Skyscanner’s ultimate guide to save big on Black Friday. Here’s how to find the best Black Friday cheap flights and what to watch out for.
People everywhere are excited about finding great Black Friday airline deals. Many think about big sales on things like TVs or clothes. But guess what? There are also amazing Black Friday airfare deals. Airlines offer big discounts, making it a great time to grab a ticket and plan your next adventure without breaking the bank.
For those looking for an exotic getaway or just to visit loved ones, Black Friday can be a good time to snag those cheap flights you’ve been dreaming of. In this article, we’ll walk you through it all.
Understanding Black Friday flight deals
This Black Friday sale might be especially exciting for those hoping to travel around the U.S. or Canada and even further afield. With airlines having offered big discounts in the past, this year’s Black Friday sale might be your ticket to big savings. Ready to take advantage of these deals? Check out flights on Skyscanner to start planning your next adventure.
Black Friday vs. Travel Tuesday
You might be familiar with Black Friday, but there’s another day that’s making waves for travelers: Travel Tuesday. It falls right after Cyber Monday and is quickly gaining a reputation as the go-to day for airline tickets. So, which is better for scoring cheap flights?
Black Friday sales have a broad appeal, with deals on everything from gadgets to travel packages. However, Travel Tuesday — which lands the Tuesday after Thanksgiving — seems to have the edge regarding flight tickets.
Why the spike on this day? By then, most people have their holiday plans set, and after a shopping marathon from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, they might not be thinking of next year’s trips. This lull is when airlines and hotels swoop in with tempting travel deals and offers to get folks planning their next adventure.
That said, you can still find great flight deals for Black Friday, especially for those seeking all-inclusive travel offers, like in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Caribbean. The takeaway? Keep an eye on both days. Skyscanner makes it easy to compare prices so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.
The best Black Friday flight deals
There can be huge savings with Black Friday flight deals, but not all flights have the same discounts. We’ve crunched the numbers and reveal the top destinations for Black Friday offers, using data from the most searched for flights last year.
Last year, travelers were able to get cheaper flights from the U.S. to these countries;
| Country | Saving*. |
| Brazil | 28% |
| Canada | 21% |
| Spain | 18% |
| India | 10% |
| United Kingdom | 9% |
Flights to these cities offered great value when booked over Black Friday last year;
| Destination | Saving*. |
| Miami | 25% |
| New Delhi | 18% |
| London | 9% |
| Orlando | 4% |
| Las Vegas | 3% |
Whether you already know where you want to fly to or you’re flexible and looking to make the most of your budget, keep an eye out for the best deals on Skyscanner this year and Black Friday like a pro.
*Saving is based on a comparison of the average seat price that Skyscanner users paid over Black Friday weekend (22 – 28 Nov 2023) vs in October 2023. Not indicative of 2024 deals.
How to simplify the Black Friday flight hunt
Navigating Black Friday airfare deals can feel overwhelming, but we’ve made it our mission to simplify the process so you can spend more time enjoying your travel.
Want to explore multiple destinations without breaking the bank? Skyscanner’s “explore everywhere” feature can help you find great prices on flights all over — whether it’s Los Angeles, New York City, Washington DC, Chicago, or a Christmas beach getaway to Florida.
Unsure about when to fly for the best rates? Browse through various travel dates to find affordable options. Choose your departing and return dates accordingly to make the most of your travel budget. And for those plotting an elaborate journey, the “multi-city” feature makes it easy to hop from place to place like a travel expert.
By activating Price Alerts, you can get instant notifications when airfare to your favorite destinations drop, whether it’s a family trip to Orlando, a sunny retreat to Cancun, or a European adventure. Don’t forget about the top spots within the U.S., as coast-to-coast deals are abundant during the sale.
Be sure to download the Skyscanner app too. It’s not just about checking prices — it’s about being the first to know when they change. This means that while others are just beginning their hunt, you’re already one step ahead, ready to book some stellar deals.
Skyscanner gathers the best deals from various airlines, including major carriers like American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, and Southwest, so you don’t have to jump from site to site hunting for promo codes and discounts. You’ll even see search results for budget airlines, like Spirit and Allegiant. Everything you need to compare prices and book flights is in one convenient place so you can snag the best Black Friday airfare deal.
Practical tips to get genuine deals this Black Friday
Before you punch in those credit card details for a fun trip to Las Vegas or Miami, here’s how to make sure your deal is genuinely great.
Check for hidden fees
It’s thrilling to find airline Black Friday deals, but remember to dig a little deeper. Sometimes, that affordable ticket comes with strings attached.
Additional baggage fees can sneak up on you, especially if you’re planning a long trip or need multiple bags. Want to choose a seat with extra legroom or near the window? Some airlines charge a service fee for specific seat selections (or any at all). Don’t forget the in-flight amenities: What seems standard, like a meal or entertainment, might actually come at an extra cost.
Always read the disclaimers and fine print. You’ll often find the specifics mentioned there, listed in USD or other currencies. And while travel insurance is a smart choice, make sure it’s not added to your bill without your consent.
It’s always best to know what’s included in your ticket and what might be an unexpected surprise. This way, you can genuinely enjoy the savings without any unwelcome shocks.
Compare prices
Black Friday can be tricky because some companies make their deals sound bigger than they really are. Here’s a tip: compare the Black Friday airfare with the usual prices of flights with other airlines.
You can easily check if one airline’s Black Friday deal is better than another’s regular price or if that discount is really as big as they claim with Skyscanner. We compare prices from more than 1,000 different providers and bring you the lowest prices all in one place and at no added cost. So you’ll be sure you’re grabbing a true bargain and not just falling for the hype.
Review the price of the whole trip
Planning a trip involves multiple variables — flights, hotels, and perhaps even a car rental. While it’s tempting to snatch up a great deal on flights right away, it’s essential to consider the overall cost of your trip.
With Skyscanner, you can compare the prices of flights, hotels, and car rentals all in one place. This allows you to gauge the total cost of your trip and make sure there are no financial surprises later. Being able to see all these prices side by side helps you make an informed decision, so you can book your trip with confidence — and your wallet will thank you!
Understand booking flexibility
When it comes to flights, especially discounted ones, flexibility matters. Ask yourself: What happens if I need to change my flight date? Can I cancel without a huge penalty?
Skyscanner provides information on these policies, but always double-check the airline’s specific terms. A ticket that’s a little more expensive but offers free changes or minimal fees might be a better value in the long run.
Examine the airline’s reputation
The price tag isn’t the only factor to consider when hunting for deals. The airline’s reputation plays a significant role in determining the value of the deal.
Before hitting the “book now” button, take a moment to research the airline. Is it known for being on time? How do other passengers rate their customer service? In the end, a slightly pricier ticket with a reliable and well-reviewed airline might be worth more than a cheap flight with endless delays and poor service.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
As you start your search for Black Friday cheap flights, steer clear of these common mistakes:
- Overlooking the final airport destination. Always check the airport’s proximity to your final destination.
- Ignoring additional costs. From baggage fees to choosing your seats, always factor in all the costs.
- Being swayed by misleading advertising. Validate offers using platforms like Skyscanner.
- Failing to compare multiple offers. Use platforms like Skyscanner to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
- Neglecting to read the fine print. Understand your booking’s terms and conditions.
- Waiting too long to book. The early bird gets the worm and sometimes the best flight deals.
- Ignoring off-peak hours. Sometimes, flights at less popular times (like red-eye flights or midday departures) might offer better rates.
- Trusting prices without checking dates. Some deals might look attractive until you realize the travel dates are inconvenient or during a less desirable season. Check the travel window associated with the deal.
Top-searched destinations for Black Friday cheap flights
Want to book a memorable adventure but not quite sure where to go? Get inspired by the destinations that other U.S. travelers are dreaming of.
Top countries searched during Black Friday
- United States
- Mexico
- India
- UK
- Spain
- Japan
- Canada
- Italy
- Colombia
- Brazil
Top cities searched during Black Friday
- New York City
- Los Angeles
- London
- Orlando
- Las Vegas
- Miami
- Tokyo
- Cancun
- Chicago
- San Francisco
We’ve found that most U.S. travelers who are vacationing for a week or less will search for their flights within two months of their trip. Meanwhile, those who want to travel longer, whether it’s two weeks or more than a month, tend to search for their flights almost 3 months in advance of their trip. According to our data, we bet you’re mostly likely looking for Black Friday flight deals for a late winter or early spring trip. Unless, of course, you’re a spontaneous traveler hoping for a last-minute getaway. So, where do you fall?
Beyond Black Friday cheap flights: Discovering hotel deals on Skyscanner
Found that perfect flight deal? That’s just the beginning. Skyscanner has your accommodations and transportation covered too.
Booking your hotel room and car rental alongside your flight can often lead to extra savings and make your travel planning more straightforward. Whether you’re planning family fun in Orlando, a romantic getaway in Las Vegas, or a business trip to Dallas, Skyscanner offers a wide array of options for every traveler.
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, don’t forget to check out our top tips for hotel deals to discover even more ways to save. Interested in finding the best hotel deals? Explore our hotels page to uncover amazing offers.
Go beyond Black Friday with flight deals
Black Friday is a big deal. But smart travelers know that fantastic flight deals can pop up any time of the year.