That's La Plagne
Finding Cheap Ski Holiday Flights: A Guide to Using Skyscanner Like a Pro
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Ski holidays are exciting adventures that promise fun, breathtaking landscapes, and exhilarating slopes. Trust me, as someone who came to La Plagne to work just one ski season – 20 years ago! – I know how addictive the lifestyle is! However, the joy of planning such trips often comes with the realisation of high costs, especially when you're tied to travelling in peak weeks. Or, let's say you're now navigating the logistics for a family of four instead of just a couple. The price tag on flights alone can make you rethink your holiday plans.
In this article, I'm going to share with you one of the best tools I use every time I travel or recommend flights to clients and friends. It has become a foolproof way of finding cheap ski holiday flights every single time.
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Why Use Skyscanner?
Skyscanner stands out in the crowded space of travel booking sites for a few good reasons. It's not just another website to check off your list while you hunt for deals; it's often the only site you need. While I always check other sites, like Google flights, and directly with the airlines, I’ve yet to find that the prices are lower elsewhere.
With its comprehensive search across airlines and travel agencies, Skyscanner offers a bird's-eye view of the best flight prices available. What's more, it allows you to compare prices across different dates and destinations, ensuring you find the best deal possible. The ability to set price alerts means you're always informed when prices drop, so you can book at just the right moment. For those of us looking to hit the slopes without splurging on airfare, these features are game-changers.
The best thing Skyscanner did for me was to stop me from heading straight to EasyJet, assuming this would be the cheapest option. A lot of the time, it is. However, I’ve had several experiences now when Jet2 or Air France have better options, especially when factoring in ski luggage and flying with children.
How to Use Skyscanner Effectively
Maximising Skyscanner's potential requires more than a cursory glance at the homepage. Here’s how to dive deeper and make the platform work for you, ensuring you find the best deals for your ski holiday flights:
- Setting Up Alerts
Skyscanner’s price alert feature is like keeping a vigilant eye on your wallet. Once you set an alert for your desired route, Skyscanner will monitor prices around the clock and email you if they drop. This means you can book exactly when prices are lowest without having to check back daily.
- Flexible Dates Feature
Utilizing the flexible dates feature can lead to unexpected savings. Airfare can vary significantly from day to day; by being flexible, you can capture the best deal. Skyscanner’s calendar view shows you the cheapest days to fly at a glance, making it easier to decide when to travel.
- Explore Tool
For the truly adventurous or those just looking for the best bang for their buck, the Explore tool is a dream come true. Input your budget, time frame, and departure airport, and Skyscanner will show you all the places you can go within your parameters. It's a great way to find unexpected destinations at unbeatable prices. As much as I want you to come skiing in La Plagne, you might find some unbeatable flights to Verbier or St Anton – go for it!
- Considering Multiple Airports
Especially relevant for ski destinations, considering multiple arrival airports can significantly reduce your airfare. For example, when heading to La Plagne, checking flights to Grenoble, Geneva, and Lyon could unveil cheaper options.
However, the savings only count if you can get from the airport to your resort easily and affordably. Always check the availability and cost of transfers or car hires before booking. This approach ensures you won’t be left stranded or unexpectedly out of pocket upon arrival.
Real-Life Success Stories
Most recently, my sister came to visit us in La Plagne, and her journey was a testament to the power of Skyscanner. Initially eyeing flights with EasyJet, a quick search revealed cheaper options with British Airways – not to mention a better luggage allowance, which is crucial for bringing ski gear. This shift not only saved her money but also made her travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. In the past, neither she nor I would have considered looking at airlines like British Airways or Air France, always assuming they would be much more expensive than so-called ‘budget airlines’.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When booking your ski holiday, steering clear of these common pitfalls can save you both money and stress. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Ignoring Transfer Logistics
- Error: Booking the cheapest flight without considering how you'll get from the airport to the ski resort.
- Solution: Always confirm the availability and price of transfers or car rental options before securing your flight.
- Forgetting About Luggage Allowances
- Error: Overlooking airline luggage policies, especially for bulky items like ski equipment, leading to extra fees at the airport.
- Solution: Check and compare airline luggage allowances and fees when booking your flights to ensure your gear can be brought along affordably. You can find the most recent luggage allowance guidelines for the common Ski holiday airlines here:
- Last-Minute Booking
- Error: Waiting too long to book in the hope of last-minute deals, often resulting in higher prices or limited options.
- Solution: Plan and book as early as possible, especially for travel during peak ski season, to secure the best prices and availability.
Avoiding these common mistakes can make a big difference in your travel planning, helping you to enjoy a smoother and more budget-friendly ski holiday.
That's La Plagne & How to Use Skyscanner to find the best ski holiday flights
Living in La Plagne and helping friends, family, and clients plan their ski holidays has taught me the importance of smart, budget-conscious travel planning. Skyscanner has been an indispensable tool in that process, making it possible to find cheap ski holiday flights without endless searching. Remember, the key to a successful ski holiday starts with getting there without breaking the bank.
In the quest for cheap ski holiday flights, Skyscanner emerges as a crucial ally. Its comprehensive search capabilities, combined with alert systems and flexibility, offer travellers the best chance to score affordable airfare. By avoiding common booking mistakes and utilising Skyscanner's full suite of features, you can ensure that your next ski holiday starts off on the right foot. Share your own success stories or tips in the comments below – let's help each other make the most of our ski adventures.
See you on the slopes!
