How to find cheap flights for your trip
Finding a cheap flight deal can slash the cost of your next trip. This guide shows you how to cut flight costs for your next overseas holiday.
Flight prices fluctuate regularly, with most airlines ramping up the cost as the seats on the plane fill up. Here’s how to boost your chances of getting a good deal when booking a flight online.
Where can I find cheap flights?
Travel comparison websites are often the best place to start your search for cheap flights.
Sites worth checking include:
To find the best deals, it’s a good idea to check several sites before you book.
If you’re planning a holiday to a popular resort destination such as Malaga or Tenerife, it’s also worth checking tour operators, such as Tui and First Choice, as charter flights to these locations can sometimes be even cheaper than low-cost airlines.
How can I find cheap flights?
Flexibility is key when looking for cheap flights.
You can often save hundreds of pounds on long-haul trips if you’re prepared to change your dates slightly, so be sure to check a few days on either side of your planned period if that’s an option for you.
The time you’re travelling can also make a difference.
A flight that leaves at 8 am, for example, will generally cost less than one that takes off at 11 am. And one that leaves at 10 pm will usually be cheaper than a mid-afternoon flight.
Big savings are also available if you’re happy to consider different holiday destinations.
To check what’s on offer, simply enter “everywhere” or “anywhere” in the destination box on comparison sites such as Skyscanner and you’ll see a list of flights leaving from your chosen airport on that date, from the cheapest to the most expensive.
Cheap flight tips
You can also slash the cost of your next flight with these money-saving tips.
1. Add a stopover
Long-haul flights often work out cheaper if you break up your journey with a stopover – especially if you’re prepared to stay overnight somewhere on your way to your final destination. However, on routes where there is a lot of competition, such as London to New York, direct flights may cost less, so it’s worth comparing both options.
2. Check both single and return flights
It could be cheaper to fly out with one airline and return with another, even if the return flight is from a different airport.
3. Compare flight and hotel packages
In some instances, you may be able to save money by booking your flight and accommodation in one package through an online travel agent.
4. Sign up for cheap flight alerts
Flight alert sites such as Jack’s Flight Club and Holiday Pirates email members with details of cheap flights and/or package deals.
When is the cheapest time to book flights?
Airlines increase and decrease their prices according to demand. So, there’s no hard and fast rule on how far ahead you should book a flight to get the best deal.
However, it’s often sensible to book early if you can – especially if you’re planning a trip in peak season to a popular holiday destination.
Airlines tend to release tickets around 11 to 12 months in advance, although some, such as Ryanair, only release tickets about six months before the departure date.
You can often sign up to receive email alerts that tell you when tickets you’re interested in go on sale.
The alternative option is to wait until the last minute and try to bag a bargain that way.
If that’s your plan, try Lastminute.com, as well as budget airlines such as Easyjet and charter companies such as Tui.
What day of the week is cheapest to fly?
Airline prices fluctuate depending on both the day of the week and the time of year you travel.
If you’re planning a trip at Christmas or during the school summer holidays, for example, you’ll almost certainly pay more than you would at a less popular time of year.
Flying at the weekends is also usually pricier than choosing a mid-week departure date, while Mondays and Fridays can also be more expensive as these are the most popular days for business travel.
As explained above, prices also vary depending on demand, the airline you use, whether you fly direct, and the time of day you want to fly.
What extra costs should I look out for?
When you take a flight, you’re likely to face a range of other costs that can increase the overall amount you pay. Therefore, travelling on a budget also involves considering the following costs.
Luggage and seat reservations
Depending on the airline you travel with, you may need to pay extra to check in bags, reserve a seat or even take a large cabin bag onboard.
While some airlines provide meals and drinks free of charge, others also charge for everything from a bottle of water to a light snack or sandwich.
You can keep these costs down by travelling light when possible, bringing your own food to consume on the plane, and not being overly fussy about where you sit.
Airport parking
If you’re driving to the airport, you’ll need to pay to park your car while you're away.
And even if you’re getting dropped off at the airport, charges to enter the drop-off zone may still apply.
You can keep airport parking costs down by choosing cheaper, long-term airport car parks or using a car park near but not at the airport, with a shuttle service where possible.
Transport and transfers
If you’re not driving, you’ll need to factor in the cost of transport to and from the airport for your flight, as well as getting to and from your accommodation at the other end (unless you have booked a package holiday that includes airport transfers).
Compare options such as trains, buses, coaches and taxis to be sure you’re getting the best price.
Foreign currency
If you’re travelling overseas, you’ll need some local currency to spend while you’re there.
Online providers often offer the best deals on travel money, so shop around for the best exchange rates – and don’t forget to check the commission rate too.
If you have foreign currency leftover at the end of your trip, it’s also sensible to use a currency buyback service rather than leaving it languishing in a drawer.
Find out more about getting the best deal on travel money in this guide
Spending abroad can be costly, so make sure you compare the market for the best exchange rates available on your travel money before jetting off.