Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your dream destinations. With a little planning and savvy tricks, you can find cheap flights departing from UK airports, making your travel goals achievable. Here’s your guide to snagging the best airfare deals without breaking the bank.
1. Use Flight Comparison Websites
Flight comparison websites are your best friend when you're searching for affordable and viable flights. Popular options like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak allow you to compare flights from multiple airlines in one place, so you can choose which one works best for your trip.
Pro Tips:
- Use Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search feature to find destinations with the cheapest flights from your nearest UK airport - you don't need to type a specific destination in, just let Skyscanner show you how much flights are from your chosen departure airport.
- Compare nearby airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and even regional airports such as Birmingham or Manchester to help you find the best deal.
2. Be Flexible with Your Dates
Flexibility can significantly lower your travel costs. If it's possible for you, choose mid-week flights, especially on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, as they tend to be cheaper than weekend flights. If you're looking for a weekend getaway, try flying early on a Saturday, as early morning or late-night flights are also often discounted.
Pro Tips:
- Use Google Flights’ calendar feature to see which the cheapest days to fly from your preferred airport are.
- Consider travelling during spring and autumn to avoid peak summer and Christmas surcharges if possible.
3. Explore Hidden City Ticketing
Hidden city ticketing involves booking a flight with a layover in your intended destination and skipping the connecting leg. For example, if you’re flying to Amsterdam, a flight from London to Berlin with a layover in Amsterdam might be cheaper than a direct flight.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Only use this method if you’re travelling with hand luggage, as checked bags typically get sent to the final destination.
- Be cautious; airlines discourage this practice, so use it sparingly.
4. Book at the Right Time
Timing is key when it comes to booking flights. While there’s no exact science, booking 2–3 months in advance for short-haul flights and 4–6 months for long-haul trips often yields the best prices.
Pro Tips:
- Set up price alerts on Skyscanner or Kayak for your chosen route, so that you'll be notified of price decreases.
- Avoid booking on weekends when prices tend to spike. Instead, try Tuesdays or Wednesdays for better deals.
5. Use Budget Airlines
The UK is a hub for budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air. These carriers often offer rock-bottom fares for short-haul European destinations, and you can often find amazing deals online for different destinations throughout the year.
Things to Watch Out For:
- Check additional fees for luggage, seat selection, and onboard services to make sure you’re still getting a good deal.
- Sign up for email alerts or loyalty programs to get notified of flash sales.
6. Consider Stopovers
Direct flights are convenient but often come at a premium. Opting for flights with layovers can drastically cut costs. Use websites like Kiwi.com to help you find multi-leg itineraries.
Pro Tip: Some airlines offer free or low-cost stopovers in their hub cities (e.g., Icelandair in Reykjavik or Emirates in Dubai), allowing you to explore two destinations for the price of one.
7. Look Out for Sales and Discount Codes
Airlines frequently run sales around holidays or off-peak seasons. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and January sales are prime opportunities to bag discounted tickets.
Pro Tips:
- Follow airlines on social media to stay updated on flash sales and sign up for any newsletters etc on their websites.
- Use cashback websites like Quidco or TopCashback when booking flights for additional savings.
Finding the cheapest flights from the UK is all about planning, flexibility, and knowing where to look. Whether it’s using comparison websites, leveraging budget airlines, or getting creative with your itineraries, there are plenty of ways to stretch your travel budget further.
Remember, the world is waiting - so book that flight, pack your bags, and let the adventure begin. Don't forget, our Travel Backpack is the perfect size for all the UK budget airlines, so grab yours before you book your flights and don't get caught out by unexpected luggage charges!