Experts have pinpointed two days of the week that could get you the cheapest prices for flights (Image: Getty)
Travel experts have pinpointed two days of the week that could help you secure the cheapest flight deals. They revealed when airlines are most likely to drop their best offers.
With summer fast approaching, countless Brits will be considering a holiday overseas. And as with any purchase, most travellers will be looking to get the best bang for their buck.
Naturally, this will hinge on factors such as your destination, preferred airline and booking platform. However, research suggests that the timing of your purchase can also make a considerable difference.
With this in mind, the team at Money Saving Expert (MSE) – the site founded by Martin Lewis – has shared some useful advice on how to bag the cheapest flights, including guidance on the ideal moment to book.
MSE suggested that Mondays and Tuesdays can be the best days to book. It said: “Buying flight tickets early in the week can pay off.
Buying flight tickets early in the week could pay off, according to the team at MSE (Image: Getty)
“Skyscanner data shows that airlines sometimes release deals late on Mondays (when fewer people are searching for flights), which can last into Tuesday morning.” This is backed up by guidance on the Skyscanner website, which states: “Mondays, which may lead to lower fares early in the week.
“Prices tend to rise again as the week progresses and demand increases.” However, there is no “guarantee” that you’ll secure the best deal on these days. MSE added: “There’s no guaranteed ‘best’ day or week to buy.
“Prices depend on demand, competitor pricing, the economy and historical customer booking patterns. One thing that won’t impact the prices is your search history – this is an urban myth, with your interest in a particular flight having no effect on its price.”
Skyscanner adds: “Flight pricing changes constantly based on demand, season and route. There’s no fixed “cheapest day” to book but with the right tools, you can stay informed.”
It says: “Airlines use dynamic pricing software. This reacts to factors like demand, booking patterns and cancellations. That’s why you might see a fare fall suddenly, or rise without warning.”
Read more: Spain holiday island to slap Brits with £650 fines for taking tops off
Read more: Direct train ride to beautiful European town for less than £15
Skyscanner adds: “Flight pricing changes constantly based on demand, season and route. There’s no fixed “cheapest day” to book but with the right tools, you can stay informed.”
It says: “Airlines use dynamic pricing software. This reacts to factors like demand, booking patterns and cancellations. That’s why you might see a fare fall suddenly, or rise without warning.”
According to Skyscanner, some common “triggers” for price drops include:
- Lower demand periods – If a flight isn’t selling well, fares may be reduced to fill seats
- Cancellations – When travellers cancel, some seats may be re-released at a lower price
- Sales windows – Airlines may offer short-term promotions, especially for quieter travel periods
MSE also recommended the following steps to get the best deal:
- Be flexible – Prices swing massively depending on when and where you fly. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually cheapest; summer holidays and Christmas are most expensive. If you’re open on location, use comparison sites’ ‘anywhere’ search to see which destinations are lowest
- Set up price alerts – Flash sales and rare ‘error fares’ (when an airline lists the wrong price) can vanish within hours. Sign up to airline newsletters and flight deal alerts (via email or app) so you’re pinged the moment prices drop – then be ready to book fast
- Always compare prices before booking – Don’t assume the airline’s own site is cheapest. Use at least two comparison sites. Try Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo and Google Flights as they cover different airlines and travel agents
- Split your journey to save – Adding a short stopover or booking legs separately can cut £100s off long-haul flights. Use comparison sites to check both direct and indirect options
- Check the real cost – A rock-bottom fare may not stay cheap once baggage, seat fees and extras are added. Compare the full price, not just the headline ticket
For more information, visit the MSE website here.