How to find cheap flights
Forget the "one weird trick" headlines. Genuinely cheaper flights come from a handful of unglamorous habits done consistently. Here's what actually moves the price — and how to make sure the cheap fare you find is cheap once everything's added.
1. Be flexible — it's the biggest lever
Price follows demand, so the more flexible you are, the more you save. Flying mid-week rather than at the weekend, avoiding school holidays, and travelling in shoulder season can all make a striking difference on the same route. If you can flex your dates by a few days, or even your destination, you give yourself far more cheap options to choose from.
- Flexible dates: use a whole-month or "cheapest dates" view to spot the dips.
- Flexible airports: a nearby departure or arrival airport can be cheaper — just check the transfer cost.
- Flexible season: the weeks either side of peak are often much cheaper and quieter.
2. Book in a sensible window — don't agonise over the "perfect" day
There's no magic day-of-the-week to book that beats every route, despite the myths. As a rough guide, very last-minute and very far-out bookings both tend to be pricier, with a broad sweet spot somewhere in between — often a couple of months ahead for short-haul and longer for long-haul or peak dates. The practical move is to start watching prices early, get a feel for the normal range, and book when you see a fare at the lower end of it rather than holding out for a theoretical low.
3. Compare the true all-in cost, not the headline fare
This is where most "deals" unravel. A rock-bottom fare can become the dearest option once you add baggage, seat selection, priority boarding, an awkward airport transfer and payment fees. Always compare like with like — what each flight costs with everything you'll actually buy.
Our flight true-cost comparator puts two flights side by side and tells you which is genuinely cheaper once the add-ons are in.
4. Know the budget-airline rules before you click "pay"
Low-cost carriers are great value if you play by their rules and a costly surprise if you don't. Check the cabin-bag size and weight limits carefully, add any bags during booking rather than at the airport (where they cost more), and don't pay for extras you don't need. Read what's included before you're funnelled through the upsell screens.
5. Search privately and widely
Use a comparison search to see the whole market rather than a single airline, and search in a private browsing window so you're starting from a clean slate. Then, once you've found a good fare, it's often worth checking the airline's own website directly — the price can match, and booking direct can make changes and claims simpler later.
6. Protect the booking
The cheapest trip is the one that doesn't fall apart. In the UK, a flight-inclusive package is typically ATOL-protected, which covers you if the company fails; booking flights and accommodation separately can be cheaper but may carry different protection. Whichever route you choose, understand what's covered, pay by a method that adds protection where you can, and consider travel insurance early.
The quick checklist
| Do this | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Stay flexible on dates & airports | Opens up the cheapest options |
| Watch prices early, book at the low end | Beats guessing the "perfect" day |
| Compare the true all-in cost | Stops a cheap fare costing more |
| Learn the bag & fee rules | Avoids airport-desk surprises |
| Check protection before paying | Safeguards the trip and your money |
Put it into practice. Found two options? Run them through the flight true-cost comparator and check your hotel with the hotel true-cost calculator.