1. Book at the best time, in advance
The general rule is to book 7 weeks in advance to get the best deals on flights. However, after analysing search data for cheap flights for multiple different destinations, Skyscanner found that the price for each flight can vary widely according to each destination. If you’re travelling to Manchester, you’ll save 41% if you book 17 weeks in advance, whereas if you’re heading to Paris, you’ll save 45% if you book 3 weeks in advance.
Find the best time to book your flight.
2. Choose the cheapest month to travel
Unsurprisingly, if you travel at peak season, you will pay a premium – whereas if you choose to travel in November, you can save up to 14% on your flight. If you’re booking travel for June and July, you’ll pay far more as it’s peak season. When it comes to cheap travel within the destination, it’s much easier to pick up deals when you travel off season.
Make sure you get updated when it’s the best time to book with Skyscanner Price Alerts – master setting up your Price Alerts now.
3. Be flexible with your destination
Cheap airline tickets are hidden within the “Everywhere” function on Skyscanner. If you can be as flexible with your destination as you are with your time, you can pick up some amazing cheap flights around the world.
Learn how to use the ‘Everywhere’ search now.
4. Build in a stopover
This is one way to travel more, for less. Occasionally the trip from one destination airport to another can be made cheaper by booking in a stopover. For example, if you’re travelling from Dublin to Bangkok, you can fly directly – but you may find it works out cheaper to go from Dublin to London, or from Dublin to Paris before joining the leg to Bangkok.
Learn how to build a cheap round the world ticket with Skyscanner.
5. Be credit aware
If you have a good credit score, you can choose to apply for credit cards that reward your spending with Avios (frequent flyer) points. Use the credit card for daily spending to build up your points score, and remember to pay it off in full at the end of every month – so you won’t damage your credit score. Amex is one of the credit cards where you can amass 1 Avios point per Euro spent, when using one of the membership plans.
Search for cheap flights with Skyscanner6. Book a one-way flight ticket
You’ll notice this in particular on routes to and from the UK – sometimes it’s cheaper to get 2 single flights, rather than a return flight. This is worth investigating if you are looking for cheap flights to and from London. There are 6 different airports, and it’s fairly easy to reach one for as little as €13.
7. Use the Skyscanner App to find cheap flight deals
When you download the Skyscanner app, you’ll see the ‘Plan Your Next Trip’ section on the first page. This presents you with multiple options for finding a last minute cheap flight, allowing you to search by month, destination, or the ‘Everywhere’ button (which will bring you the best flight deals possible at that time!).
Looking for more cheap flight hacks? Try these out…
Learn what you do, and do not need in your luggage.
Save money by going hand luggage only: don’t pack these ‘essential’ items in your luggage.
15 ways to get a free upgrade on your next flight.
Smile nicely, and always say please – these are just some of the guaranteed ways to bag yourself an upgrade on the next flight.
How to travel around Iceland on a budget.
These cheap travel hacks are great for multiple countries: you can make your trip cheaper by finding a travel buddy and booking the right sort of accommodation in advance.
*Updated December 2018. Information correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
Skyscanner is the world’s travel search engine, helping your money go further on flights, hotels and car hire.
