While many of us like to book our summer holidays as far in advance as physically possible, you could be punished monetarily for doing so. That's because some of the best holiday deals come in the form of last minute slots, where punters can save hundreds of pounds.
Big-name travel providers often add generous discounts onto last-minute holiday deals and flights when they're struggling to fill spaces - but there are also dedicated websites online which help people find a cheap means of fun in the sun.
Some of the biggest savings on easyJet, Jet2, TUI, British Airways and Ryanair holidays come in the form of last minute flights and all-inclusive holidays abroad for those who like to leave things to the last minute. But there are other ways of saving when you're booking some well deserved fun in the sun.
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Here, The Express breaks it down.
When are the best last-minute deals available?
If you're looking for a last-minute deal, it goes without saying that waiting is the best way to snap up some of the best savings. Although it's hard to pinpoint the exact day that last-minute holidays are likely to be cheaper, deals tend to go out between eight and six weeks prior to departure - and often get cheaper in the final few weeks leading up to the holiday.
The later you wait, the more flexible you will need to be about where you jet off to and when your holiday takes place. However, leaving things right down to the line can see holidays getting cheaper and cheaper as providers become even more eager to make a sale.
While most big-name holiday providers provide last-minute deals, you can find some of the best deals and flash sales through dedicated third-party agents such as:
When is the cheapest time to fly?
Though mid-week has often been hailed as the cheapest time to fly, according to Skyscanner, the trend is changing. Based on their research, the cheapest time of fly from the UK is typically a Friday. And, by comparison, if you're getting off from the UK, booking to fly on a Sunday could end up costing you more.
However, if you're on the hunt for deals, being open to flying on any date is the best way to snap up savings. By their very nature, last-minute deals tend to be a quick turnaround and can pop up on any day, so the more flexible you are, the more likely you'll be to find a great deal.
How to avoid additional fees on your last minute holiday
Even if you’ve managed to secure a cheap deal on your last-minute holiday, unexpected fees at the airport could tip you over budget if you’re not prepared. Most airlines and package holiday providers will notify you of exactly what is included in your fare, however there are certain elements that might come at an additional cost.
Avoid excess luggage fees
One thing which holidaymakers often find themselves lamenting over is excess luggage charges. How much luggage you are allowed will depend on the rules specified by your chosen carrier. For short-haul airlines, hand luggage rules vary and hold luggage typically comes at an extra cost. This varies slightly for those who have booked package holidays, such as with Jet2 or easyJet, where one item of hold luggage may be included.
The majority of long-haul operators tend to allow passengers an item of hand luggage, as well as a hold item to be checked, but this does depend on your ticket type. Along with checking your luggage allowance, you should also make sure your bags don’t exceed the weight or size, as this can incur an often sizeable fee at the airport.
If you’ve already planned a trip, our guide to the best easyJet luggage hacks, Jet2 baggage packing hacks and Ryanair luggage rules can help to save some extra pennies.
Get the best price on room upgrades
Typically, package holiday deals will increase in price if you're hoping to upgrade your hotel room. To book room upgrades, you'll need to research the options available from whichever provider you book with and what additional price is associated.
A little bit of added luxury is likely to come with a price, but there are deals to be had.
Some package holiday providers who offer luxury holiday deals include:
- Indulgent Escapes by Jet2holidays
- British Airways luxury holidays
- TUI luxury holidays
- Ultimate Travel Club
- Secret Escapes luxury holidays
Save money on seat selection
If you're jetting off with the family and have hopes of sitting together, you could be looking at an additional fee to secure the seats you want. Although some airlines, such as British Airways, allow passengers to select their seats when checking-in online in the 24 hours before departure.
If your airline does allow seat selection for free, it's worth checking in as soon as possible to ensure you get seats together. Even if your airline has the option for paid seat selection, in many cases, so long as there is availability, airlines will seat groups together. The only major exception to this rule is for those travelling with Ryanair. Passengers will often need to pay in order to sit together.
Before jetting off it's best to read up on your airline's seat reservation rules to decide whether it is worth shelling out for seat selection, or if you're happy to take the risk and save some cash.
You can find out the seat selection and reservation rules of airlines by visiting their websites.
