Which are the cheapest days of the week to fly on? Here's what one expert advises for cut-rate travel this summer...

Travel expert shares tricks of the trade to save money

If you are one of those people who has left it late to book their summer holiday but still wants to get the best deal at what is usually the most expensive time of year, there are still a few secrets to saving money.

One person who knows exactly how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to holidays is Dawn Morwood, co-director of the website Cheap Deals Away, whose expertise is regularly featured in the UK press.

Her most recent tip is that “outbound flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are almost always cheaper than weekend flights”.

She notes that if you can be flexible with your departure date, it is worth the effort to check the prices of flights on different days.

There are also liable to be deals available if you are open to flying from different airports, and especially if you are prepared to be flexible about your destination.

When is the best time to book?

It can make a big difference how far in advance you book flights, because getting tickets sooner does not necessarily mean they will be cheaper.

“I’ve seen people book flights 10 months in advance thinking that they’ve got a bargain, only to see that the price for the same route dropped by over €200 per person just a few weeks before departure,” notes Dawn.

“Airlines use dynamic pricing, which means they are constantly adjusted according to predicted demand.”

However, she warns that waiting until the last minute can be risky too.

“The days of rocking up to the airport and getting a massive discount are largely gone… you’re more likely to find inflated prices, limited availability, and having to compromise on everything from departure times to accommodation quality,” Dawn explains.

“The travel industry has its own rhythm, and understanding that can make the difference between a bargain and a disappointment.”

She said that, in general, the optimum time to book short-haul flights to European destinations is around six to eight weeks before departure.

However, timeframes also shift throughout the year, and she recommends booking summer holidays to Europe at least 10 to 12 weeks early.

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