Travel agent explains reason tourists ‘end up paying more’ for flights

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Despite rising flight prices, there are still a few ways British tourists can save on the price of a plane ticket. Gavin Lapidus, director of eShores, shared his top money-saving tips.

Don’t rely on last-minute deals

Gavin said: “Always book as far in advance as possible. While there are occasionally good last-minute deals on flights and holidays, it’s very dependent on how many seats are left on a flight.

“There may be none or demand may be high, so prices can spike closer to the date of travel and you can end up paying more.”

Britons are unlikely to be able to grab a last-minute deal if their destination is very popular or it’s peak season. A last-minute deal on an August holiday under the Spanish sun is probably very unlikely.

However, Gavin added: “Last-minute deals do exist and can be great for booking cheap, impromptu trips, but relying on them for a planned holidays is a huge risk that no travel agent would recommend.”

Fly early to mid-week

Gavin said: “To take advantage of the best deals, be careful of the days you’re flying. It’s often cheaper to fly in the middle of the week.

“Recent Google data shows that flights departing between Monday and Wednesday are cheaper than at the weekend.

“If you’re flexible with your dates, always double-check departure days, as flying a day sooner or later could save you up to 20 percent.”

Flights in the middle of the week are nearly always cheaper than at the weekend as 9-5 workers will want to maximise the weekend. Britons could try using a flight comparison site that shows them the prices for every day of the month.

Don’t miss…
Cruise ship tourist slapped with £1,800 fine for banned item [LATEST]
Simon Calder shares underrated ‘good value’ holiday destination [INSPIRATION]
Britons less likely to go to Amsterdam if Red Light District moves [LATEST]

Buy luggage at right time

Gavin said: “It’s well-known that flight prices fluctuate a lot, but did you know that luggage prices do too?

“Ryanair, for example, offers the option to buy a priority ticket that includes a cabin bag and a 10kg luggage you can bring with you on the aircraft.

“The prices for this package vary between £6-£24 depending on timing and the number of people that have already purchased this option.”

Many of the UK’s budget airlines require passengers to pay for a cabin bag if they want to put one in the overhead locker.

Gavin added: “It can often work out cheaper to buy the 10kg bag when you first book your flight.

“However, on less popular flights when there’s enough space on the plane, the offer
you will get at check in to get the priority package will be significantly cheaper than the one you were initially offered (on the side of £10). So, it’s worthwhile considering how busy your flight is likely to be!”

Check out Express.co.uk’s advice to find out how to save £45 in fees and get extra hand luggage onboard a Ryanair flight.

Britons will need to check their airline’s terms and conditions to find out how much luggage they can bring for free.

Be savvy booking peak times

Gavin said: “With the return to regular travel, school holidays in 2023 are in high demand. February half-term and Easter are particularly busy, with prices more than double their usual cost due to low availability.

“Summer is also busier than usual for this time of year, with prices starting to rise.  December is the last month to get a good deal on these peak dates, as prices will spike even further from January. If you’re not planning a holiday with children, then if you can, avoid travelling during the school holidays to get cheaper deals.”

British tourists who live near the Scottish border can use a nifty hack to get a school holiday bargain.

Scottish and English schools have different summer holiday times so families that live near the border could nip across to nab a cheaper flight.

Source: Read Full Article