Want to book a holiday during Christmas? How to make sure you're protected and get the cheapest flights

Travel experts at FlightsFinder.com have revealed seven ways to save money on flights, including the exact day and time to book flights.

The demand for travel since the Covid pandemic has led to a sharp increase in ticket prices around the world.

Between April and May 2023 alone, airfares rose by 20 percent, with European flights among the highest.

Major British airlines have already warned of sharper airfare increases amid rising fuel prices and a post-pandemic recovery.

Fortunately, while shopping for flights online, the following tips can significantly reduce prices, such as browsing in incognito mode and booking at midnight.

FlightsFinder founder Shahab Siddiqui said: 'Even so-called budget airlines raise their prices, and when combined with the cost of extra add-ons such as luggage, booking a holiday can be excruciatingly expensive.'

Here are FlightFinder's seven tips for saving money on air travel.

1. Go incognito

If shoppers regularly eye certain tickets, airlines can increase prices because they know there is demand.

So while it doesn't always make a difference, searching in incognito or private mode in your web browser can reduce prices for flights due to algorithms and cookie systems.

2. Use a VPN

This one is only for the tech-savvy, but downloading a VPN unlocks lower airline prices.

VPNs, or virtual private networks, are software that work by routing web information through secure digital tunnels.

Some VPNs hide where you are in the world. That helps when booking flights, because companies use location data and other browsing habits to change prices on the screen.

This means that those searching from a wealthier country will get higher prices.

3. Compare airline prices

It's not always just the budget airlines that offer the best prices, so shop around to see which deals suit you best.

It may also be worth considering a connecting flight, which can save hundreds of euros on the total trip price.

4. Discount codes

Checking for discount codes online is a quick and easy way to reduce costs.

Check airline social media sites, specialty discount websites and travel forums. Students, NHS staff and the military may also be able to get unique benefits.

5. Book mid-week

Tuesday and Wednesday evenings are the best times to book the cheapest flights, with midnight recommended as the right time to grab a top bargain.

6. Check last-minute choices

Sometimes flight providers reduce costs to fill empty seats or cancellations.

This is unlikely to be the case during peak travel and holiday periods, so for popular destinations it is best to book in advance.