How to save money on flights

When booking a getaway, you'll want as much of your hard earned holiday budget to go on enjoying yourself while you're there. That's why we've rounded up our top tips for saving on flights.

Avoiding school holidays is a given, but did you know the airport you fly from could also determine the price you pay? There are also a number of pricey add-ons you can avoid to cut costs.

Time it right

Airfares are dynamically priced, fluctuating with demand, so it’s impossible to predict when you’ll get the best price. Instead set up price alerts so you’re notified when a fare changes. Simply click the price-alerts button on the results page of your flight search and enter your email address. 

Which? Travel surveys its members to find the best and worst comparison sites and online travel agents. Find out more about the benefits of a Which? Travel subscription

Be flexible

Many sites will show you a graph of the cheapest days to fly over your chosen month, with Fridays and Sundays typically the most expensive. Sometimes you can save a bundle simply by flying one day earlier. If you don’t have that luxury, consider being flexible in other ways, such as the destination. Skyscanner's ‘everywhere’ search will find the cheapest destinations for your dates. 

Flying to Tenerife, Mallorca or somewhere further afield? Find out which airline will get you there for the lowest price

Look for alternatives

There’s no rule that says you have to fly in and out with the same airline, or to and from the same airport for that matter. Secondary airports aren’t just blessed with shorter queues -beloved by low-cost airlines, they’re often cheaper too. Just be mindful of extra travel time and costs. For example, Girona and Reus – sometimes referred to as Barcelona North and South - are more than 60 miles from the city.

Avoid airline extras

For budget flights, either pre-book your checked bags or – better still – take hand luggage only. 

These are the best and worst budget airlines, according to Which? readers

Don't pay to sit together

Unless you're flying with Ryanair, paying to sit together is just money down the drain. Check in early and most of the time, you'll be seated together anyway.

Be in the know

Signing up for airline or discount-club mailing lists, like Secret Flying or Jack’s Flight Club, means you’ll never miss a bargain. Both send out alerts and details on error fares, where flights are mistakenly flogged at rock-bottom prices. If the airline chooses not to honour them, you’ll get your money back.