Flights: ‘Avoid’ common misconception to ‘get the cheapest price’

Getting a good deal on a flight can depend on a number of factors, but how far in advance you book a trip can be the key to getting a deal. While many tour sites and package tour providers offer enticing “last minute deals”, a trip blogger has warned that this is not necessarily the case for airlines.

Jessie Moore, founder and director of luxury travel and adventure website Bag of wanderings (@PocketWanderings), is an expert in luxury travel, solo travel, ski and adventure vacations and staycations.

She explained that hopeful vacationers with a destination and travel date in mind “should avoid booking at the last minute.”

Jessie told Express.co.uk: “The best time to book a flight depends on a number of factors including destination, airline and long haul vs short haul.

“There is no best day of the week or month of the year to book for that reason – despite the rumours!

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“However, there are some things to keep in mind to make sure you get the cheapest price.

“Avoid booking at the last minute whenever possible. Unlike other industries where last minute bookings can pay off, airlines don’t operate this way.

“This is generally because airlines rely on those who have to travel at the last minute, as well as business travelers who aren’t so shy about price, to fill in the gaps.”

Jack Sheldon, a self-proclaimed “cheap flight hacker” who says he “help you find cheap ratess and learn some tricks”, claims to have found the “sweet spot” for booking flights at the best price.

He said: “For Ryanairi would wait until they have a flash sale to book.

“They do them often, so you might just want to sign up for their newsletter to see when they are.”

If you’d rather fly with another airline, there are still ways to get a deal closer to your departure date.

Jessie explained: “That’s not to say it’s not possible to get a last minute deal – they exist when the demand really isn’t there and if you can be flexible with your dates. But it’s a bit of roulette.

“Booking at least three weeks in advance will get you cheaper prices, but try a few months in advance if you can.”