Cheap Flights: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers to Save Big

With airline prices fluctuating more than ever, finding cheap flights has become both a challenge and an art form. Whether you’re flying from London to Lisbon or planning a long-haul holiday from Manchester to Malaysia, this guide shows you how to book flights smartly, save hundreds, and avoid hidden fees.

When Is the Best Time to Book Cheap Flights?

One of the most common questions travellers ask is: When should I book my flight to get the cheapest deal?

Based on data from UK travel sites and airlines, here are the general rules:

Flexibility is key. Flying mid-week (especially Tuesdays or Wednesdays) and avoiding school holidays can slash prices by up to 40%.

Which Websites Are Best for Finding Cheap Flights?

There are dozens of flight search engines, but some stand out for UK travellers:

• Skyscanner – Flexible date grid and “Everywhere” search

• Google Flights – Clean interface, price trend tracker

• Kayak – Good for budget airlines and flexible alerts

• Momondo – Finds lesser-known deals from smaller airlines

You can also check regional airports like Bristol, Luton, or Leeds Bradford, which often offer cheaper alternatives to Heathrow or Gatwick.

Beware of Budget Airline Traps

Budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air offer attractive ticket prices—but there are caveats.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Baggage fees: Most budget fares don’t include cabin luggage

• Seat selection: Choosing your seat can cost £10–£30

• Airport swaps: Some fly to secondary airports far from your destination

• Check-in rules: Failure to check in online can cost you extra

Always calculate the true cost, not just the ticket price.

Can Your Bank Help You Save on Flights?

Yes—some UK banks and credit cards offer travel perks or cashback that can reduce flight costs.

You can use Avios points to cover partial or full flight costs via British Airways or Iberia.

How to Set Fare Alerts and Track Price Drops

Rather than refreshing search engines every day, set up alerts:

• Skyscanner Price Alerts: Track specific routes and get email notifications

• Google Flights Tracker: Add routes to your tracked list and watch prices rise or fall

• Hopper App: Uses AI predictions to advise whether to book now or wait

You can also use browser extensions like Honey or Revolut’s travel section to spot flash sales.

Should You Use a Travel Agent or Go Direct?

Direct booking through airline websites sometimes offers cheaper fares, loyalty points, and better refund options.

But travel agents may give you:

• Package deals (flight + hotel)

• Added protection under ATOL and ABTA

• Flexibility with changes or cancellations

If you’re unsure, compare both and ensure you know who handles your booking if things go wrong.

Top Tips to Save on Flights from the UK

Here are smart and often overlooked tactics to save on airfare:

✅ Search in Incognito Mode: Avoid price hikes based on repeated searches
✅ Use a VPN to check fares from different countries
✅ Split your journey: Booking two one-way tickets (even from different airports) can be cheaper
✅ Consider alternative airports: Fly from Birmingham instead of Heathrow, or land in Charleroi instead of Brussels
✅ Fly light: Avoid checked baggage unless absolutely necessary

Best Credit Cards to Book Flights with from the UK

Credit cards can offer not only points and cashback, but also added travel insurance and fraud protection.

Recommended UK options include:

• Barclaycard Avios Plus – Great for regular BA travellers

• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold – 2x points on travel

• Virgin Money Travel Credit Card – No foreign transaction fees abroad

• Halifax Clarity Card – Good for using while travelling without extra charges

Some offer welcome bonuses that can immediately be used to offset flight costs.

Hidden Fees to Watch Out For

Even after booking your cheap flight, you may face extra charges if you’re not careful:

To avoid these, read the fine print, especially with low-cost airlines.

Booking Sites That Include Luggage in the Fare

Some platforms now show total flight cost including luggage, such as:

• Kiwi.com

• WayAway

• Opodo Prime (with subscription)

For full transparency, filter for “baggage included” when comparing flights.

Are Last-Minute Flights Ever Cheaper?

While it’s a common myth that last-minute flights are cheaper, this is rarely true for leisure travellers from the UK.

• Charter airlines may drop prices closer to departure

• Business-class fares can sometimes fall 48 hours before departure

• Standby travel is almost non-existent for the average customer

Booking last-minute might only work during off-peak seasons or if you’re very flexible.

Bonus: Combine Flights with Train Travel for Bigger Savings

Especially within Europe, a budget flight to a nearby city plus a cheap train can be far cheaper than flying direct.

Example:

• London to Brussels (direct flight): £110

• London to Eindhoven (flight) + train to Brussels: £65 total

Use tools like Trainline to check onward rail routes.

Final Checklist for Booking Cheap Flights

Before you hit “book,” run through this:

✅ Cleared browser cookies or used incognito?
✅ Compared 3+ flight search engines?
✅ Checked smaller airports nearby?
✅ Set alerts if your travel date is flexible?
✅ Considered if your bank account or card offers cashback or travel points?
✅ Double-checked total price with luggage?

Booking flights is no longer about just finding the lowest fare—it’s about knowing the total cost, using the right card, and staying flexible with dates and airports.