MoneySavingExpert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has revealed a smart tip for holidaymakers looking to save money on flights. The trick involves booking a package holiday that includes a hotel, but only using the flight portion.
How the Hack Works
MSE explained that scheduled flights to some destinations, such as Orlando and Sri Lanka, can be extremely expensive, yet package holidays to the same places can be much cheaper. By booking a package deal and not staying at the included hotel, travellers can effectively get a discounted flight.
Martin Lewis himself has used this trick successfully, helping a friend book a holiday to Sri Lanka for £300 when the cheapest scheduled flight was over £1,000.
Example Savings
In a blog post, MSE provided an example: flights for a seven-day trip to Florida cost £689 per person, but a package holiday for the same dates was just £662 per person. While it doesn't always work, it's worth trying.
Additional Tips for Cheap Flights
MSE also recommends comparing prices on platforms like Skyscanner. Searching on different days of the week can help secure competitive rates. Historically, some airlines release deals late on Mondays, leading to lower fares early in the week, with prices rising as demand increases.
Booking close to the departure date can also yield savings on quieter routes or off-peak days, but on popular routes, fares tend to increase as the flight fills up. Flexibility with travel dates and times, avoiding peak days like Fridays and Sundays, and using price alerts can improve chances of finding a last-minute deal.
