A flight attendant shared the ideal month to book your flights and highlighted the benefits of selecting “alternate airports” for cost-saving advantages.
The veteran crew member advised to dodge peak tourist seasons, which are succeeded by a prime window for affordable travel and quieter terminals, especially when flying from less congested locations.
Ski Vertigo, a travel operator, pointed out ways to circumvent the rush of “peak travel season” recommending travellers consider lesser-known airports over bustling hubs like London and Manchester, particularly during the festive blowouts.
Nevertheless, post-Christmas time emerges as a golden opportunity for thrifty holiday-goers who can take advantage of a plethora of post-festivity deals.
Despite this, these bargains often remain untouched since individuals are typically financially depleted after the holidays, with booking trips being the furthest thing from their minds. The flight attendant revealed: “One effective way to save even more when booking in January is by using flight comparison tools such as Google Flights or Skyscanner.
“These platforms allow you to track price trends and set alerts for your preferred routes. By monitoring prices over a few weeks, you can identify the best time to book and maximise your savings.”
The flight attendant further advised: “Booking directly with airlines after finding deals on comparison sites can sometimes lead to further discounts, as you avoid third-party fees.”
Early bird sales are just as advantageous for holidaymakers as they are for airlines, with bargain flights offering people a chance to jet off without breaking the bank. Ski Vertigo said: “With fewer travellers in January, airlines and hotels are left with more unbooked seats and rooms. In response, they lower prices to encourage bookings.”
Savvy travellers should also consider opting for “alternative airports”, according to a tip from an unnamed cabin crew member who shared that regional airports can be significantly cheaper during these discounted periods.
They mentioned: “Another useful tip is to consider flying from nearby or alternative airports. Flights to or from smaller regional airports, rather than major hubs, are often cheaper, particularly during low-demand months like January. Checking flights from airports within a reasonable distance can open up more affordable options.”
Don’t overlook harnessing your credit card reward points, which you can swap for travel expenses, effectively slashing the overall cost of your holiday.