Edinburgh, the enchanting capital of Scotland, is a city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant festivals. Whether you’re planning to visit for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, explore its medieval Old Town, or simply enjoy the scenic views from Arthur’s Seat, finding the best flight deals is crucial for any traveler. I ‘ll dive into practical tips and strategies to help you find cheap flights to Edinburgh in late June, making your trip more affordable and enjoyable.
1. Why Late June is the Perfect Time to Visit Edinburgh
Late June marks the official beginning of summer in Edinburgh, and the city truly comes alive during this time. The days are longer, with up to 18 hours of daylight, offering plenty of time to explore its famous attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Arthur’s Seat. The weather, while still unpredictable, tends to be mild, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F), making it comfortable for walking around the city. The streets are filled with locals and tourists alike, enjoying the outdoor cafes, street performances, and cultural festivals that begin to unfold.
This period is perfect for sightseeing and soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere without the heavy crowds and inflated prices that come with peak tourist season in July and August. However, it’s important to note that June still falls within the high travel season, meaning airfare prices can be higher. To make the most of your trip and keep costs down, it’s crucial to plan ahead and book your flights early.
2. Understanding the Best Time to Book Flights
One of the most important factors in finding a cheap flight is knowing when to book. While it’s tempting to wait for last-minute deals, flights to Edinburgh (and most major cities) can be expensive if booked too close to your departure date.
When to Book Your Flight
- Book at Least 4 to 6 Weeks in Advance: To get the best deals, aim to book your flight at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead of time. Airlines tend to release their cheapest fares early, and booking in advance allows you to lock in lower prices.
- Avoid Weekend Bookings: Try to avoid booking your flights on weekends, as airline prices tend to rise. Instead, aim to book on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, when prices are typically lower.
- Set Fare Alerts: Use flight comparison websites such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to set up fare alerts. These platforms will notify you when prices drop or rise, giving you an opportunity to grab a deal before it’s gone.
Best Time to Travel
- Midweek Flights: If you have flexible travel dates, try to fly midweek, especially on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Flights tend to be cheaper during these days due to lower demand compared to weekends.
- Early Morning or Late-Night Flights: Another strategy to find cheaper fares is to look for early morning or late-night flights. While not always the most convenient, they are often the least expensive options.
- Avoid Flying During Peak Holiday Periods: In late June, the Scottish summer holiday season is just beginning, so try to avoid flying during weekends or around public holidays when airfares tend to spike.
3. Use Flight Comparison Websites and Apps
To find the best deals, you should use multiple flight comparison tools. These platforms aggregate flight data from various airlines and travel agencies, allowing you to compare prices and routes easily.
Top Flight Comparison Tools
- Google Flights: Google Flights is one of the most user-friendly and powerful tools to search for flights. It allows you to track price trends, view flexible dates, and set up fare alerts.
- Skyscanner: Skyscanner is another great platform for comparing flights. The website shows you the cheapest months, days, and times to fly, which can help you save money.
- Momondo: Momondo provides a comprehensive flight search tool that aggregates flight options from dozens of airlines and booking sites, helping you find the best price.
- Kayak: Kayak is also a reliable flight comparison tool with great flexibility. It allows you to explore flight combinations across different airlines to find the most budget-friendly options.
4. Choose Your Departure Airport Wisely
When searching for flights to Edinburgh, you may want to consider flying into nearby airports instead of Edinburgh Airport itself. While Edinburgh is the primary international airport, there are other airports in Scotland that can offer cheaper flights.
Alternative Airports Near Edinburgh
- Glasgow Airport (GLA): Located about an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, Glasgow Airport often has cheaper flights, especially for international travelers. From Glasgow, you can easily take a bus or train to Edinburgh, which is well-connected by public transport.
- Newcastle Airport (NCL): Another option is flying into Newcastle, which is about two hours south of Edinburgh by train or car. It’s worth considering this route if you find significantly cheaper flights.
Flying to these alternative airports might require extra travel time, but the savings could be substantial, making it an option worth considering.
5. Consider Budget Airlines
If you’re traveling on a tight budget, you’ll want to look into budget airlines that service Edinburgh. While these airlines offer lower base fares, keep in mind that they may charge for extras like checked luggage, seat selection, and food onboard.
Popular Budget Airlines Flying to Edinburgh
- Ryanair: Ryanair is one of Europe’s largest low-cost carriers and frequently offers cheap flights to Edinburgh from many European cities. Be sure to factor in extra fees for baggage, though, as they can quickly add up.
- easyJet: easyJet is another low-cost airline with regular flights to Edinburgh. It’s known for its extensive network in Europe, and you may find some great last-minute deals if you’re flexible with your travel dates.
- Wizz Air: Wizz Air is an excellent budget option for travelers from Eastern Europe. This airline flies to Edinburgh from several destinations, and if you book early enough, you can snag fantastic deals.
While flying with budget airlines may not offer the same level of comfort as traditional carriers, they are a great option for saving money, especially for short-haul flights.
6. Consider Multi-City or Stopover Flights
Direct flights are often the most convenient, but they aren’t always the cheapest option. If you’re willing to take a longer journey, you may be able to save money by booking a flight with a stopover or exploring multi-city flight options.
Benefits of Multi-City and Stopover Flights
- Cheaper Routes: Adding a stopover, especially in major European hubs like London, Amsterdam, or Paris, may offer lower fares. Many airlines offer these flights at a lower price than direct options.
- Explore Another City: Stopovers can also provide an opportunity to explore another city on your way to Edinburgh. Airlines such as Icelandair and Turkish Airlines often allow you to spend a day or two in their hub city before continuing to your final destination.
Make sure to check whether the price savings on a stopover or multi-city ticket outweigh the additional travel time and potential inconvenience.
7. Look for Special Deals and Airline Sales
Several times a year, airlines offer flash sales or special promotions that can significantly reduce the cost of flights. These deals are usually limited to specific travel dates, so you need to act quickly to secure a bargain.
Where to Find Flight Sales
- Airline Newsletters: Sign up for newsletters from airlines like British Airways, Ryanair, and easyJet to get the latest updates on special promotions and sales.
- Social Media: Follow airlines on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Many airlines announce limited-time offers or sales on their accounts.
- Flight Deal Websites: Websites like Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, and Airfarewatchdog list incredible airfare sales and error fares that you won’t find through traditional search engines.
8. Consider Using Airline Miles or Points
If you’ve accumulated airline miles or credit card points, late June may be the perfect time to redeem them. Many airlines offer reward flights to Edinburgh, allowing you to save money on your trip. Be sure to book early, as reward flights are subject to availability, and high-demand routes may be harder to secure.
9. Don’t Forget to Factor in Baggage Fees
When booking flights, always factor in the baggage fees, especially if you’re flying with a low-cost carrier. Many budget airlines charge hefty fees for checked baggage, and the cost can quickly add up. Look for airlines that offer reasonable baggage policies, or consider packing light to avoid these fees altogether.
10. Book Accommodation Early
While this article focuses on finding cheap flights, don’t forget that accommodation in Edinburgh during the summer months can be expensive, particularly in late June. Booking your accommodation early, whether it’s a hotel, guesthouse, or Airbnb, can help you lock in better prices.
Finding cheap flights to Edinburgh in late June requires a mix of early planning, flexible travel dates, and strategic use of flight comparison tools. By booking early, considering budget airlines, exploring alternative airports, and keeping an eye on sales, you can save significant money on your flight. Edinburgh is a wonderful city to visit during the summer, so take advantage of these tips to make your trip affordable and memorable. Happy travels!
