy Choice, Perth to Barcelona via Doha).The sale fares can be booked directly through the Virgin Australia website until midnight AEST Friday 30 October 2026 (unless sold out prior)Destinations include Europe’s most popular travel hotspots such as Barcelona, Rome, London Heathrow, Paris and moreVelocity Frequent Flyer members can also earn up to 24,000 bonus Velocity Points on eligible return bookings

The flights are operated on behalf of Virgin Australia through its strategic partnership with Qatar Airways. Supplied/James D. Morgan from Getty Images

Best package deals

ALDI Holidays

Travellers can enjoy a family-friendly luxury stay in Bali from $1,899ppSpend 10 days on a five-star rail tour of China from $1,499ppSpend six days in Hawaii from $2,599ppSeven days exploring Japan from $2,999ppOr eight days discovering South Korea from $2,999pp.Tour deals

Globus

Globus has launched a flash sale offering 10 per cent off all 2027 Europe and UK tours until 13 OctoberFrom Sicily and Croatia to Scotland and Ireland, the limited-time sale offers savings across a range of guided holidays

Cosmos

Cosmos has launched a flash sale offering 20 per cent off all 2027 Europe and UK tours until 13 October.Deals include trips exploring Spain, Portugal and Morocco’s historic cities to cruising through Scandinavia’s fjords and discovering Ireland’s iconic coastlines