Five simple hacks for booking cheap flights from choosing right time to best money saving travel apps

If you're looking for cheap flights for your summer holiday, then these five tips could help you save some serious cash

Fancy a summer getaway but don't want to empty your wallet? While the UK is set for a sizzling summer, a cheeky trip abroad wouldn't hurt, reports Bristol Live.

However, if you're not a seasoned flight booker, it can be daunting trying to figure out how to get the best deal. It's not an exact science, but we're here to cut through the online chatter and share some handy hacks to help reduce those holiday costs.

Whether it's knowing the best time to book or using the right platform, these tips could save you a pretty penny on your travel expenses.

1. Harness technology

The right app or website can make all the difference in securing cheap flights. For instance, the Google Flights Explore map shows you the cheapest destinations from your airport for your chosen dates or date range.

Other top picks for snagging the best travel deals include giants like Expedia, Skyscanner, and Cheapflights, as well as KAYAK, Booking.com, First Choice, Hopper, and Momondo.

2. Dodge peak travel times

Peak travel times vary from country to country. Generally, flying to Europe during the summer months (June, July and August) is pricier than in autumn or winter, according to Conde Nast Traveller.

Conversely, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand are popular destinations during the colder season. The key is to aim for the offseason when possible for cheaper flights and fewer tourists crowding the bar.

3. Be flexible

We all crave a bit of certainty when planning our getaways, but sometimes, flexibility is the key to keeping more cash in your pocket. Travel experts suggest playing around with your dates shifting your flight by a day or picking an alternative airport could slash prices.

And if you're open to adventure, why not let the destination choose you? For those locked into specific dates, Skyscanner's "explore everywhere" feature is a treasure trove for value-seekers, letting you scan for the best deals over your chosen dates.

Another top tip is to consider "secondary and tertiary cities". Thanks to the rise of low-cost airlines in Europe, these less prominent destinations are becoming more accessible. For instance, you might fly into Porto rather than Lisbon when heading to Portugal.

4. Search for fares solo

Here's another savvy tip from the travel gurus at Conde Nast Traveller : when booking flights, go it alone. Their insight reveals that due to clunky airline pricing systems, searching for multiple seats often means missing out on cheaper individual spots.

So, hunt down that lone bargain seat and multiply the savings for your group. If you're baffled by the process, don't fret airline customer service or a quick call to your travel agent can sort it in a jiffy.

5. Timing, timing, timing

Scoring the perfect holiday deal isn't as predictable as snagging discounted groceries, but there are still some patterns worth noting. A 2024 Expedia report suggests that airfares tend to be cheapest on Sundays and priciest on Fridays, although it's not a hard and fast rule.

Google Flights data indicates that for trips in mid-December, holding off until around 71 days before departure could lead to savings, with prices typically at their lowest based on recent trends. For those winter getaways, keep in mind that airlines usually release tickets six to 11 months in advance, so starting your search early can pay off.

Generally, once you hit the three-week mark before your flight, bargain prices are harder to come by. If you're within 21 days of your trip and haven't spotted a deal, it's probably time to book.

This is due to airline fare systems which often assume last-minute bookings are for business travel and price them higher.

Do you have any tips that we've missed? Let us know in the comments below