Travel expert reveals how to get the cheapest flights

Founder of the travel brand Pocket Wanderings shares her insider tips for finding and booking flights at the cheapest price.

According to research carried about by the Pocket Wanderings team, nearly half a million Brits search for 'cheap flights' every month. This month (March 2023), searches for cheap flights were up by 14% compared to six months ago in September last year.

After the pandemic, none of us want to sacrifice travel – but with the current cost of living crisis, it's no wonder that we're all looking to make savings wherever possible.

Founder of the Pocket Wanderings travel blog and frequent flyer Jessie Moore reveals how to get the cheapest flights...

1. Booking travel last minute is unlikely to get you a deal.

Unlike other industries where last minute bookings can get you a great deal, airlines do not operate this way. This is generally because airlines rely on those who need to travel last minute, as well as business travellers who aren't as fazed by the price, to fill the gaps.

That's not to say it's not possible to get a last minute deal – they do exist if the demand really isn't there and if you can be flexible with your dates. But it's a bit of a roulette. Booking at least three weeks in advance is going to get you cheaper prices, but aim for a few months in advance if you can.

2. Midweek flights are cheaper.

If you can, avoid flying on weekends as prices tend to be higher. In general, the cheapest days to fly are Monday through Wednesday. In fact, you can save up to 20% when you fly on these days. But there are always exceptions to this so do your research and use the calendar on Skyscanner, which colour-codes days depending on how expensive the flights are to your given destination.

3. Be flexible with your destination.

If you can't be flexible with your dates but you can be flexible with your destination then use Skyscanner's 'Everywhere' option. Enter your departure airport then click on the destination box and a box should appear with an 'Everywhere' option. Choose your dates, hit search, and you'll see a list of flights which can be sorted in order of price. This is also a great way to find hidden gems and places you wouldn't previously have considered.

4. Use a private browser when researching flights.

Make sure that you use a private browser when researching flights, as cookie data can drive the prices up if you keep checking the same flights.

5. Book direct with airlines.

Comparison sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights are great for finding the cheapest flights, but you're better off booking direct with the airlines. You won't have to pay any booking charges, plus you have more protection in the face of delays, booking changes and cancellations when you book direct. You are also more likely to be rewarded for your loyalty when booking direct with the airlines.

6. Save money on paying for seats together.

Just because you don't pay for seat selection doesn't mean you won't be sat with your group. By far the best way of getting seats together without having to pay is to simply check-in online as soon as it opens. Find out when check-in opens for your airline and set a reminder so you can be ready.

It's also worth knowing that some airlines guarantee that children under 12 will be seated next to at least one adult from your group, while other airlines do their utmost to ensure this is the case. The one exception to this is Ryanair, who do make it difficult for you to sit with your group without paying.