When is the best time to book flights and how to take advantage of the easyJet sale

Wondering when is the best time to book flights? We’ve crunched the numbers so you can jet off and save on holiday. Plus, we look at how to take advantage of the latest easyJet sale, with millions of discounted tickets now available from 4 September 2024.

Whether you are off to one of the most expensive cities in the world or grabbing a cheap last-minute holiday, it’s worth keeping an eye out for when airfare prices dip. But getting a great deal on flights is just the beginning - make sure you also get the best travel money deals, use the best cards for travel, and get travel insurance that’s right for you. 

With easyJet’s Big Seat Release sale, you can currently get tickets for as little as £14.99 to locations including Malta, Paris, Bordeaux, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. There are over 185k flights and 33 million seats available to book, but you’ll have to snap up the best bargains quickly to get the most bang for your buck.

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But, if you don’t manage to bag an easyJet bargain or you’re looking to fly on another airline, then these tips can help save you hundreds.

When is the best time to book flights?

Knowing the right time to book flights can mean you get the most bang for your buck, plus maximum comfort when travelling. But it’s not always straightforward – there are plenty of factors to consider as you book your flight. 

When’s the best month to book flights? 

According to online travel agency Opodo, September is the prime time to book flights, with average fares dipping to £143, a notable drop from £173 in July. While a £30 difference might not seem huge, it can add up for a large family or long-haul journeys. 

Opodo’s data reveals that flights are typically cheaper from late summer through January, so booking in July might cost you around 20% more than if you’d booked in January. 

How early should you book flights? 

Expedia suggests that booking domestic flights roughly five months ahead can save you around 35% on flight prices, compared to last-minute bookings. 

For instance, if you’re jetting off to the US, a flight booked three months in advance might set you back £550, while a flight booked just 15 days before could run over £700 – saving you more than £150 simply by planning ahead. 

Bear in mind, that airlines tend to slash prices closer to departure if they’re struggling to fill seats, making it a bit of a gamble based on when you’re flying, your destination and the season. 

Specialist travel rewards website The Points Guy notes that if you’re using points or air miles, different criteria may apply, as “airlines often open award space for coveted business and first-class seats either when the schedules open or at the last minute”. 

When is the best day to book flights?

There’s no definitive answer to this, as it varies with demand, seasonality, and other factors. However, Expedia’s data shows that booking flights on a Sunday can save you up to 23% compared to a Friday. While this isn’t an exact science, flights tend to be pricier during high-demand periods and cheaper during off-peak times. 

Source: Opodo 

How to find the cheapest flights

Booking flights doesn’t have to break the bank. Aside from knowing how to time your flight bookings, there are more tips and tricks to help you find the best deals.

Track flight prices

If you’re already clear on your travel itinerary, then it’s worth using tools like Google Flights tracker or Skyscanner Price Alerts to monitor ticket price fluctuations. This way, you’ll know the best time to pounce on a great deal. 

You can also make use of travel price comparison websites like Kayak, Skyscanner and Booking.com to help you find cheap deals instantly. Skyscanner recently launched a Savings Generator tool to help holidaymakers discover the best time to book tickets for popular destinations. 

Use reward points 

Frequent flyers should leverage reward cards such as American Express credit cards or Barclaycard. These reward credit cards let you collect points that can significantly reduce your flight costs. 

If you’re travelling by British Airways, Avios points can slash your flight prices to just £1. Find out how the British Airways £1 flight scheme with Avios works.  

Be flexible

While this is sometimes easier said than done, flexibility can be a game-changer when you travel. This includes avoiding flying on weekends or peak times, and trying to steer clear of major holiday periods like Easter and Christmas. Adjusting your schedule around these busy times can shave off a lot of money from your holiday costs. 

Book a flight with a layover

If you’re booking a long-haul flight, consider adding a layover or two as a cheaper alternative. A short stopover can break up the journey and allow you to stretch your legs, while a longer layover might let you do a whirlwind tour of a new city. 

Mix and match airports

Another trick is to choose a secondary airport – so, rather than Heathrow, you may find it cheaper to fly from Gatwick, Luton or Stansted. It can cut costs and help you avoid the long security queues. 

This option only really works with very well-connected cities. Otherwise, you may find yourself jetting into remote airports in the middle of nowhere and paying more for taxis to reach your destination. 

Ultimately, the best time to book flights hinges on a mix of timing, flexibility and smart planning. Whether you're off on a family vacation or a solo adventure, with a bit of effort, you can secure the best deals and allocate more of your budget to the experiences that make your trip unforgettable.