Once you have your Visa approved, the next thing to do is to book your flight and secure your accommodation. As you plan your relocation to the United Kingdom, one of the most significant challenges you’ll encounter is the booking of flights and accommodation.
Fortunately, we have written this article to help you book cheap flights and also show you how you can make reservations for accommodations in the UK.
6 Tricks To Book Cheap Flights To The UK
Below you will find tips on how to book your flight at a very affordable rate.
1. Check When it’s Cheapest To Fly To The UK
Generally, flying during the week is cheaper than on weekends. Specifically, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are good days to find lower prices because they are not as popular for travel.
Many airline websites now make it easier to find the cheapest days to fly. Look for booking systems with a ‘calendar view’ option, allowing you to see prices throughout the week you’re looking at. Skyscanner, a comparison site, has a useful graph that shows flight prices, helping you clearly identify the cheapest days. Google Flights also has a similar calendar function, displaying exact prices for available dates.
Keep in mind the time of your flight too. While a 6 am flight might be cheaper, consider if you can get to the airport on time. Public transport might be limited, and finding a ride could be challenging. Always weigh the cost savings against the convenience of the flight time.
Keep in mind that when it’s peak season in the UK, it might not be the same in other parts of the world. The cost of flights can vary depending on your destination.
2. Be Flexible With Your Flight Destination
If you’re open to flying anywhere and want to save money, try this simple trick:
1. Visit Skyscanner.
2. Enter the airport you’re departing from.
3. Click on the destination box like you’re going to type something.
4. A box will pop up with an ‘Everywhere’ option.
5. Choose ‘Everywhere,’ pick your dates, and click search.
You’ll then see a list of all the flights leaving from your chosen airport on that date, arranged from the cheapest to the most expensive. This is a fantastic option if you can’t be flexible with your travel dates but are open to exploring new places.
Don’t dismiss locations you’ve never thought about before. Do a bit of research online, and you might discover a destination that has everything you’re looking for—sun, sea, sand, and more.
3. Check Flight Price Search Engines
Just like when you’re shopping for anything else, taking the time to compare options and do some research is the key to finding great deals.
The good news is that there are plenty of websites designed to make it easy and quick for you to compare flight prices.
Consider using platforms like Expedia, which allows you to search for package deals (such as flights and a hotel). Check this option before visiting individual airline websites to see if it’s more cost-effective to book separately.
Here are some top flight comparison sites:
1. Momondo: This site provides a graph that shows the cheapest days to fly around your chosen dates. You can also customize your search to prioritize the quickest route if that’s more important to you.
2. Skyscanner: Known for its handy graph displaying flight prices, Skyscanner is a user-friendly platform to find the best deals.
3. Google Flights: Google Flights offers a calendar function that shows exact prices for available dates, helping you plan your trip efficiently.
4. Travel Supermarket: This site is another excellent option for comparing flight prices and finding the most affordable options.
5. Kayak: Kayak is a reliable platform that allows you to compare flight prices and find the best deals for your travel plans.
By using these flight comparison sites, you’ll be well-equipped to find the most budget-friendly options for your journey.
4. Using Incognito Mode While Searching For Flight
Flight prices go up and down based on demand. Airlines use data from people searching and buying tickets to set their prices. If you’ve been eyeing a specific flight and checking it frequently, you might notice the price creeping up. The airline knows you’re interested, and they might be trying to get a little more money from you.
To avoid this, try deleting your search cookies. Check how the price changes after wiping your browser history.
Alternatively, you can use an incognito browser for your search (you can find this option when opening a new tab or window). This way, your location and identity remain hidden from airlines, reducing the chances of them adjusting prices based on your search history. Keep it stealthy to secure the best flight deals!
5. Book Your Flight Early, Last-Minute Deals Are More Expensive
While last-minute deals might sound like a budget-friendly option, the reality is often different. In many cases, waiting until the last minute doesn’t lead to significant savings.
The smarter approach is to book your flights early, even up to a year in advance. Typically, seats are more affordable when they are first released, usually about a year before the actual flight, or sometimes even earlier. So, hop online as soon as the flights become available for booking.
This is especially important if you’re traveling during school holidays or when there’s a significant local event (like St Patrick’s Day in Ireland). Prices tend to rise rapidly during these periods, so securing your tickets early can help you avoid inflated costs.
While prices may fluctuate before the departure date, waiting until the last few days is a risky strategy. The cost might dip, but there’s also a chance it won’t, especially for popular flights, or the seats might sell out before you get a chance to book.
If you’re a bit more flexible with your travel plans, you can explore sites like lastminute.com, which often features flights that drop in price as the departure date approaches.
For those wanting to gauge whether it’s worth waiting until the last minute, the Hopper app is a valuable tool. Simply enter your departure and destination locations, and the app will show you when prices are likely to rise or fall based on historical flight data. This way, you can make an informed decision about when to book your flight for the best possible deal.
6. Book Your Flight and Accomodation Together
When you book flight and hotel, you’re not only in for affordability, but you’ll likely snag discounts on flights, accommodation, airport transfers, and even activities like bus tours at your destination. If you need some summer holiday inspiration, we’ve got you covered with some great package deals.
These flight and accomodation companies book in big quantities, scoring the most substantial discounts. Sometimes, you might end up paying less for an entire package than just a regular flight alone.
Where To Book Both Flight and Accomodation Together
Below you will find the best platforms to book both flight and accomodation together.
1. Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the most visited travel platforms in the world, and the sheer volume of options they offer is amazing.
You can be able to book both flight and hotel on booking.com. They are several travel packages on the platform, just choose the one tha suit you. You can find just about any hotel in any city listed, along with private vacation rentals and other types of accommodation.
The search process is simple, the results are easy to sort through, and the whole system makes it easy to decide. Booking.com gets it right by giving you all the right options and information without overwhelming you.
2. Expedia
For a hassle-free experience in booking budget-friendly flights and hotels is a top-notch choice. As one of the world’s largest travel sites, Expedia consistently delivers discounted airfare and hotel reservations.
You will discover great deals on Expedia, thanks to various options like “popular destinations,” “price drops,” “airport takeoffs,” and “borderless dates.” One standout feature is Expedia’s price match guarantee – if you find a cheaper rate within 24 hours of booking, Expedia will refund the difference.
Expedia goes beyond the ordinary by offering a plethora of flight and hotel packages to the UK. This makes it easy for travelers to find and book everything they need in one place.
3. Skyscanner
Skyscanner isn’t just about finding flight deals; it’s your go-to for hotels and car rentals too. It simplifies the process of exploring all your options at once, boasting handy filters and suggestions that make it a top choice for many travelers planning their entire trip.
One standout feature on Skyscanner is the Explore Everywhere function, perfect for wanderlust-filled adventurers. Just input your departure point, and let Skyscanner lead you to the best flight ideas based on price and convenience. The initial results display major destinations sorted by the cheapest and most direct flights, allowing you to click through for more specific cities and options.
Right below the flight details, you’ll discover the best hotels at your chosen destination, complete with prices and various amenities. This dual-functionality not only helps you find deals but also serves as an excellent source of travel inspiration. Skyscanner goes beyond exploration; it’s also a fantastic platform for booking your next flight and hotel à-la-carte. Enjoy the convenience and inspiration that Skyscanner brings to your travel planning!
4. Kayak
Kayak stands out as one of the best websites to snag budget-friendly deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars. This versatile platform is equipped with various tools, such as price tracking and booking advice, to make your search a breeze. On the left side of the search screen, you’ll discover numerous filters to help narrow down your options based on your preferences. For flights, this includes specific airlines, layovers, baggage allowances, and even airline alliances. The options for hotels allow you to filter by amenities, hotel chains, review scores, and more.
When you search for flights on Kayak, a convenient tab with hotel options at your destination opens automatically, streamlining your planning process. Alternatively, if you’re after convenience, you can explore package deals that bundle your entire purchase into one seamless transaction. Check out our detailed Kayak review for insights into the features, tips, and tricks that make this site a versatile tool for your travel needs.
Conclusion:
Moving to the UK doesn’t have to break the bank, and by employing these tips and utilizing the mentioned platforms, you can significantly reduce the cost of flights and accommodation. Remember to plan ahead, stay flexible, and take advantage of the numerous resources available to make your move an affordable and enjoyable experience. Dont forget to book your flight early, even now if you can. Safe travels.
