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[Mr Skrunts]

I saw on social media a link to something that travel agents use to book flights — some kind of dedicated system with fixed or discounted prices — but I can’t find the information again.

I already use the usual Google Flights, Skyscanner, etc., but I get different prices every time I recheck. The way the algorithms work and adjust pricing feels very manipulative and profit-driven.

Basically, I’m looking to see if anyone can offer advice on how to source better-priced flights.

I’m aware that airlines sometimes drop prices on Tuesdays, and that booking in advance is usually cheaper as they try to fill seats ASAP.

Our problem is that we often need flights at short notice and can’t always predict when we’ll need to travel.

[Doctor Gollum]

Since TCV all bets are off.

Price is dictated by demand and the price you see is no different. Before you actually book, clear your cookie cache.

easyJet and BA often sell blocks of tickets to your operators. TUI and Jet 2 don't, but do operate whole aircraft charters on top of their own package flights.

If you're flying to somewhere where there's a cruise terminal, check the port itinery. Departure days drive up air fares... Supply and demand...

If you fly to somewhere where there's only one flight a day or less, again demand is relatively high.

Just because you book a flight through one airline, you may not actually be on one of their flights.

Importantly if you book via a third party, they are the airline customer not you. This is important.

[TheBoy]

I note flights seem quite expensive this year, for the usual holiday destinations.  Pretty much anything for the Greek islands seems to be around £450 return, by the time cabin bags are on.

I half heartedly considered booking a package, and just not bothering turning up at their accommodation, as that seems to work out about the same, lol.

[Viral_Jim]

I note flights seem quite expensive this year, for the usual holiday destinations.  Pretty much anything for the Greek islands seems to be around £450 return, by the time cabin bags are on.

I half heartedly considered booking a package, and just not bothering turning up at their accommodation, as that seems to work out about the same, lol.

The two points you make are linked.

Part of the business I work for is travel agent/package tour ops so we get reasonable market insight on the supply side. The big package operators have booked a lot of capacity for 2026 - betting on pent up demand for holidays ppl didn't take in '25 (and a bit in '24), due to our government's budget sh!tshows and wokists not wanting to travel to Trumpland.

This is why you're seeing a lot of 'secure your booking for only £x pp' offers at the moment as operators need to get bums on seats and cover the deposits they've shelled out to airlines and accommodation owners.

This has made schedule seats more expensive than normal as availability is already down. If you're planning to travel the smart move is to book a package with as low a deposit as you can as current deals are fairly good, but you may find that they get a lot better around May/June if demand doesn't materialise and the big operators start sh!tting bricks. Assuming you *want* a package ofc, which you may not. 

[LC0112G]

Airlines are in buisness to make the most money for their shareholders, not to provide the cheapest fares to their passengers.

For long haul, the pattern seems to be announce a (quite high) standard price a year before departure. Then there are various 'sales' throughout the year where things are discounted - Black Friday, Boxing Day, Goor Friday etc. With about a month to go before the flights they review bookings, and start discounting seats on flights with poor sales.

Last year I wanted flights to the US. They were about £2K 3 months before, but with a month to go they had dropped to less then £1K. Basically, I decide on a price I'm happy with, and if/when the flights drop to that level book it. More often than not its 2-4 weeks before departure. Weekends are often more expensive than weekdays in economy, but in PE, Buisness and First that's not always the case.

I'm being bombarded with EJ and Ryanair sales offers at the moment!

[Viral_Jim]

I'm being bombarded with EJ and Ryanair sales offers at the moment!

I used to have a client that meant I had to fly to Ireland (Shannon maybe?) about 10-15 times a year on Ryanair as they were the only option. Since then I have concluded that they don't fly anywhere where I wouldn't rather walk/swim/drag myself using only my lips.     

[TheBoy]

We tend to stay in villas, and not many do packages now.

It also means booking flights late can be a risk, as 12 weeks before departure you tend to have to pay in full for villa.


Not a fan of hotels, particularly as she likes to get up early and sit by the pool until I get up (and I'm like a teenager on holiday )