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Before you start making enquiries about booking flights make sure you know as much detail about your planned journey as possible - like when you want to travel, from which airport and at rough travelling times. This will get you a better, and far more accurate quote.
When looking for quotes try online websites, traditional travel agents or direct with airlines or on teletext..
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| Find out which airlines fly from Sheffield Airport by clicking through to our Terminal Information section of this website. |
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Before Booking A Flight ... |
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| With so many different places in which to buy flights from Sheffield Airport, and the prices changing on an often daily basis don't worry if it takes you a while to get the deal you really want. |
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It's worth getting as many quotes as you can. And don't be afraid to book a great deal as soon as you are offered it - you don't want to lose it. Or at the very least see if you can place a holding deposit on the flight until you've looked around a bit more.
It's worth being as flexible as you can too. Just by changing your travel dates by a day or two can save you money as some days of the week are more expensive to travel on. Also times in which you travel and airports to which you fly to and from. |
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If you're going to call a travel agent or airline do so either first thing in the morning or last thing at night - this way they will be less busy and more likely to be able to help you.
Also always ask if they are aware of any deals that haven't been released yet but deals that will be available shortly. |
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| Nested Tickets |
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Another way of getting a cheaper flight, if you are regular air traveller, is buying what's known as nested tickets.
Nested tickets only work when a regularly priced midweek fare is over twice the amount of an excursion fare (includes a Saturday stopover) to the same destination.
For example, you have been quoted £150 for a flight from Sheffield to Belfast return going out on a Monday returning on the Friday of the same week but you can find a return that requires you to stay for a weekend and is priced £75 or less, it is worth buying a nested ticket.
Buy a £75 excursion return ticket leaving on Monday and coming back late in the next week. Then buy another £75 excursion return ticket with the outgoing flight from Belfast on the Friday of your return to Sheffield. The return journey of this second ticket should be dated early in the next week.
This actually means you'll end up buying two return flight for the price of one - great if you know you are planning to travel again soon. Speak to your travel agent about buying nested tickets. |
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| Split Tickets |
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Alternatively you could consider buying 'split tickets'. This is where your flight is split between flights, rather than flying direct as the latter is always a more popular, and therefore more expensive choice.
Again, speak to your travel agent if you are interested in buying split tickets. |
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| Low cost 'budget' Airlines |
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With low cost budget airlines you need to book your flight as early you can for the best prices.
You should always book online too as this will be much cheaper.
Remember that all flights are plus airport taxes that can bump up those £1 fares. And you need to buy a return flight home too. |
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Avoid Delays & Increase Legroom ... |
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| Whilst you'll never guarantee you won't be delayed some of the following tips mean you can do your best to avoid them. We've also included tips on extra legroom too. |
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- The major tour operators have their own airlines i.e. Thomson so you can pre-book your seats, normally for a fee
Their supplements give you in-flight meals and a bit more legroom visit www.thomson.co.uk
- Find out what plane you'll be flying on, then see if you can find a seat plan online, and then try and request your preferred seat when booking your ticket
- It's usually the first flights to leave in the morning, or the last at night, that avoid delays.
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The best way to get a free upgrade is if you agree to be 'bumped'. This means, that because the aircraft is over booked, some passengers are asked if they will go on the next available flight.
If you agree and your flight is more than several hours later you will probably be offered an upgrade - if available - or flight vouchers to use at a later date.
Or, if the next flight is just a few hours away the chances are you'll be offered a phone card, food vouchers or even a temporary pass into the executive lounge. |
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Flights Through Travel Agents ... |
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Always remember, when talking to a travel agent about booking a flight, that they will be paid a commission should you buy through then. So with this fact in your mind push for a good deal as they will want your business.
If you're getting a quote on flights, hotels etc. make sure you get actual flight times and the names of the hotel, not just vague quotes that actually don't add up to much. And check for small print too! |
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| Booking Direct |
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- To see if you can take advantage of any discounts ask your company if they have rates through travel agents or fare bookings. The same if you are a member of a Union, see if they can pass on their discounts to members.
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- If you book direct with hotels and book flights yourself you will save a lot of money compared to the brochure price. You can also book transfers over the internet so you won't be stuck at the airport.
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- You might want to think about becoming a courier. By carrying a piece of luggage in your case you can save around £100 on a flight. However you must be flexible in when and where you are flying to so mostly this is more suited for backpackers.
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- City breaks are the perfect start to book yourself. There are hundreds of sites offering accommodation so it's a good way of cutting the cost of a holiday
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Visit online sites like Expedia who will show what airlines travel where. They also give you a breakdown on costs too. This site is loaded with top travel booking information. a
If you do make a booking online always check before you buy that your trip is covered by Atol (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing). It's also advised to use UK sites and make sure their browser is safe - at the payment page a padlock symbol should be displayed.
Once you've paid for your ticket you'll get confirmation through email. Often this is where you print out your tickets so don't delete the email. Your Atol booking - if available on your purchase - will be confirmed on this email also.
And check out
Priceline.co.uk. On this site you can bid for your own flight tickets, normally saving you around 20-30%. However, always check the small print and any T&Cs attached to your ticket before making a bid.
Be made aware of the very latest deals and offers on flights and travel by signing up to www.ukfrenzy.co.uk. This site monitors any special deals and has a special travel section listing all the airlines' special offers.
It's worth checking out online travel newsgroups too to see if anyone has spotted a good deal. Just visit groups.google.com, start your search by typing in "rec.travel" or "rec.travel.air". You can also ask other users for some top travel tips. |
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Links To Fare Searchers & Travel Agents ... |
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| Take some time to check out the deals offered by the following travel organisations: |
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Links To Online Bookings ... |
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| Or get a quote direct from the major airlines just by clicking on the links below to online bookings for Doncaster / Robin Hood and Sheffield Airport: |
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