Everyone wants a good deal on a plane ticket, but most people don’t know that the month you travel can change the price a lot. Flying in the right month can shave off hundreds of pounds without any extra effort. Below we break down the patterns, the usual low‑price months, and how you can use that info to snag the best deal.
Airlines set prices around demand. When fewer people want to travel, they drop fares to fill seats. In most of Europe and the UK, the cheapest months are January, February and November. These slots sit between the busy holiday rush (December) and the spring break period (March‑April). September also tends to be cheap because the summer crowd has left and schools are back in session.
If you’re flying to the US or Canada, the same rule applies but the exact window shifts a bit. Late January through early March and again in late September to early November are the sweet spots. The key is to avoid school holidays, major festivals and big business events that push prices up.
1. Be flexible with dates. Even a shift of three days can move you from a high‑price weekend to a low‑price mid‑week flight. Use a calendar view on price‑watch tools and slide the dates around the cheap month you’re targeting.
2. Set price alerts. Most flight search engines let you create alerts for a route. Set the alert for the whole cheap month, and you’ll get a notification the moment a low fare pops up.
3. Book early, but not too early. For off‑peak months, airlines often release their lowest seats about 6‑8 weeks before departure. Waiting longer can bring price spikes as the flight fills up.
4. Check nearby airports. Sometimes a short train ride to a different airport saves a lot. For example, flying into Manchester instead of London can cut 30‑40% off the fare during the cheapest months.
5. Use the right search engine. Some sites focus on low‑cost carriers, while others bring in legacy airlines. Compare a couple of them to make sure you’re seeing the full picture.
6. Watch for flash sales. Airlines often run flash sales in the low‑demand months to push traffic. Sign up for a newsletter or follow their social media to catch those short‑lived offers.
7. Consider one‑way tickets. Buying two separate one‑way flights can be cheaper than a round‑trip ticket, especially when you mix low‑cost airlines with full‑service carriers.
8. Check the seasonality of your destination. Some places have their own peak periods that don’t line up with the general low‑price months. For ski resorts, January can be pricey, while for beach towns it’s often cheap.
By mixing these tactics with the knowledge of the cheapest month, you can consistently land lower fares without compromising on travel dates you actually want.
So next time you plan a getaway, start by looking at the calendar. If you can travel in January, February, September or November, you’re already ahead of the game. Set alerts, stay flexible, and watch for flash sales – and you’ll see the savings add up fast.
Timing your flight can save you hundreds. This article breaks down which month is truly the cheapest to fly and why prices fluctuate so much. You'll find clear tips on how airlines set their prices and when to book for the best deals. We also highlight real-life examples and insider tricks for nabbing the lowest fares. If you're looking to stretch your holiday budget, these strategies will help.