Tips

How to find cheap flights without the myths

Fares are set by demand forecasts, not by the day you search. What actually helps, and what does not.

What moves the price

How full the flight is forecast to be. Fares rise as the cheapest booking classes sell out. Booking two to three months ahead for short haul and three to six for long haul usually lands in the cheap classes.
Day of travel. Mid-week departures are cheaper than Friday and Sunday on most leisure routes. Flying on the holiday itself is cheaper than the day before.
Competition on the route. A new entrant, like the routes in our winter 2026 guide, pushes fares down for months.
Nearby airports. A low-cost base 60 km away can halve the price; add the ground transport cost before deciding.

Searching in incognito mode. Airlines price by demand, not by your cookies.
Booking on a Tuesday. There is no weekly discount day in modern fare systems.
Waiting for last-minute deals. On popular routes the last seats are the most expensive.

Fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner for a route and month.
Calendar and "explore" views to see the cheapest dates and destinations.
Checking the airline's own site after finding a fare; it is sometimes cheaper and always easier to change.

Low base fares often exclude a cabin bag, seat selection and card fees. Compare the total at the payment step, not the headline price.

Last reviewed: 21 October 2026. Schedules and fees change; confirm with the operator before you book.