That's La Plagne
Ski Holidays: Don't Overlook Booking Your Flights
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5 Top Tips for Booking Ski Holiday Flights
When it comes to planning a ski holiday, one of the most critical aspects that should not be overlooked is booking your flights. For travellers seeking both winter and summer ski adventures in Europe, finding the best flight deals can significantly impact the overall trip cost and experience. Flight expenses often make up a substantial part of the vacation budget, so it's essential to be savvy when searching for the perfect ski holiday flights. In this guide, I'll share my top five tips to help you navigate the process and secure the best deals for your next ski getaway.
1) Start Early and Be Flexible with Dates
One of the top tips for booking ski holiday flights is to start early and be flexible with your travel dates. By starting your search early, you'll have a better chance of finding the best deals and availability. Ski destinations are of course more expensive on the most popular, peak weeks i.e., the childrens holidays. So being flexible with your travel dates can help you secure better flight options.
Consider travelling on weekdays or during off-peak seasons to find cheaper flights. Whilst most package ski holidays will only offer Saturday – Saturday or Sunday – Sunday ski holidays, it’s working looking on sites like booking.com for other accommodation options that are flexible on dates. You have more chance of accommodations flexible on dates out of peak season and especially towards the end of the ski season, March and April for the European ski season.
Find out more about the best and cheapest weeks to ski in this complete guide.
Additionally, being flexible with your departure and arrival airports can also open up more flight options and potentially save you money.
2) Use Flight Comparison Websites
One of the best ways to kickstart your search for the perfect ski holiday flights is by using flight comparison websites. Some popular flight comparison websites include Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights. My personal favourite is Skyscanner as it pulls information from all airlines fro mthe international to the small and regional flight services. These platforms aggregate flight information from various airlines and travel agencies, allowing you to compare prices and find the most budget-friendly options. You can easily enter your departure city and ski destination, along with your preferred travel dates, to discover a range of flight choices.
JEN'S TOP TIP: Skyscanner also enables you to set up fare alerts, so you'll be notified when prices drop, ensuring you grab the best deal for your ski adventure. However, flight prices often drop by only €50 on average, and this might be on flights for different dates or anti-social times. So weigh up whether you want to take the gamble on a cheaper ski flight, but higher inconvenience.
3) Check Routes to Other Regional Airports
When planning your ski holiday, it's essential to consider not only the destination but also the airports that serve the area. Some airports may have more direct flights to popular ski destinations, while others may offer cheaper fares. For popular ski regions in Europe, such as the French Alps, the Swiss Alps, and the Italian Dolomites, there are several regional airports that might be closer to your chosen ski resort than the main international airports.
Geneva, Grenoble, Lyon, and Chambery are popular airports for accessing ski resorts in the French Alps. Geneva airport is by far the most popular, followed by Grenoble airport, then Lyon and CHambery.
Checking flight options to these regional airports can sometimes yield more competitive fares and even more direct routes to your snowy paradise. However, the regional airports do also have some downsides, such as less frequent transfers from the airports to the ski resorts; longer queues and wait times through airport security and also are often more affected by bad weather delays.
Don't limit yourself to just one airport or airline – explore all your options to ensure you get the best deal and the most convenient travel experience for your ski holiday. You can find out more about the best airports for your French Alps ski holidays in this full article.
4) Check the Airline Site Directly for Special Deals
When booking your ski holiday flights, be sure to keep an eye out for deals and discounts. Many airlines and travel websites offer special promotions and sales throughout the year, so it's worth checking regularly to see if there are any discounted fares available for your desired travel dates. Additionally, signing up for airline newsletters and following them on social media can also give you access to exclusive deals and discounts. Don't be afraid to shop around and compare prices from different airlines and travel websites to ensure you're getting the best possible deal for your ski holiday flights.
While flight comparison sites, like Skyscanner, are great for an initial overview of available flights, it's wise to double-check with the airlines directly. Many airlines offer exclusive deals and promotions on their websites that may not be visible on third-party platforms. By visiting the airline's official website, you can uncover special offers, discounts, and loyalty program benefits that can make a significant difference in your overall ski holiday expenses.
5) Monitor Flight Prices and Leverage the 24-Hour Cancellation Policy
After booking your ski holiday flights, your journey to find the best deals isn't necessarily over. Airlines often have a 24-hour cancellation policy, which means you can check back within 24 hours of booking to see if prices have dropped elsewhere. I’ll often set an alarm for 23 hours after booking.
If you find a better deal or a price reduction, you can cancel your original booking without incurring any fees and rebook at the lower rate. However, do keep in mind that this policy varies depending on the airline, so always review their terms and conditions before taking advantage of this opportunity.
That’s La Plagne and how to find the cheapest flights for your ski holiday
Finding the best ski holiday flights is an essential part of planning a stressfree family ski holiday. By using comparison sites like Skyscanner, remaining flexible on your travel dates, exploring routes to regional airports, checking airline websites for exclusive deals, and monitoring prices even after booking, you can maximise your savings and secure the perfect flights for your ski adventure.
Remember, a little research and flexibility can go a long way in turning your ski holiday dreams into a reality without breaking the bank. So, buckle up, and get ready to hit the powder in style!
See you on the slopes!
