Planning a trip to Scotland but looking to save on airfare? Knowing the cheapest times to fly can significantly reduce your travel expenses. Scotland, with its breathtaking landscapes, historic castles, and vibrant cities, is a dream destination for many travelers. However, flight costs can vary greatly depending on the season, day of the week, and even the time of day.
Understanding these patterns allows you to find the best deals and enjoy all Scotland offers without breaking the bank. This guide will help you uncover the secrets to booking the most affordable flights to Scotland.
The Cheapest Time to Book Flights to Scotland in 2024
Generally, the cheapest time to book flights to Scotland is during the off-season, which typically falls between:
- November 1st to December 12th
- December 26th to March 14th
These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months of June to August. You can also find deals on flights during the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), though prices may be slightly higher than winter.
Cheapest Airlines that Fly to Scotland with Average Prices
Here are 8 of the cheapest airlines that fly to Scotland with average prices:
- Ryanair: This Irish low-cost carrier offers some of the cheapest flights to Scotland, with one-way fares starting at around £20 (around $24 USD). However, consider baggage fees and other charges, such as seat selection and priority boarding.
- EasyJet: Another budget airline, EasyJet, also offers cheap flights to Scotland, with fares starting around £25 (around $30 USD) for one-way trips. Like Ryanair, EasyJet charges extra for baggage and other optional services.
- Wizz Air: This Hungarian low-cost airline is expanding its routes to Scotland, and you can sometimes find very cheap fares, especially if you book in advance. Be aware that Wizz Air often flies to smaller airports, which may be further from your final destination.
- Jet2: This British low-cost airline offers cheap flights to Scotland from several UK airports. Fares typically start around £30 (around $36 USD) for one-way trips. Jet2 fares include a checked bag and seat selection, making them a good value option.
- Norwegian Air: This Norwegian airline offers competitive fares on flights to Scotland from a number of European cities. Fares typically start around £40 (around $48 USD) for one-way trips. Norwegian Air is a good option if you are looking for a more comfortable flying experience than what is offered by budget airlines.
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: This Dutch airline offers regular flights from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Scotland. Fares typically start around £50 (around $60 USD) for one-way trips. KLM is a good option if you are looking for a full-service airline with a good reputation for customer service.
- Lufthansa: This German airline offers flights to Scotland from a number of German cities. Fares typically start around £60 (around $72 USD) for one-way trips. Lufthansa is another good option for a full-service airline with a good reputation for customer service.
- British Airways: The flag carrier of the United Kingdom, British Airways, offers flights to Scotland from a number of UK airports and other major cities around the world. Fares typically start around £70 (around $84 USD) for one-way trips. British Airways is a good option if you are looking for a reliable airline with a wide network of destinations.
Pros & Cons of Flying to Scotland During the Cheapest Time
Pros of Flying to Scotland During the Cheapest Time (Off-Season)
- Lower Flight Costs: The main advantage is significant savings on your airfare. Flights during the off-season (November to March and April-May) can be substantially cheaper than peak summer months.
- Fewer Crowds: Popular tourist attractions will be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate experience. You might have shorter wait times for tours and restaurants.
- Unique Events and Activities: Scotland offers some unique events and activities during the off-season.
Cons of Flying to Scotland During the Cheapest Time (Off-Season)
- Weather: Scotland’s weather is unpredictable year-round, but rain and colder temperatures are more likely during the off-season. Be prepared for rain and pack layers of clothing.
- Limited Daylight Hours: Daylight hours are shorter during winter, which might limit your sightseeing opportunities. Some attractions might have reduced hours.
- Potential Closures: During the off-season, some tourist attractions, restaurants, and shops, especially in smaller towns, might have limited hours or be closed altogether.
- Fewer Events and Activities: Compared to the peak summer season, fewer festivals, concerts, and other events might happen.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flights to Scotland
- Be Flexible with Travel Dates: Don’t restrict yourself to specific dates. Search for flights throughout a week or month using tools like Google Flights’ “whole month” option. This way, you can snag deals on cheaper travel days.
- Consider Alternative Airports: Major airports like Edinburgh and Glasgow are popular and often pricier. Look for flights to smaller airports like Aberdeen, Inverness, or Prestwick. You can then take a train or bus to your final destination, potentially saving a significant amount.
- Utilize Flight Comparison Websites: Aggregators like Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner search across multiple airlines and travel websites, giving you a comprehensive price comparison and set price alerts to be notified of price drops.
- Embrace Budget Airlines: Airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet offer rock-bottom fares, but be mindful of baggage fees, seat selection charges, and potential limitations on carry-on luggage.
- Book in Advance (or Not Always!): Booking flights in advance can generally lead to better deals. However, some airlines offer last-minute discounts, so monitor prices closer to your desired travel dates, especially for off-season travel.
- Sign Up for Email Alerts: Airlines and travel websites often offer email alerts notifying you of sales and special offers for flights to Scotland. This way, you can jump on deals as soon as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, midweek flights, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often cheaper compared to weekends. Booking flights for these days can help you save money.
Booking your flight around 2-3 months in advance usually yields the best prices. Avoid last-minute bookings as they tend to be more expensive.
Yes, flights departing early in the morning or late at night are generally cheaper than those during peak daytime hours. Opting for these times can reduce costs.
Flying into smaller or alternative airports, such as Glasgow Prestwick instead of Glasgow International, can sometimes offer cheaper flights. Compare options to find the best deals.
