Flight Booking Tips – Save Money & Travel Smarter

Last updated: 11 August 2025

Booking flights can feel like a gamble, but with the right strategies, you can secure better prices, reduce stress, and even enjoy a more comfortable journey. Whether you’re flying short-haul for a weekend city break or long-haul for a holiday abroad, these tips will help you make smarter decisions.

1. Know the Best Time to Book

There’s no universal “cheapest day” to book, but patterns exist. For short-haul routes, aim to book 4–10 weeks ahead; for long-haul, 2–4 months is often the sweet spot. Avoid booking at the last minute unless you’re flexible, as prices typically rise close to departure.

2. Be Flexible with Dates and Airports

Flying midweek is often cheaper than weekends. Use fare comparison tools with flexible date searches to see if shifting your trip by a day or two saves money. Consider nearby airports – for London, that could mean checking Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, and London City.

3. Set Fare Alerts

Sign up for price alerts from comparison sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak. These notify you when fares drop for your chosen route, helping you book at the right moment.

4. Compare Budget and Full-Service Airlines

Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air can be cheaper, but watch for extras like seat selection, baggage, and onboard meals. Full-service airlines might include these, making them better value in some cases.

5. Watch Out for Hidden Costs

Airport transfers, checked luggage, and seat upgrades can add up quickly. Always calculate the total trip cost, not just the fare. Budget airlines often have lower base prices but higher ancillary fees.

6. Book Direct When Possible

Once you find a good fare via a comparison site, check the airline’s official website. Sometimes they offer the same price or better perks, such as free seat selection or double loyalty points.

7. Use Loyalty Programs

Joining frequent flyer programs can lead to free flights, upgrades, and lounge access over time. Even occasional travellers can benefit, especially if you stick with one airline alliance.

8. Consider Stopovers

Non-stop flights are faster but often pricier. Adding a stopover can reduce the fare, and in some cases, you can explore the stopover city for free thanks to airline promotions.

9. Upgrade Strategies

Check for upgrade offers when checking in online – sometimes they’re cheaper than paying in advance. Dress neatly and travel solo to increase your (slim) chances of a complimentary upgrade.

10. Avoid Common Booking Mistakes

• Not double-checking names and passport details before payment.
• Forgetting to check baggage allowances.
• Not reading fare rules for cancellations or changes.

11. Check Airline Safety and Reliability

Before booking with an unfamiliar airline, review safety records, on-time performance, and customer reviews. A cheap fare isn’t worth it if reliability is poor.

12. Consider Travel Insurance

Booking non-refundable tickets can save money but increases risk. Travel insurance can cover cancellations, delays, or lost luggage – just check the terms carefully.

13. How We Can Help

At EuroFlyDeals, we research airline policies, seasonal fare patterns, and route options to help you make informed choices. Our route guides and travel tips are updated regularly to reflect the latest changes.

Some links on our site may be affiliate links, which means we could earn a commission if you make a booking — at no extra cost to you. We remain editorially independent.

14. Best Tools & Apps for Flight Deals

Apps like Hopper predict fare trends, while Skyscanner and Google Flights offer flexible search grids to help you visualise price differences across dates. For more personalised tracking, consider setting alerts with services like Jack’s Flight Club or Scott’s Cheap Flights.

15. Myth-Busting Common Booking Advice

Not all popular booking tips are accurate. For example, “clear your cookies” may not always lower prices; airlines and booking sites use a mix of factors to display fares. Similarly, the idea that Tuesdays are always cheapest is outdated – pricing algorithms change constantly.

16. Seat Selection Tips for Comfort

Window seats offer a view and wall support for sleeping, while aisle seats make moving around easier. If legroom is a priority, check seat maps on SeatGuru before booking. Some airlines release exit-row seats closer to departure, often at a reduced fee.

17. Case Study: How One Traveller Saved £150

In early 2025, a London-based traveller booked a return trip to Athens. By being flexible with airports (departing from Gatwick instead of Heathrow), flying midweek, and booking 7 weeks in advance, they secured a fare £150 cheaper than average – and avoided extra baggage fees by travelling carry-on only.

18. Plan Ahead for Smooth Travel

Once you’ve booked your ticket, confirm entry requirements for your destination, arrange travel insurance, and pre-book airport transfers if needed. This ensures a stress-free departure and arrival.