Use this tried-and-tested trick to book your dream flights for less this Christmas
Booking flights for New Year’s Eve could significantly cut the cost of your trip when flying long-haul this year.
If you’re willing to fly on 31 December, you could save an average of 28% on long-haul airline fares, compared to flying on any other dates over the Christmas break, according to new research from travel search engine Kayak.
With many people in the UK joining New Year’s Eve celebrations, demand for flights is at a record low, meaning you can get a bargain on your dream trip if you’re willing to forego Auld Lang Syne and the fireworks.
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Thrifty travellers should avoid travelling on 20 December, which is not only the most crowded time to fly outside of Europe, but also the most expensive as people break up for Christmas.
When we looked on Skyscanner, we found plenty of attractively cheap fares on long-haul flights for New Year’s Eve 2024.
All of the below flights were direct economy class bookings with an airline via Skyscanner.
Which flight booking website has the cheapest fares? We compared prices to find out.
Las Vegas return flights for £433
When we checked, a non-stop return flight with hand luggage only on 31 December (returning on 7 January) with Norse Airlines came to £433 - and you’ll still arrive in time to make the most of local festivities on New Year’s Eve. Average airfares to Las Vegas were £709, when we checked last year, so this price is an absolute bargain.
It’s also £560 cheaper than flying out on 28 December.
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Melbourne return flights for £779
To get the absolute cheapest fares, when flying out on 31 December, you’ll need to stay for two weeks. Return flights in the first week of January, for most destinations, are higher than normal, as Brits return to school and work but the week after prices drop - often considerably so.
Take flights to Melbourne, Australia. Fly out on 31 December, returning in the first week of January, and prices are typically around £12,500 - but a week later the price is almost halved.
When we checked, a return flight to Melbourne flying out 31 December and returning on 12 January was as low as £779. That’s also more than £200 cheaper than the average cost of a Melbourne flight
When is the quietest day to travel?
Although New Year’s Eve is the cheapest date to travel over the Christmas period, it’s also the quietest day to travel from outside Europe. If you’re travelling inside Europe, avoid 21 December – the busiest day for travel between European countries.
When is the cheapest day to travel to the UK from abroad?
If you’re planning to visit the UK from outside Europe, and don’t mind arriving just after Christmas, Boxing Day (26 December) has been shown to be one of the cheapest dates for flying into the UK.
When should I book Christmas 2024 flights?
Now. This close to Christmas, flight prices for almost every destination are only going to increase, so book your trip as soon as possible to get the cheapest fare.
