Five simple hacks for booking cheap flights from Liverpool

Looking for a summer escape that won't break the bank? As reported by Bristol Live, while the UK is gearing up for a hot summer, a quick jaunt overseas could be just the ticket.

But if you're not an experienced flight booker, it can be intimidating trying to work out how to secure the best deal. It's not an exact science, but we're here to sift through the online noise and share some useful tips to help cut down those holiday costs.

Whether it's knowing when to book or using the right platform, these pointers could save you a tidy sum on your travel expenses.

READ MORE: Martin Lewis issues 12-hour Easyjet cheap flights warning that could save you £100s

1. Leverage technology

The correct app or website can make all the difference in bagging cheap flights. For example, the Google Flights Explore map displays the cheapest destinations from your airport for your selected dates or date range.

Other top choices for securing the best travel deals include big names like Expedia, Skyscanner, and Cheapflights, as well as KAYAK, Booking.com, First Choice, Hopper, and Momondo.

2. Avoid peak travel times

Peak travel times differ from country to country. Generally, flying to Europe during the summer months (June, July and August) is more expensive than in autumn or winter, according to Conde Nast Traveller.

On the other hand, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand are favoured destinations during the chillier season. The trick is to aim for the offseason where possible for cheaper flights and less crowded bars.

3. Be flexible

When it comes to planning holidays, a bit of flexibility can go a long way in saving money. Travel experts suggest that adjusting your flight dates or choosing an alternative airport could significantly reduce costs.

If you're up for an adventure, why not let the destination choose you?

For those with fixed dates, Skyscanner's "explore everywhere" feature is a goldmine for bargain hunters, allowing you to search for the best deals over your chosen dates.

Another top tip is to consider "secondary and tertiary cities". With the rise of budget airlines in Europe, these lesser-known destinations are becoming more accessible.

For example, you might consider flying into Porto instead of Lisbon when travelling to Portugal.

4. Look for seats solo

Here's another clever tip from the travel experts at Conde Nast Traveller: when booking flights, do it solo. Their research shows that due to outdated airline pricing systems, searching for multiple seats often results in missing out on cheaper individual seats.

So, find that single bargain seat and multiply the savings for your group. If you're confused by the process, don't worry - airline customer service or a quick call to your travel agent can sort it out quickly.

5. It's all about timing

And remember, timing is everything.

Securing the ideal holiday bargain isn't as straightforward as getting discounted groceries, but there are some trends worth considering. A 2024 report from Expedia suggests that airfares are usually cheapest on Sundays and most expensive on Fridays, although this isn't a strict rule.

Data from Google Flights indicates that for mid-December trips, waiting until approximately 71 days before departure could result in savings, with prices typically at their lowest based on recent trends. For those planning winter escapes, remember that airlines generally release tickets six to 11 months in advance, so starting your search early can be beneficial.

Typically, once you're within three weeks of your flight, finding bargain prices becomes more challenging. If you're within 21 days of your trip and haven't found a deal, it's likely time to book.

This is due to airline fare systems which often assume last-minute bookings are for business travel and price them higher.

Do you have any tips that we've missed? Let us know in the comments below