As the summer travel season heats up, many British travellers are bracing for the high costs associated with flying during the peak holiday months. However, savvy holidaymakers who plan ahead can uncover some surprising opportunities to save big on flights.

According to new research from Cheap Deals Away UK, there are specific dates this summer that will allow you to stretch your holiday budget further. Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away UK, explained: “Most people assume all summer flights are expensive, but there are specific days that offer much better value. The summer flight market follows predictable patterns. Prices peak during school holidays in late July and early August, but there are pockets of opportunity both earlier and later in the season.”

For those looking to make the most of their summer trips, here are the best times to fly without breaking the bank:

Early June

For early summer travellers, June 2 and June 13 stand out as the top dates for international flights. These days fall just before the school holiday rush kicks in, offering sunny weather at a fraction of the price.

“Early June hits that sweet spot between good weather and good prices,” Dawn explained. “The first two weeks of June give you almost the same sunshine as July but at much lower prices.”

Late August

For those with more flexible schedules, late August has a great opportunity for savings. Specifically, August 28 offers excellent value for international travel, as prices drop significantly.

Dawn said: “Late August sees a dramatic drop in prices as schools prepare to return. The weather is still wonderful in most European destinations, but you'll find airports less crowded and prices much more reasonable.”

Domestic flight deals

Travellers looking to fly within the UK may be surprised to find great deals in late July and August. Dawn highlights July 28, August 19, and August 23 as dates where domestic flight prices are lower than expected.

Dawn said: “Domestic flight pricing follows slightly different patterns. We've found late July and August offer surprisingly good value for internal UK flights, contrary to what many might expect.”

Days to avoid booking this summer

Of course, understanding which dates to avoid is just as important, with Dawn’s findings showing that the priciest days for international travel in the summer tend to be July 22, 23, and 29.

These dates are notorious for substantial price hikes, with flights costing up to 40 percent more than average.

For those flying domestically within the UK, the worst dates to book are June 30, July 8, and July 16.

“These dates consistently show price spikes of 25 to 40 percent above average,” warned Dawn. “If your travel dates are flexible, shifting even a day or two could save you a significant amount.”