Jet-Set for Less: Former British Airway Cabin Crew Assistant Reveals Secrets to Bagging A Great Deal.
It’s 30 years since EasyJet first took to the skies and since then it, and its sector rival Ryanair, have revolutionised how we travel.
The first flight, from Luton to Glasgow in November 1995 cost just £29. And whilst you’ll have a tough time getting you and your luggage onto its aircraft for under thirty quid, consumer champion Jane Hawkes says it’s still possible to “bag a bargain”.
Former cabin crew Jane, who runs the consumer advice website www.ladyjaney.co.uk, says it all comes down to planning and flexibility.
“Good deals often go to those who plan ahead but also those who are prepared to do the unsociable flight times,” she says.
“The more flexible you are in your timings, the more likely it is you can pick up a bargain.”
But Jane also says that those great deals aren’t just to be found on the so-called ‘budget airlines’.
“Companies like Ryanair and easyJet have become victims of their own success,” she explains.
“After they burst onto the scene, those traditional airlines had a look at their business model and realised there was a real demand for cheaper, no-frills flights which now virtually all carriers offer.
“And we’re much savvier travellers these days, particularly with the availability of price comparison sites and customer service and experience being so much more transparent thanks to things like TripAdvisor.
Jane’s advice to bag a bargain flight
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Fail to plan, plan to fail
Good deals often go to those who plan ahead and are actively looking for the good deals. Set alerts with your preferred airlines or travel websites for routes you’re interested in and keep an eye on price trends. When they come up, don’t hang about! Chances are, they won’t be there for long.
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Watch out for ‘drip pricing’
A cheap looking fare isn’t always the best deal. where anything more than a small handbag will incur a cost.
Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (2024), mandatory fees need to be transparent so admin booking charges and taxes can’t be hidden away. But the other extras including luggage and seat choice, all do come at a cost and by the time you’ve added them all in your ‘low cost’ airline could be more expensive than a premium carrier.
This is particularly true if you are flying on an airline which has a very measly baggage allowance so compare the actual total, not the advertised price, before you press ‘book’.
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Use comparison sites — but book direct
Comparison sites such as Google Flights or Skyscanner are great for spotting deals and tracking price changes. However, if you’re booking flights only, it’s usually best to book directly with the airline. That way, if something goes wrong like delays, cancellations or lost baggage, you only have one point of contact, there’s no third party to chase for refunds or support.
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Be flexible
Realistically you are not going to get bargain flights from a Friday evening departure to a popular city break destination. It’s just supply and demand. Midweek flights, early mornings and late nights are the cheaper times to fly. If your dates aren’t fixed, you’ll have more chances to grab a bargain.
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Understand fare tiers
Airlines release only a limited number of the lowest priced seats. Once those are gone, prices rise. Booking early or being ready to move fast helps you catch the cheapest fares. You may be able to get cheap tickets for 1-2 travellers but as numbers in your party increase so may the fares because there are only so many tickets in each price band available.
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Know the refund and cancellation policies
Cheaper fares often come with stricter conditions so make sure you understand whether your ticket is refundable or changeable as it can save you a lot of money and stress later. If there’s even a chance you need to change your travel plans, going for the no-flexibility deal could end up costing you more in the long run.