Travel expert reveals top tips to obtain cheap flight tickets in 2026 Whether you’re hoping to escape
Travel expert reveals top tips to obtain cheap flight tickets in 2026
Whether you’re hoping to escape the winter blues, planning a Valentine’s Day getaway, or already planning your summer holiday, you may be hoping to travel more in 2026.
That’s why leading travel marketplace WINGIE has shared expert insights on how travellers can take advantage of seasonal trends, smart tools and often-overlooked opportunities when searching for cheap flights this winter.
Regardless of whether you want to book a spontaneous warm-weather break in January or February, or look ahead to spring and summer, there are reliable strategies that can significantly reduce the cost of your flights.
The value of flexibility
One of the most effective ways to save money on flights in January and February is to stay flexible. This does not necessarily mean that you have to compromise on your ideal destination, as even a slight adjustment to travel dates can create huge savings.
Many travellers fixate on flying on a certain day, such as weekends, when demand is at its peak. Shifting your departure or return by even 24–48 hours can make a dramatic difference, and you can often unlock hundreds in savings, even for popular routes.
January and February are off-peak periods and typically the slowest months for travel, with airlines trying to fill planes, leading to lower fares. This means that flexibility can be powerful and allow you to obtain a fantastic deal, plus you can take advantage of any post-Christmas sales. If you’re booking a spring or summer holiday in advance, there are certain tricks that will help you avoid higher costs.
Travelling on weekdays, particularly mid-week such as Wednesdays or Thursdays, will likely be cheaper, as travellers tend to avoid them. Avoiding school holidays is another easy way to cut down on costs, especially if you are flying without children; June and September will generally be cheaper than July and August. Additionally, flying during the spring (particularly May) will be even cheaper and temperatures may be less uncomfortable, yet still pleasant and warm.
Start searching earlier than you think, but don’t panic-buy
A common misconception is that booking as soon as flights are released guarantees the lowest price. This isn’t always the case. Airlines adjust fares dynamically, often raising prices early in the season when they assume holiday demand will be high, then lowering them again as travel dates approach and seats remain unsold.
It’s recommended that you begin your search two to three months before travel for medium-haul flights and three to five months for long-haul travel. However, for last-minute holiday flights, be cautious while conducting your research, particularly if this falls before a holiday, such as Valentine’s Day. Airlines know people get desperate close to holidays, and prices can spike dramatically during the final ten days before departure.
If you’re booking a last-minute trip, consider airports with multiple carriers competing on the same route. Competitive routes tend to have more stable prices, and airlines will often drop fares unexpectedly to fill remaining seats.
Be open to alternative airports
When demand is high, major hubs fill up quickly and fares follow. One of the easiest ways to bring down the cost of a winter trip is exploring nearby airports. For example, flying into a secondary airport in Europe, such as Milan Bergamo instead of Milan Malpensa, can significantly reduce ticket prices.
In the UK, departing from smaller airports such as Bristol, Liverpool or East Midlands can sometimes produce better deals than leaving from London, where holiday traffic is intense. Even adding a short train or bus journey can be worthwhile if it knocks £80–£150 off the fare.
For travellers booking winter sun trips, the difference can be even more striking. Canary Islands, North Africa and southern Spain routes, for instance, often see cheaper fares from regional airports with lower demand.
Use smart tools and alerts to catch flash drops
With airlines adjusting fares constantly, which can be up to several times a day, it’s nearly impossible to catch every price change manually. That’s where technology becomes your best ally, as using fare comparison tools track fluctuations and notify you when prices drop.
Most travellers don’t realise just how quickly prices can shift. It’s common to discover one price, check again two hours later and see a totally different number.
Tools such as price-drop alerts, flexible date calendars and route-inspiration engines can reveal opportunities you might otherwise miss. Many comparison sites now offer features that show the cheapest month or day to fly, which is particularly useful when planning a January or February escape. If you’re open to multiple options or are looking for a spontaneous deal, this can be a great way to secure budget-friendly flights.
Don’t overlook “mistake fares” and sales
Post-Christmas sales aren’t limited to retail. Airlines frequently release discounted seats immediately after the holiday rush, when demand dips and they aim to fill aircraft for the quieter weeks ahead. These promotions often last through January.
In addition, so-called “mistake fares,” which are heavily discounted tickets caused by technical or input errors, occasionally appear during this period, and if you have alerts set up, you could be among the first to grab them. They don’t last long, but they can offer extraordinary savings for those ready to book quickly.
If you spot a fare that looks unusually low, book it. Airlines will honour the vast majority of mistake fares, and even if they don’t, you’ll receive a refund, so there is minimal risk and the reward can be substantial.
Consider splitting your journey
Another expert tactic, particularly useful for long-haul festive trips, is using a split-ticket or multi-city strategy. Instead of searching for a single through-ticket to your destination, look for two separate legs.
For example, if flights from London to Southeast Asia are expensive in January, you might find a cheaper fare to a European hub such as Amsterdam, Madrid or Istanbul, then book a separate onward flight from there. Budget carriers operating between hubs often keep their prices stable.
The key is allowing enough time between flights to avoid stress, such as three to four hours, and the savings can be significant, sometimes reducing the total cost by 30–40%.
Travel light to avoid seasonal surcharges
Winter travel can be tricky because airlines know people tend to pack more, with coats, boots, gifts, and ski equipment all taking up significant space and weight allowance. As a result, baggage fees often increase or sell out quickly, especially on budget airlines. If you’re booking last-minute, luggage availability might be limited altogether.
Travelling with hand luggage only can save both money and stress if you’re going away for a short time. If that isn’t possible, be sure to pack strategically, wearing bulkier items (such as a winter coat and boots) during the flight and using compression bags. For those planning a January or February sun holiday, or a summer getaway, packing lighter is much easier and can reduce the total cost dramatically.
Take advantage of loyalty schemes strategically
Frequent flyer programs are designed to reward consistency, but even casual travellers can benefit. Points can sell out or fluctuate in value, meaning you might find better redemption rates in January and February, when airlines encourage bookings for quieter months.
If you’ve built up points, this can be the ideal time to use them. Additionally, if you’re short, some airlines run promotions offering bonus miles on purchases or transfers.
Nihan Çolak Erol, Co- Founder & COO of WEG, commented,
“Travelling doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By combining flexibility, smart search tools, alternative airports and clever timing, you can outmanoeuvre price surges and secure flights that fit your budget, ensuring a blissful, stress-free getaway.”
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