The Cheapest Time to Fly From the UK

The price of the same flight can double depending on when you go. You do not need to be an expert to pay less. You only need to avoid the busy weeks and be a little flexible.

Avoid the school holidays

The biggest price jumps in the UK come with school holidays: the summer break, Easter, Christmas and the three half-terms (February, late May and October). Airlines know families must travel then, so fares go up. If you can travel even one week before or after a holiday, you will often see a big drop in price.

School holiday dates are different in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and even between councils. Scottish schools break up for summer in late June, so early July can still be busy from Scottish airports.

The usually cheaper months

• January (after the first week) - one of the quietest times to fly. Good for city breaks and winter sun.
• Early February - before half-term starts.
• Late April to mid May - after Easter, before the May half-term. Spring weather in southern Europe is warm but not too hot.
• Mid September to mid October - the sea is still warm in the Mediterranean and the summer crowds have gone.
• November and early December - very good for city breaks and Christmas markets before the late December rush.

Which day of the week?

Flights on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday are often cheaper than Friday or Sunday, because fewer people do weekend trips on those days. This is not a fixed rule, so always use the flexible dates or "whole month" view in a search tool to see the cheapest days at a glance.

When should you book?

• Short flights in Europe: booking around 1 to 3 months ahead is usually a good balance.
• Long-haul flights: book further ahead, often 3 to 6 months.
• School holidays: book as early as you can. These seats rarely get cheaper later.
• Last minute: sometimes there are bargains outside school holidays, but it is a gamble, especially in summer.

Small tricks that help

• Compare more than one airport near you. A flight from a smaller airport can be much cheaper.
• Look at one-way fares on two different airlines. Going out with one and back with another can cost less.
• Early morning and late evening flights are often cheaper than midday ones.
• Count the extras. A cheap seat plus bags and seat fees can cost more than a slightly dearer fare that includes a bag.

Use the search at the top of our home page and choose a whole month to see the cheapest dates for your trip.

Information was checked when this page was updated. Prices, airline rules and travel rules change, so always check before you book.

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