How to knock up to 20 per cent off flights by booking on the right day
The lowest prices tend to be around three months ahead of the journey
HOLIDAYMAKERS can now knock up to 20 per cent off flights by booking at the right time, The Sun on Sunday can reveal.
Fare prices are notorious for changing by the hour depending on demand, leading many to fret over whether they are getting a good deal.
Which? Travel mag has crunched two years of data from comparison site Skyscanner to work out when it is cheapest to book flights for key periods.
The lowest prices tend to be around three months ahead of the journey — unless you are planning a peak season summer escape, which you will need to arrange even further in advance.
The cheapest day found to fly on was April 27. Anyone who beat the January blues by booking a flight for that date last year enjoyed a 19 per cent saving on average flight costs.
For those who bought an Easter break just before Christmas, the saving was 16 per cent.
Which? Travel editor Rory Boland says: “The difference between booking your holiday at the right time and getting it wrong could cost you thousands, especially if you are looking at a two-week break for a family of four during the summer holidays.”
Sunday is the most expensive day to travel but it is also the cheapest day to book a flight.
Wednesday is the most expensive to buy.
But it is not just when you order but how you do it.
Some airlines charge more for phone bookings, so always do it online if you can — and use a variety of search sites.
Which? tracked the prices of ten key journeys between major cities using various price comparison tools.
The best for finding the cheapest combinations of days to fly, airports and airlines was Momondo, beating rivals Kayak, Google Flights and Skyscanner.
On one Miami to London fare it was cheaper by nearly £300.
Rory says he starts all his searches on Momondo but does not actually book through the site due its poor satisfaction ratings.
Instead, he uses its results to track down fares on the airlines’ own sites or more trusted travel agents, such as Netflights and Expedia.
He also recommends deal sites such as Jack’s Flight Club, Airfarewatchdog or Secret Flying, which use experts and software to spot price drops, promotions and error fares that knock hundreds of pounds off the usual prices.
In one case, flights to Hawaii spotted on Secret Flying were £400 cheaper than anywhere else.
Hotel hunting tips
WHEN hotel hunting, visit comparison sites such as TripAdvisor and Trivago. And call the hotel directly to see if it will offer a better deal.
Hotwire sells discounted hotel rooms for lots of brands including Hilton and Radisson.
But you will not find out where you are staying until you have booked, as it does not want to be seen selling cut-price rooms.
To compare the costs of package holidays across travel agents, try sites such as Travel Supermarket and Icelolly.
Use the prices quoted on these sites to haggle the cost with a travel agent.
Be wary of all-inclusive deals. You have to eat/drink a lot to get your money’s worth.
Around the Med, it can work out better value to book room-only or B&B, then dine locally.
But all-inclusive may be better value in the Caribbean, where eating out is often expensive.
Try Travelzoo for travel and entertainment deals, too.
MOST READ IN TRAVEL
You will need to be flexible about destinations and dates and ready to travel in the near future as most deals depart within a month or two.
“Error fares” — where airlines have miscalculated the price — are usually really cheap, but the carrier can cancel and refund even after you have booked.
A business-class return from London to Hong Kong cost just £431 on Secret Flying, compared with the normal price of several thousand pounds.
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]
Get extra savings with The Sun Vouchers including discounts and voucher codes for TUI, First Choice, Expedia, easyJet Holidays, On The Beach, Lastminute.com, Jet2Holidays and many more holiday providers.