Cheap Flights Guide: Money Saving Ways to See the World – Booking Tips and Tricks

For many, a holiday is a once-a-year treat, something you are willing to spend a little bit extra on. However just because you are happy to splurge and really treat yourself and loved ones, doesn’t mean you would turn down a good deal when you see one.

Often the flights themselves can cost more than the accommodation, which is crazy considering you may be staying in 5-star luxury for ten nights, all-inclusive, the lot!

If you do the right research and book at the right time, you could get a great deal and secure your dream holiday without such a hefty price tag. Have we got you intrigued?

Read on for all our tips on how to save on flights!

Shop the January sales: We know all to well about the infamous Boxing Day sales that flood our high streets and inbox every year. However, it is not just clothes, sofas and other household appliances that are discounted – flights, accommodation and package holidays often have massive discounts, meaning you can get that getaway for a fraction of the price.

You can book a cheap flight in January for six months, eight months, even in a years-time, so don’t think these sales are just for those who want to drop everything and jet off last minute. There really is something for everyone, so make the most of the sale and bag that holiday bargain.

Shop midweek: A lot of people don’t know this but depending on the day you book your flight; it can really impact the price you’re going to pay. It has been said that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the least popular days to book a flight, so what better than to reduce the price across those days to try and get more sales. What’s more once one major airline announces a sale, it seems others jump on the bandwagon, so you could find yourself with quite a lot of choice to pick through.

Be flexible: Depending on your circumstances you may or may not be able to be a bit more flexible when booking your flight. It is always best to book your flight before you sort your accommodation, just because the number of planes going to your chosen destination are often more limited than the number of places you could stay. So, if you can be less rigid on the day and time you would like to depart, then you may be able to save yourself quite a lot of money. This may mean flying at a more awkward time or having to book that extra day off work, however it may end up being worth it for the saving you could get.

Another way to save money is being willing to fly from an alternative airport. For example, when filtering through fights, selecting ‘all London airports’ as opposed to Heathrow only. This should provide you with flights at varying price points and plenty more options. Again, this depends on your personal situation. Understandably, if you have young children then travelling an extra 30 minutes to get to the airport may not be ideal however if you are considering a couple’s getaway then it may be easy and stress-free to go further afield. You would be surprised at the price difference between flying from one airport compared to another, so it is definitely worth looking into.

Check comparison sites: It goes without saying that travel comparison and last-minute deal sites are a great option when trying to find a bargain flight. As well as an easy browsing experience, they often provide package deals as well, should you want to book your flight and accommodation together for a good deal. Sites like Expedia, Last Minute and Sky Scanner scour through all the flights available to get you the very best price. Just make sure you snap up those deals before it’s too late, the best ones never seem to be on the site for long.

Booking early: Being organised often has its advantages, and booking a flight nice and early is no exception. You can often save some cash if you book a flight or a package holiday six months or even a year in advance. Not only that, it gives you something to look forward to and you may be able to pay the holiday off in interest-free instalments, meaning you don’t have to pay for it all at once.

Book last minute: If you are in a position where you can go away with little notice then you are sure to find some great last-minute deals. Airlines want a sold-out flight, even if that means dropping their prices significantly. It can be risky booking a trip last minute, however if you have a couple of potential destination options and a rough date of when you would like to go, you should find an absolute steal.   

Try and avoid going during school holidays: For some families, this simply will not be an option. However if it is a couples trip or a getaway with friends that you are planning, then going away when kids are in school not only makes flights cheaper as there are less people going on holiday but also it means there is less chance of being sat near a loud-and-somewhat-annoying child on the plane.

Whilst deals are great, make sure you know what it is that you’re paying for when booking a flight. Some cheaper airlines offer next-to-no benefits, such as baggage allowance or checking in early. Before you know it you could be paying more for a budget airline than you would have done if you had paid more initially. The add-ons are often what make a flight more enjoyable and relaxing, so just make sure you do your research!

As soon as you have booked a holiday or even just the flight, make sure you take out a travel insurance policy to protect both yourself and your trip during the lead up to the departure date. Whether you have booked a last-minute flight or one a year in advance, travel insurance is key. At Holidaysafe, we offer a range of policies from Single Trip, to Multi Trip and Longstay. So, whether you are planning on just the one return flight that year, a backpacking adventure or a few trips spread out, then we have something for you!