Why a day can make a difference
Fares are set flight by flight, according to how busy each one is expected to be. A Friday evening departure to a popular city may be in high demand, while the same route on Thursday morning or Saturday afternoon has more seats available. If your schedule allows you to shift by a day or two, you often have access to a wider range of prices.
The same applies to the return. Coming home on a Sunday evening is popular with weekend travellers; a Monday morning flight may be quieter.
Use calendar views
Many booking tools, including airline websites, show prices across a week or a month. Start with this kind of view rather than searching for a single date. You can quickly see which days are busier and pick a combination that suits your budget and calendar.
Look at the total cost of the trip, not just the fare. An extra night in a hotel might wipe out the saving from a cheaper flight, while a midweek hotel rate could make a longer stay surprisingly good value.
Be flexible about airports
If you live within reach of more than one airport, compare departures from each. In Germany, for example, travellers near the Rhine may be able to choose between Cologne and Düsseldorf. At the other end, think about what you actually want to see. A beach holiday in southern Portugal can start in Faro, while a city break with day trips might suit Lisbon better.
Factor in the cost and time of getting to each airport. A cheaper fare from a more distant airport is only a bargain if the journey there is easy.
Be flexible about time of day
Very early and late flights are not always cheaper, but they are often less in demand. If you can cope with an early start, the first flight of the day also has the advantage of being less affected by knock-on delays. A late return can give you an extra full day at your destination.
Finally, flexibility works both ways. If your own plans are uncertain, the flexible choice may be the fare itself rather than the dates. A fare that allows free rebooking can be worth more than a lower price that ties you to one day.
Good to know
- Search with a calendar or week view before picking exact dates.
- Compare total trip cost, including hotel nights, not just the fare.
- Check nearby departure airports and how easy they are to reach.