Winter Travel? Here’s Exactly When to Book Your Flights

Winter in Europe? Yes, please! Whether you’re chasing snowflakes, Christmas markets, or off-peak airfares, knowing when and how to book your flights can make all the difference. We sat down with our Pentravel travel experts to answer your burning questions about booking flights to Europe for winter. Here’s everything you need to know. 

Q: What’s the cheapest month to buy flights to Europe? 

A: This one’s tricky because there are a few factors at play. Generally speaking, winter is the more affordable time to travel to Europe – think November through March. But here’s the catch: December and early January fall smack in the middle of South Africa’s festive season, which makes them high season in terms of pricing. 

So, if you’re looking to score those lower fares, target November, February, March, or even early April (just avoid the Easter rush). As always, keep in mind that airline pricing structures vary, so there’s no one-size-fits-all. But those months are a pretty safe bet if you’re after the cheapest flight booking. 

Q: Is it cheaper to book flights in advance or last-minute? 

A: Let’s bust a myth right now – last-minute international deals aren’t a thing. Airlines divide cabin classes like Economy and Business into different fare tiers. The cheapest tickets get snapped up first. So, the longer you wait, the more you pay. 

Our advice? Book early. Planning flights to London, flights to Paris, or flights to Rome? Get in there at least six months in advance for the best shot at low fares. 

Q: What days are the best to fly? 

A: Weekends tend to be more expensive – people love flying out on Fridays and Saturdays. If you’re flexible, opt for a Tuesday or Wednesday. These midweek days usually offer better availability and value. 

Remember: it’s not just about the day of the week. It’s also about supply and demand. So, midweek flyers – you’re winning. 

Q: How far in advance should I book my flight to Europe? 

A: Ideally? Six months or more. Flights typically open up around 10 months before departure. Booking early gives you a better chance of snapping up those low-tier fares – especially when you’re planning big trips like flights to Istanbul or flights to Europe for a family holiday or ski break. 

Got your travel dates locked in? Don’t wait around. 

Q: Can Pentravel help me find great flight deals with good layovers or direct routes? 

A: Absolutely – this is where our team really shines. We’ve got a couple of favourite routes that offer great value and smart layovers: 

Option 1: Emirates and Qatar both offer competitive prices with short layovers, and they fly from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. That’s convenient and budget-friendly. 

Option 2: Want to explore multiple countries on one ticket? We recommend using the Air France and KLM partnership to build an itinerary across the Netherlands, France, and Italy. Think Amsterdam – Rome – Florence – Venice – Paris – all with just one ticket and a couple of quick trains. Easy and efficient. 

Another great route? Try Zurich – Vienna – Salzburg – Munich using Lufthansa and Swiss’s partnership. Again, it’s all about combining one air ticket with smart land travel to stretch your rands. 

The best part? We know how to tailor these to your budget and travel goals. 

Q: How can I make sure I get access to Pentravel’s flight deals? 

A: Easy! Subscribe to the Pentravel newsletter, follow us on social media, and check our website regularly. Have you checked out our flight booking tool yet? Just pop in your key details and see all the available flights in seconds!  

That’s how you’ll stay in the loop for the best deals on flights to Europe, flights to London, and beyond. 

Q: Do you offer loyalty benefits? 

A: Yes, we do! With our Pen Perks loyalty programme, you earn points with every booking, which you can use towards future travel. It’s our way of saying thanks for choosing us – and a clever way to save on your next trip. 

Q: What’s the benefit of booking through Pretravel instead of online? 

A: We get this a lot. Sure, you can search for cheap flights online, but we know because we go. Pentravel consultants have access to negotiated fares you won’t find online. We also bring a human touch: expert advice, help planning a logical and money-saving itinerary, and support when things go sideways. (Remember when London Heathrow shut down for a day? We helped our travellers get sorted.) 

You’re not just getting a flight – you’re getting a travel partner who can assist with seat selection, meals, and delays, and answer questions along the way. That peace of mind is hard to beat. 

Q: What are some good-value winter holiday destinations? 

A: If you’re chasing value, we’ve got some solid recommendations: 

• Club Med Ski Holidays: These are all-inclusive: meals, drinks, ski passes, lessons, gear, and even entertainment. Great value, no hidden extras, and available in some of Europe’s best ski areas. 
• Guided Christmas market holidays from Trafalgar: Perfect if you want someone else to handle the details. You’ll explore iconic markets across Europe with knowledgeable guides. 
• Italy: One of the more affordable destinations in Europe with easy visa access. Flights to Rome are often well priced, and the off-season means cheaper accommodation too. 
• Spain and Portugal: Great winter options with milder weather if the snow isn’t your thing. 
• Winter cruises: Think indoor luxury, world-class food, entertainment, and European port stops. Cruises often offer excellent winter rates, making them a hit with families looking for value. 

Ready to Take Off on Your Winter Adventure? 

Whether you’re booking flights to Turkey or planning a multi-country tour of Europe, knowing when to book (and who to book with) makes all the difference. And if you’re still unsure, that’s what we’re here for. 

Let Pentravel help you find the best flight deals, convenient routes, and the kind of travel support that makes winter holidays stress-free. 

Chat with us today – let’s talk flights, snow, and savings.