Airline Sales Explained: Best Airline Sales and What to Book When!
Some airlines throw random sales, while others stick to a more predictable(ish) schedule. The trick is figuring out which sales are the real deal and which ones are a bit... underwhelming. As an airfares speciaist with over 10 years of experience tracking flight prices, I've developed a real knack for spotting the real deals and steering clear of the sneaky ones! I used my superpower to recognise the real gems and seperate them from the rocks and the gravel.
What might look like a “super sale” at fist glance could actually be the highest price an airline thinks you’ll pay. That’s why it’s crucial to know what a fair price for your ticket actually looks like before you pull the trigger—especially during these so-called "sales" and that's where I can help.
In this post, we’re going to take a deep dive into when airlines (usually) run sales, so you’ll be all clued up to secure the best deal for your next holiday!
What Is an Airline Sale, Anyway?
Just because an airline shouts “SALE!” doesn’t mean you’re actually getting a bargain. You could land a great deal by sheer luck, or you could be getting a price that's just slightly better than usual.
Typically, when you hear “sale,” you imagine a flashy homepage with big discounts and limited-time offers, right? These can be a good opportunity to book—but they might not always be the best time, so always ask somebody in the know for advice. Flight prices fluctuate throughout the year based on demand, so while official sales can be great, sometimes the best deals pop up quietly when an airline notices that a route isn’t getting as much attention as they'd forecasted.
Your secret weapon for catching these hidden gems? Tracking prices regularly or letting me do the heavy lifting for you with deal alerts—so you never miss out on a true steal!
Do All Airlines Run Sales?
Every airline likes to claim they’re having a sale, but trust me...not all sales are created equal. Some airlines’ “sales” offer prices that are only a few pounds lower than normal, while others may have a sale but still be pricier than competitors for similar routes.
That’s where my expertise comes in. After ten (plus) years of tracking prices, I've broken down the good from the meh so you know (roughly) when to get your enquiries in.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have already released their (what used to be) Boxing Day sales, five days earlier than last year, and I'm going through the details and destinations *highlighting* the real deals as we speak. If you your travel preferences in the myTC app or email me for the link, I can send you deal alerts specific to where you're interested in travelling to next.
How My Ratings System Work
I have been tracking airfares for many years and the ratings system has changed and improved over time, the one constant is that all flights that I've been tracking start and return to the UK.
The Blue Diamonds are the real deals: These sales are worth of our attention. Mark your calendars—these are the big ones!
The Silver Nuggets are what I call the "You never knows": These sales can be hit or miss. Check them out, but make sure you know what a good price looks like before booking.
Last but not least, The Rocks are the ones that you shouldn't waste your time on: Forget about them. These airlines rarely offer decent sales, or when they do, the prices aren’t worth it (for one reason or another).
THE BLUE DIAMONDS: Airlines That Nail It!
BRITISH AIRWAYS
(Boxing Day to January, August, Black Friday)
Their sales are as reliable as Christmas itself. Long-haul flights to just about anywhere are often as cheap as they get. Short-haul fares can be just as sweet during these times too.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
(Boxing Day to January, August, Black Friday)
As a direct competitor to British Airways, Virgin have some exceptional deals. It's definitely worth checking both to score the best deal. Virgin stands out with its exclusive direct route to Havana from Gatwick, flights to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Shanghai. If you’re based in north, make sure to keep an eye on their non-stop flights from Manchester to Florida, New York, Barbados, and Jamaica!
AIR NEW ZEALAND
(Black Friday)
Air New Zealand may not have many sales, but their Black Friday deal is legendary. We're talking flights from London to Los Angeles for as low as £375 return! Not all routes get that level of discount, but it can certainly be worth waiting for.
ETIHAD
(Every 3-6 months) - Etihad doesn’t stick to a predictable schedule, but when they have a sale, it’s usually the best route to Australia (non-Chinese airlines). Keep an eye on their South East Asia and Abu Dhabi routes.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
(Black Friday, Boxing Day/Christmas, Spring, Summer) - A top-tier airline that occasionally drops fantastic prices during sales—especially for routes to Southeast Asia and Australia.
JAPAN AIRLINES (JAL)
(December-January, August, Black Friday) - JAL follows British Airways' lead, with sales timed similarly. For flights to Tokyo or Osaka, don’t miss their deals.
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What Do I (Really) Know About Airfares?
Let me take you back to 2009 when I made the leap into travel agent life! But before I was booking dream vacations, I spent time studying airfares and ticketing during the good old days when paper tickets were still a thing. Yep, you read that right – we actually learned how to write them by hand! (Just in case, you know, the need ever arose.) Fast forward a few years, and I found myself working for an AMEX franchise, arranging First and Business Class travel, and issuing flight tickets. Next stop: Flight Centre's second-busiest UK branch where I honed my skills in tailoring round-the-world itineraries, effectively building tickets from scratch to perfectly match each traveller’s adventurous ideas.
It's fair to say over the past 15+ years, I’ve gained a deep, hands-on understanding of how airfares are constructed – from the inside out. And today? I’ve broken things down to guide you through the intricate world of airfares in a straightforward way.
To check The Silver Nuggets, the "Never Knows" and the ones you can confidently miss, click Next post --> below for part two!
