Family Holiday Money-Saving Tips: Flights

Flights are often the single most expensive part of a family holiday, and with four or more tickets to buy, small savings per seat quickly add up. A little extra research and flexibility can make a real difference to the final bill.

Look beyond your nearest airport

It's tempting to always fly from the airport closest to home, but it's worth comparing others within reach. Fares can be noticeably cheaper elsewhere, even after adding the cost of getting there and parking. Do the sums properly, though: a long drive or an extra night in a hotel can cancel out the saving, and a tired family at the start of a holiday has a cost of its own.

Consider a different arrival airport

The same goes for the other end. Flying into a different airport in the same region, then driving or taking a train, can be cheaper, and sometimes adds an extra stop to the holiday. Check transfer times and costs at your destination before deciding, and think about how your children cope with a long onward journey after a flight.

Weigh up indirect flights

With children, a direct flight usually feels like the obvious choice. For long-haul trips, though, a connecting flight can be considerably cheaper, and a break in the middle of a very long journey can actually help restless children. Choose connections carefully: allow enough time to change planes with children, avoid tight connections on separate tickets, and check whether your bags are checked through to your final destination.

Be flexible with dates

• Travelling outside school holidays is the biggest saving of all, if that works for your family. See our guide to timing your family holiday.
• Midweek departures are often cheaper than Saturdays and Sundays. A Wednesday-to-Wednesday trip can cost less than Saturday to Saturday.
• Use month-view or flexible-date searches to see the cheapest days at a glance.
• If your accommodation has fixed changeover days, compare the cost of flying a day earlier and adding a night somewhere else.

Shop around for the same seats

The same flight can be sold at different prices depending on where you buy it. Use flight comparison sites to see the options, including nearby airports and "search anywhere" features if your destination is flexible, then check the airline's own website too. Set price alerts for your route, as fares move up and down, and avoid booking on impulse after a single search.

Consider a package

Booking flights and a hotel together can work out cheaper than buying them separately, especially for a traditional beach holiday. Flight-inclusive packages from UK companies are generally ATOL protected, so you're covered if the company goes out of business. Check for the ATOL certificate when you book.

Keep extras under control

• Seats. Check your airline's policy on seating children with an adult. Many airlines aim to seat young children next to a parent, but paying to choose seats may be the only guarantee.
• Luggage. Check current baggage allowances for adults, children and infants, as they vary between airlines and fare types. Packing light and sharing cases can avoid extra charges.
• Entertainment. Buy colouring books, sticker books and small toys before you go rather than at airport prices.
• Food and drink. Pack snacks for the flight. Check your departure airport's current rules on liquids, then buy drinks after security, where they are usually cheaper than on board.

Many families still set aside a little spending money for the airport, as choosing a small treat at the gate is a good way to pass time before boarding.

In summary

Compare airports at both ends, consider indirect routes for long-haul trips, be flexible with dates, compare sellers and look at the full price including extras. Then turn to the next part of the trip with our money-saving tips on family holiday accommodation.