- January, early February, November and early December are usually the cheapest months to fly
- Midweek flights, especially Tuesday and Wednesday, are often cheaper than Fridays and Sundays
- Aim to book short-haul one to three months ahead and long-haul two to six months ahead
- School holidays push fares up sharply, so shift your dates even slightly if you can
Airfares move constantly, driven by demand, competition and how full each flight is. There's no secret day when prices magically drop. But there are clear patterns, and knowing them can save you a lot on a family holiday or a long-haul trip.
Here's when it's usually cheapest to fly from the UK, and how to use that to your advantage.
The cheapest months to fly
Demand for flights from the UK follows the school calendar and the weather. The cheapest months tend to be the quietest ones.
| Month | Fares | Why |
|---|---|---|
| January (after New Year) | Low | Post-Christmas lull, outside ski and winter-sun peaks |
| February (outside half-term) | Low to medium | Quiet, apart from half-term week |
| March | Medium | Rising as spring approaches; Easter is busy |
| April-May | Medium | Easter and May half-term are expensive; other weeks are better value |
| June | Medium to high | Popular before the school holidays |
| July-August | Highest | Peak summer and school holidays |
| September | Medium | Great value after schools go back |
| October | Medium | October half-term is busy; other weeks are good value |
| November-early December | Low | One of the quietest times of year |
| Mid to late December | High | Christmas and New Year |
For short-haul Europe, September and October offer a sweet spot of lower fares and warm weather. For winter sun, late November and January are often the cheapest; see our best winter sun destinations from the UK.
The cheapest days to fly
Business travellers and weekenders push up prices on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. Leisure travellers who can fly midweek often pay less.
- Tuesday and Wednesday are frequently the cheapest days to depart and return.
- Saturday can be good value on some city routes, but it's peak changeover day for package holidays and ski resorts.
- Early-morning and late-evening flights are often cheaper than mid-morning departures.
Use flexible-date or calendar views on flight search sites to see the cheapest days at a glance.
How far ahead to book
There's no perfect rule, but these windows are a sensible guide:
| Trip type | Book roughly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short-haul Europe (off-peak) | 1-3 months ahead | Low-cost airlines can have good fares well ahead too |
| Short-haul in school holidays | 3-6+ months ahead | Fares on family dates tend to rise |
| Long-haul (e.g. New York, Dubai) | 2-6 months ahead | Earlier for peak dates and premium cabins |
| Christmas and New Year | 6-11 months ahead | Popular routes sell out |
Booking very late is rarely cheap for flights alone, although package holidays can be discounted at the last minute. Read how to find last-minute holiday deals.
School holidays: the big price jump
Fares on family-friendly routes can rise steeply during school holidays. Key dates for 2026/27 in most of England include:
- October half-term: 26-30 October 2026
- Christmas: from around 21 December 2026 to early January 2027
- February half-term: 15-19 February 2027
- Easter: around 26 March to 9 April 2027
- May half-term: 31 May to 4 June 2027
Dates vary by council and across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check yours. If your children's school breaks on different dates from the majority, you may find cheaper fares. For more tactics, see our family holiday deals tips.
Ways to cut the cost of any flight
- Compare airports: regional airports can be far cheaper than London, and vice versa.
- Set price alerts so you hear when fares drop.
- Travel light: hand luggage only avoids hold-bag fees, which can double the price of a cheap fare.
- Consider a package: for beach and ski trips, bundled flights and hotels are often cheaper. See package holiday vs DIY.
- Look at stopovers: on long-haul routes, a stop in a hub can be cheaper and break up the journey. See our Dubai stopover guide.
- Take the train: for Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, Eurostar can beat flying on total cost and time; see Eurostar vs flying to Paris.
prices you see can change between searches simply because seats sell. If you've found a fare you're happy with, book it rather than waiting for a perfect price.
Where to go when fares are low
January and November are ideal for city breaks, with lower fares and fewer crowds. Try Barcelona on a budget, Rome in 48 hours or New York on a budget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest month to fly from the UK?
January (after the first week) and November are usually the cheapest, followed by early February and early December, avoiding half-term.
Is it cheaper to fly on a Tuesday?
Often, yes. Tuesday and Wednesday flights are frequently cheaper than Friday and Sunday flights, though it varies by route.
How far in advance should I book flights to Europe?
For off-peak travel, around one to three months ahead is a good guide. Book further ahead for school holidays.
Do flight prices go down closer to departure?
Rarely for popular dates. Airlines usually raise fares as seats fill, so last-minute flights are often more expensive.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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