Cheap Flights - Top tips on how to get a cheaper flight
Wherever you're planning on travelling to and whether its for business or pleasure a large chunk of your budget will probably go on your flight. However, if you shop around and can be flexible you can save literally hundreds of pounds - even on short-haul flights. Here's our handy guide to getting the best flight deals to any destination.
Finding Cheap Flights - Top Tips
- Search far and wide - Trawl the internet and newspapers for flights comparing like-for-like deals and make a note of all the prices.
- Take your time - Searching for an hour or more can be boring but patience will pay off if you save a couple of hundred pounds or more - Think of it as earning all that money for an hours work!
- Be flexible - If you can try flying midweek rather than at weekends and see how it affects your quote. Also search for alternative Airports - instead of flying from Manchester it may be cheaper flying from Liverpool for example.
- Book Early - You will often get a cheaper flight by booking early rather than searching for last-minute deals.
- Use Different Price Comparison Sites - If you are going to use price comparison sites make sure you use more than one as they will use different agents and airlines to search through.
- Hidden Charges - Always check the bottom line. Flights might appear to be a great deal at £9.95 each way but when you add things like taxes, surcharges and baggage fees etc they can be higher than other quotes.
- Flight times - You may need need accommodation if the flight is early or arrange alternative transport if the trains aren't running etc
- In-Flight Considerations - Particularly on Long-Haul flights some airlines offer free food and drink whereas others may charge a few pounds for a can of coke. You may also have to pay for movies on some flights and not on others.
These are just a few pointers to help you get the right deal for you but always bear in mind that cost isn't everything. That £20 you saved on your flight may not seem worth it when you've got 3 changes and a 6 hour longer trip rather than going direct so always consider factors other than cost. Hopefully though you'll get the cheapest flight that's right for you and be able to lie back on the plane knowing you've got a few extra quid to spend when you get off!
|
