Black Friday is no longer just a day for snagging discounts on electronics and home good-it's become one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year for those planning international travel. For UK travellers looking to jet off to destinations like the USA or other location, or wishing to explore business class options at a fraction of the regular price, Black Friday flight deals are a golden opportunity. But to make the most of these limited-time offers, it’s important to understand how to navigate the deals, what to look out for, and how to secure the best discounts. If you’re considering booking a flight or upgrading your journey to business class, this guide will ensure you're prepared for the Black Friday flight deals of the year.
Why Black Friday is the Best Time for UK Travellers to Book Flights
Black Friday is synonymous with massive savings, and when it comes to travel, the deals are no exception. Airlines around the world, including those offering flights from the UK to the USA or other destination, take part in Black Friday sales to entice customers with discounted prices on both economy and business class tickets.
The reason for such deep discounts lies in the airlines’ efforts to boost sales during a traditionally slower period for travel booking. After the summer holiday rush and before the holiday season kicks off in December, airlines need to fill empty seats. As a result, Black Friday offers are often some of the best flight deals you’ll find all year.
When Do Black Friday Flight Deals Begin?
In the UK, Black Friday falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, which is the fourth Thursday in November. While the official day for Black Friday is Friday, many airlines and travel agencies extend their offers over the entire weekend, and even into Cyber Monday, which falls on the Monday after Black Friday. This extended period of savings allows savvy travellers extra time to browse, compare deals, and make the most informed decision.
It’s important to note that airlines often tease their discounts in the days leading up to Black Friday. You may see early promotions popping up as soon as the start of the week, and these early bird deals can sometimes provide significant savings, especially for popular destinations like the USA. However, Black Friday itself often brings the biggest, most competitive offers.
What Types of Flights Can You Expect to Find on Sale?
Whether you’re looking for a cheap flight or dreaming of a more luxurious experience with a cheap business class flight, Black Friday deals are worth exploring for all kinds of travellers.
Here’s a breakdown of the flight categories you can expect to find discounts on:
Cheap Flights on Popular Routes
UK travellers often look for cheap flights to the USA or other well-travelled international destinations, and Black Friday is the perfect time to grab such deals. Airlines like British Airways, American Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic regularly feature their most popular routes during the Black Friday weekend, including transatlantic flights to major US cities. Whether it’s a spontaneous trip or part of a well-planned vacation, Black Friday can help you secure cheaper flights for destinations you love.
Cheap Business Class Flights
For those who prefer the luxury and comfort of business class but don't want to pay full price, Black Friday brings enticing opportunities to secure cheap business class flights. If you're flying long-haul to the USA or another exotic destination, upgrading to business class during Black Friday can help you enjoy all the perks—extra legroom, priority boarding, premium food, and access to airport lounges—without paying a premium.
These cheap business class flights often come with restrictions, such as limited dates or non-refundable tickets, but if you're flexible with your travel plans, they can offer exceptional value. Keep an eye on Black Friday promotions from high-end airlines that may bundle deals with additional services, making it even easier to enjoy a luxury flying experience at an affordable price.
Top Airlines to Look for During Black Friday Sales
UK travellers planning to take to the skies should pay attention to the following airlines this Black Friday.
- British Airways: As the UK's flagship airline, British Airways frequently offers attractive Black Friday discounts on both economy and premium cabin flights. If you're looking to travel to the USA or other major international destinations, British Airways’ Black Friday sales are often among the best for long-haul flights. Keep an eye out for offers on both direct flights and connecting routes.
- Virgin Atlantic: Virgin Atlantic is known for its exceptional service and often provides fantastic Black Friday discounts, especially for business class seats. If you're aiming for a more comfortable flight to the Caribbean or USA, Virgin’s deals could make luxury travel much more affordable.
- American Airlines: For those flying transatlantic to the USA, American Airlines regularly participates in Black Friday sales, offering discounted flights from the UK to major American cities. Whether you’re flying economy or upgrading to premium cabins, American Airlines offers excellent Black Friday discounts.
- EasyJet: For shorter, European getaways, EasyJet provides a fantastic opportunity to grab cheap flights. Their Black Friday sales are perfect for budget-conscious travellers looking to explore popular European destinations at a fraction of the regular cost.
Tips for Getting the Best Black Friday Deals
Black Friday is one of the best times to secure incredible deals on flights, vacations, and travel-related services. However, with so many promotions and discounts flooding the market, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and miss out on genuine savings. To make sure you’re getting the best value for your money, here are some practical tips to help you score the best Black Friday deals without falling into common traps.
1. Be Aware of Hidden Fees
One of the most important things to remember when booking travel deals during Black Friday is to look beyond the initial price. Many deals may appear cheaper at first glance, but hidden fees can quickly inflate the overall cost. Be sure to review the fine print to check for additional charges like baggage fees, seat selection fees, or booking service fees that could push the total cost much higher than expected.
For example, low-cost airlines may offer seemingly unbeatable prices, but their cheap base fares often don’t include important items like checked luggage or meals. A flight that initially looks like a great deal might end up being significantly more expensive once you factor in these hidden costs. Always calculate the full price before making your final booking decision.
2. Price Comparison
It can be tempting to settle for the first Black Friday deal you find, but it’s essential to compare prices across multiple platforms. Flight prices and travel offers can vary significantly depending on the website or agency you're booking through. Use comparison websites like SkyJet Air Travel, Skyscanner, or Google Flights to easily compare different airlines and agencies offering similar routes. This will help you ensure you're getting the best possible deal.
Additionally, don’t forget to compare both direct and connecting flights, as well as different departure times or dates. Sometimes a small adjustment in your travel schedule can result in substantial savings. Comparing different routes, airlines, and services will give you a clearer picture of what’s truly the best deal.
3. Flexibility in Bookings
Life happens, and sometimes travel plans need to change. This is why understanding the booking flexibility of a Black Friday deal is crucial. Look for flights and packages that offer some level of flexibility, such as the ability to change dates or receive a refund if plans fall through. Many low-cost airlines and budget-friendly travel packages come with restrictive policies that limit changes or refunds, which could be costly if unforeseen circumstances arise.
Check whether the airline or travel provider allows you to change your booking without hefty penalties or if they offer travel insurance options. Having some level of flexibility will give you peace of mind and protect you from losing money if your travel plans need to be adjusted.
4. Analyze the Total Trip Cost
When looking for a Black Friday deal, it’s easy to focus solely on the price of your flight. However, it’s essential to consider the overall cost of your entire trip. A cheap flight might seem appealing, but factors such as travel time, accommodation costs, and airport transfers can add up and make the trip less affordable overall.
For instance, if you book a flight to a distant airport and have to pay high taxi fares or public transport fees to get to your final destination, your savings might be wiped out. Consider the full picture: the cost of getting to and from airports, hotel accommodations, meals, and activities. Sometimes, a slightly higher airfare may save you money on these additional costs.
5. Take a look at the airline's credibility
While booking a bargain deal is tempting, always factor in the reputation of the airline or travel provider you’re considering. A cheaper flight from an airline with a poor reputation for customer service, punctuality, or comfort might not be worth the savings. Negative reviews or poor ratings could indicate issues with hidden charges, delayed flights, or a lack of support if something goes wrong.
Before booking, research the airline’s reputation, especially when it comes to important factors like reliability and customer support. Websites like Trust pilot and Airline Ratings provide detailed reviews and ratings of airlines, which can give you a better idea of what to expect. Even during Black Friday, a genuine deal isn’t worth it if you end up facing frustration or inconvenience during your trip.
Conclusion
Black Friday flight deals are one of the best ways for UK travellers to secure significant savings on flights, whether you're flying economy class or indulging in a cheap business class flight. With a bit of preparation and smart decision-making, you can find unbeatable discounts on both long-haul and short-haul flights, ensuring that your next adventure is within reach. Make sure to plan ahead, keep an eye out for early deals, and book quickly to take full advantage of these time-sensitive offers. Happy travelling!