Dawn Morwood, the Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away, revealed the sweet spot for bagging a great holiday bargain. After decades of tracking how airlines and hotels adjust their pricing strategies over the year, Morwood has identified the best time to book a holiday.
According to her travel advice, booking at the earliest date possible isn’t the best idea. “I’ve seen people book flights 10 months early thinking they’ve got a bargain, only to watch the same route drop by £200 per person just weeks before departure,” said Morwood. “Airlines use dynamic pricing, which means they’re constantly adjusting based on demand predictions.”
On the flip side, leaving it too late to book a holiday is equally risky as last-minute deals become increasingly rare.
“The days of rocking up to the airport and getting a massive discount are largely gone,” Morwood said.
“What you’re more likely to find are inflated prices, limited availability, and having to compromise on everything from departure times to accommodation quality.”
Budget airlines have become notorious for spiking their flight prices in the final weeks before departure, Morwood warned.
Instead of booking too early or too late, Morwood shared her insight-led recommendation.
“The travel industry has its own rhythm, and understanding that can make the difference between a bargain and a disappointment,” said Morwood.
Morwood said six to eight weeks before departures is the magic number for short-haul flights to European destinations.
For long-haul flights, the best time to book a holiday is eight to 12 weeks beforehand.
But these timeframes also shift with the seasons with those wanting a summer break encouraged to book 10 to 12 weeks ahead of times for short-haul European trips.
“But for a city break in February, you can often get away with booking just four to six weeks ahead and still secure excellent deals,” Morwood added.
The best deals are also secured when you have some flexibility around departure dates, airports, and even destinations.
“Tuesday and Wednesday departures are almost always cheaper than weekend flights,” said Morwood. “And flying from alternative airports can cut costs dramatically.”