How to Save Money on Booking Flights from the UK

1. Book at the Right Time

Timing is key when it comes to getting the best airfare prices. Flight prices fluctuate based on demand, seasonality, and airline sales.

Best Booking Windows:

• 6-8 weeks in advance for domestic and short-haul flights.
• 3-6 months in advance for long-haul international flights.
• Tuesday and Wednesday are generally the cheapest days to book.
• Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) is usually cheaper than weekends.

Avoid Expensive Periods:

• School holidays and bank holidays see a spike in prices.
• Peak summer months (July & August) are the most expensive.
• Christmas and Easter flights sell out quickly and cost more.

2. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations

Flexibility can save you a lot of money when booking flights. If your travel dates or destination are flexible, you can find better deals.

Tips:

• Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to search for the cheapest dates.
• Consider flying a day earlier or later to find lower fares.
• Check for flights from alternative airports (e.g., flying from Manchester instead of London).
• Use the ‘Everywhere’ search on Skyscanner to find cheap destinations.

3. Use Flight Comparison Websites

Flight comparison websites help you compare prices across multiple airlines and booking platforms to find the best deal.

Best Flight Comparison Sites:

• Skyscanner (great for flexible searches)
• Google Flights (best for tracking price trends)
• Kayak (offers price alerts and search filters)
• Momondo (sometimes finds hidden deals)
• Expedia (good for bundling flights with hotels)

4. Sign Up for Airline Newsletters and Alerts

Many airlines and travel sites offer special promotions and discounts for subscribers.

How to Stay Updated:

• Sign up for airline newsletters (EasyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, etc.).
• Set up price alerts on Skyscanner or Google Flights.
• Follow airlines on social media for flash sales.
• Join frequent flyer programs to receive exclusive discounts.

5. Take Advantage of Error Fares and Flash Sales

Airlines sometimes make pricing errors, leading to ultra-cheap flights.

How to Find Error Fares:

• Follow deal websites like Secret Flying, Jack’s Flight Club, or Holiday Pirates.
• Book quickly, as error fares don’t last long.
• Avoid contacting the airline directly about the fare.

6. Consider Budget Airlines

Low-cost carriers can offer significant savings if you’re willing to sacrifice some comfort.

Popular Budget Airlines from the UK:

• EasyJet (Europe)
• Ryanair (Europe & North Africa)
• Wizz Air (Eastern Europe)
• Norwegian Air (Long-haul flights)
• Jet2 (Holiday destinations)

Money-Saving Tips for Budget Airlines:

• Travel with hand luggage only to avoid checked baggage fees.
• Avoid add-ons like seat selection and priority boarding.
• Bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid paying high onboard prices.

7. Use Points, Miles, and Rewards Programs

If you travel frequently, using travel rewards programs can save you money on flights.

Best UK Airline Rewards Programs:

• British Airways Executive Club (Avios)
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Lufthansa Miles & More
• American Express Membership Rewards (convert points into air miles)

How to Maximise Your Points:

• Use a travel rewards credit card to earn points.
• Sign up for frequent flyer programs even if you don’t travel often.
• Check for bonus point promotions and double-point offers.

8. Book One-Way or Separate Tickets

Sometimes booking two separate one-way tickets with different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket.

When to Consider This:

• If prices vary significantly between airlines.
• If you’re flying into one city and leaving from another.
• When budget airlines offer cheaper one-way fares.

9. Consider Alternative Routes and Stopovers

Indirect flights can often be cheaper than direct ones.

How to Save with Stopovers:

• Look for flights with long layovers in another city (some airlines offer free stopovers).
• Check if flying via a hub airport (like Dubai, Istanbul, or Amsterdam) is cheaper.
• Consider booking a stopover package to explore another city on your way.

10. Clear Cookies and Use Incognito Mode

Some airline websites track your searches and may increase prices if they see repeated searches.

Avoid This By:

• Using incognito mode or clearing your browser cookies before searching.
• Searching on different devices to compare prices.
• Using a VPN to check prices from different locations.

11. Avoid Unnecessary Add-Ons

Airlines often try to upsell extras that you may not need.

Save Money By:

• Skipping travel insurance (if you already have coverage elsewhere).
• Not selecting a seat (unless necessary for long flights).
• Bringing your own food and entertainment instead of paying for in-flight services.

12. Be Aware of Hidden Fees

Budget airlines often charge extra for things like baggage, check-in, and payment processing.

Watch Out For:

• Baggage fees – Check the airline’s policy before booking.
• Check-in fees – Some airlines charge extra if you don’t check in online.
• Payment fees – Some budget airlines charge extra for using certain payment methods.

Conclusion

Saving money on flights from the UK requires careful planning, flexibility, and the use of smart booking strategies. By booking at the right time, using comparison sites, leveraging airline rewards, and avoiding hidden fees, you can find the best deals and make your travel budget go further.