Airline sales: how to catch discounts and avoid the traps

Airline sales are one of the most reliable ways to pay less for a flight. But promotions are short, seats are limited and "up to 50% off" does not always mean a real saving. Here is how sales work and how not to miss the good ones.

What kinds of sales there are

• Airline sales. The carrier announces a promotion for a few days with a discount on certain fares and travel dates.
• Promo codes. A fixed percentage off with a code, for certain fares and a sales period. Some promotions have restrictions: for example, a code may not combine with child discounts.
• Hot and mistake fares. Low prices on unsold seats or errors in fares, which sell out within hours.
• Seasonal promotions before high season: "early" prices for summer, holidays and winter breaks.

Where to look

1. Airline websites and newsletters. Subscribe to notifications from the carriers you fly most often.
2. Ticket aggregators. In the HotTrip flight search and on Aviasales you can see when a price falls below the usual level.
3. The HotTrip hot deals feed on the main page.
4. News. Sales often make the news, which is one way to hear about them sooner.

How to prepare in 5 minutes

1. Decide on the destination and dates, and choose several backup options.
2. Learn the "normal" price of the route from the calendar: that shows what counts as a discount.
3. Prepare your details: passport, dates of birth and a card. Check the expiry date of your passport.
4. Register in advance on the airline's website: it saves minutes.
5. Check the fare terms: baggage, refund and change: no-baggage fares.

How to check that a discount is real

• Compare the price with the cost of the same dates on other days and with other carriers.
• Remember: "up to 50%" is the maximum, not the average discount.
• Count the total: ticket plus baggage plus seat selection.
• Read the restrictions: whether holiday dates are excluded, whether fares are non-refundable and how a ticket can be changed.
• Do not buy what you did not plan: a discount on an unneeded ticket is not a saving.

Mistakes that cost money

• Rushing without checking your details. A mistake in a name or a date of birth may require a paid correction.
• A non-refundable fare without a clear plan. If your plans change, the money can be lost. Arrange insurance with trip cancellation cover: travel insurance for trips abroad.
• A no-baggage fare when you need a suitcase: paying at the airport costs more: checked baggage rules.
• A risky connection on separate tickets: flights with a layover.

When it is better not to wait for a sale

If your dates are fixed (holidays, a wedding, a vacation), the price is acceptable and the ticket is refundable, buy straight away. Waiting for a promotion suits flexible trips better. More on choosing the moment to buy: when to book cheap flights.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I look for airline sales?

On airline websites and in newsletters, in the low-fare calendar and the hot deals feed of aggregators, and in news about promotions.

How quickly do sale tickets run out?

Often within hours or a few days. The number of seats at reduced fares is limited, so it is better to prepare your details and date options in advance.

Can I get a refund on a ticket bought in a sale?

It depends on the fare. Promotional fares often have limits on refunds and changes, so read the terms before paying.

Should I wait for a sale or buy right away?

If your dates are flexible, you can wait for a promotion and watch the price calendar. If the dates are fixed and the price suits you, it is better to buy at once.

What is a promo code for airline tickets?

It is a code that gives a discount on certain fares or dates. The promotion terms say which fares it applies to and until when.

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