Sun, sea and savings: The dates to remember for cheaper summer getaways
Key Points:
- Travel expert shares insider knowledge on the most affordable days to fly this summer, helping holidaymakers save money
- Specific dates in June and August offer significant savings compared to peak times in July, with some days cutting costs by up to 30%
- Expert Dawn Morwood says booking at the right time is just as important as choosing the right travel dates
As temperatures rise and thoughts turn to summer getaways, many UK travellers are feeling the pinch when it comes to holiday budgets. While flight prices typically surge during the summer months, savvy holidaymakers who know exactly when to book can still bag themselves a bargain.
“Most people assume all summer flights are expensive, but there are specific days that offer much better value,” explains Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away UK, a company dedicated to helping people avoid overpaying for their holidays.
Her insights come at a perfect time, as many Brits are currently planning their summer escapes but struggling with rising costs across the board. By adjusting travel dates by just a day or two, Morwood suggests holidaymakers could potentially save hundreds of pounds on their flights alone.
Why Summer Flight Prices Fluctuate
Flight prices change throughout summer for reasons most holidaymakers can guess – but knowing the pattern helps with planning. It comes down to simple supply and demand, with prices climbing when more people want to travel.
“The summer flight market follows predictable patterns,” says Morwood. “Prices peak during school holidays in late July and early August, but there are pockets of opportunity both earlier and later in the season.”
Airlines adjust their pricing based on booking trends, which is why certain days consistently offer better value. The difference can be substantial – sometimes 30% lower than peak days.
The Cheapest Days to Fly This Summer
UK travellers looking to make their holiday budget go further should mark these dates in their calendar. Morwood’s analysis has pinpointed specific days that offer the best value for international travel:
1. Early June Bargains
June 2 and June 13 stand out as excellent options for international flights, before the school holiday rush begins.
“Early June hits that sweet spot between good weather and good prices,” Morwood explains. “The first two weeks of June give you almost the same sunshine as July but at much lower prices.”
2. Late August Opportunities
August 28 is another date that offers exceptional value for international travellers.
“Late August sees a dramatic drop in prices as schools prepare to return,” says Morwood. “The weather is still wonderful in most European destinations, but you’ll find airports less crowded and prices much more reasonable.”
3. Domestic Flight Deals
For those planning trips within the UK, the cheapest options are often found on July 28, August 19, and August 23.
“Domestic flight pricing follows slightly different patterns,” Morwood notes. “We’ve found late July and August offer surprisingly good value for internal UK flights, contrary to what many might expect.”
Days to Avoid Booking This Summer
Just as important as knowing when to fly is understanding which dates to avoid. According to Morwood’s research, the most expensive days for international travel are typically July 22, 23, and 29.
For domestic UK flights, the priciest options tend to fall on June 30, July 8, and July 16.
“These dates consistently show price spikes of 25-40% above average,” cautions Morwood. “If your travel dates are flexible, shifting even a day or two could save you a significant amount.”
Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away UK, commented:
“Beyond choosing the right travel dates, how and when you book makes a big difference to what you pay. Most people don’t realise that booking too early can be just as costly as leaving it too late. For summer flights, the sweet spot is typically 60-90 days before departure for short-haul and 3-6 months for long-haul journeys.
“Setting up fare alerts is another trick I always recommend. These notifications tell you when prices drop for your chosen route, so you can grab temporary deals. Airlines sometimes release sale fares with little warning, and being quick off the mark can mean massive savings.
“Don’t overlook being flexible with both dates and airports. Flying midweek instead of weekends can cut costs, as can departing from a less popular airport within reasonable distance. Lastly, look at booking separate one-way flights for your outbound and return journeys – this sometimes works out cheaper than a return with the same airline.”
