At CompareFlights.co.uk, we’re always on the lookout for ways to help you save on travel. As 2024 approaches, we’ve delved into the latest trends, data, and strategies to offer you a comprehensive guide to finding the cheapest days to fly. While our “definitive guide to help you find the cheapest flights” page provides excellent tips and tools for finding bargains , this article expands on those insights with fresh data and timeless advice for 2024 and beyond.

Understanding Airfare Trends

Before we dive into the specifics for 2024, it’s important to grasp some general rules of thumb when it comes to booking flights:

• Early Week Bookings: Historically, booking a flight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays can yield better deals. Airlines often release new fare sales late on Mondays, which leads to a drop in prices as competitors match these sales.
• Off-Peak Travel: Flying during the off-season or shoulder seasons for your destination can result in significant savings. Avoiding school holidays, major festivals, or events in your destination city can also help dodge price hikes.
• Flexibility is Key: Being flexible with your travel dates and even destinations can uncover hidden deals. Use tools like the flexible date search on CompareFlights.co.uk to see a range of prices around your preferred travel period.

Cheapest Days to Fly in 2024

With these principles in mind, we’ve analyzed the data to pinpoint the cheapest times to fly from the UK in 2024:

Winter 2024

• Best Time: January 9th to March 3rd
• Optimal Days: Tuesday and Wednesday continue to be the cheapest days to fly.
• Note: Avoid February half-term week, as prices tend to spike due to increased demand.

Spring 2024

• Early Spring: Late March to early April sees a gradual increase in fares.
• Best Bet: Mid to late April, after the Easter holiday rush, offers lower prices before the summer hike.

Summer 2024

• Start of Summer: Early June sees a sharp rise in airfares.
• Cheapest Period: The first two weeks of July, before schools break up for the summer.
• Late Summer: Late August to early September, as schools reopen, marks another period of lower fares.

Autumn 2024

• Optimal Time: Mid-September to mid-October, avoiding the October half-term week.
• General Advice: Tuesdays and Wednesdays remain the cheapest days to fly.

Winter Holiday Season 2024

• Early Booking: Prices for the holiday season start to climb in early November. Booking before this can lead to savings.
• Specific Dates: Early December, before the holiday rush, presents a short window for cheaper fares.

Year-Round Strategies

• Set Alerts: Use CompareFlights.co.uk to set up price alerts for your desired routes. This way, you’ll be notified immediately when prices drop.
• Check Alternate Airports: Sometimes, flying out of or into a smaller airport can save you a bundle. Consider all the airports in your departure and arrival cities.
• Connecting Flights: Direct flights are more convenient but also more expensive. If you’re willing to take a longer route, you can often find better deals.

Conclusion

While the tips and trends for 2024 provided here are based on current data and patterns, the world of air travel is always changing. Stay informed, be flexible, and use the tools available at CompareFlights.co.uk to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal on your travels. Remember, smart planning and strategic booking can make all the difference in your travel budget.