SCHOOL holidays, whether during half term or over the summer months, can mean huge hikes in the prices of flights.
But there is an easy way you can “trick” the system and book the same flights for a fraction of the price thanks to easyJet’s Flexi fare.
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EasyJet’s Flexi fares are targeted at business travellers and usually cost at least double of the standard fare.
It gives you extras such as checked luggage, an extra cabin bag and the ability to pick your seats.
You also get fast track through security at some airports, Speedy Boarding and a Flexi Bistro voucher worth up to £7.50 to spend on food and drink on flights.
But they’re perfect for families with school-age kids as well thanks to one crucial feature – you can change the date of travel for free.
EasyJet will let you move your date of travel within a certain time range – up to one week before or three weeks after your original departure date – with no extra fees.
Savvy travellers revealed how they used the feature to book cheaper flights before school holidays started, before switching to a peak-travel date, saving themselves hundreds of pounds in the process.
One of these is Steve Nowottny, who wrote about his experience for MoneySavingExpert.
Steve said he was originally quoted £836.64 for a family of three, but by using the Flexi fare trick, he managed to save over £400, paying just £405.64 instead.
However, as easyJet doesn’t let you change your travel dates for 24 hours after booking, Steve advised you to check before you book to make sure the flight you want to get has enough availability.
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And as Flexi fares will fluctuate in price in the same way that the standard tickets will change, it’s worth looking around to check whether it will actually give you the best deal.
When Sun Online Travel checked, using London Gatwick to Paris as an example, there were Flexi fares departing on February 8 (Saturday) for £96.99, compared to the standard fare of £28.99.
But fast forward to February 15 (Saturday), just ahead of half term, and the standard fare has soared to £102.99 for the same morning flight, while the Flexi fare is now £153.99 – so a nice little saving.
SCHOOLED Beat the school holiday price hikes with these money-saving tips
Although if you don’t mind missing half a day, and don’t care about the extras, the afternoon flight is just £56.99, which could work out to be a much better deal.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that Flexi fares are only released 120 days before travel, so you might still find it cheaper to book as soon as tickets are released.
Sun Online Travel previously revealed some Ryanair hacks for getting the cheapest flights.
We also explain how to find cheap flights using apps, price alerts and mistake fares.
You should always book your flights separately to save.
