Today's Edition
SADEQ ALKHOORI (ABU DHABI)
For many UAE residents planning a summer getaway, the biggest decision is no longer just where to travel, but when. New Skyscanner data shows choosing the right week to fly could save a family of four up to Dh2,088 on return flights to some popular destinations.
The findings come as 47% of UAE travellers say they have yet to book their summer holidays and are still comparing options. While destinations remain largely fixed for many families, particularly those travelling during school holidays, the timing of a trip is increasingly becoming a key factor in managing costs.
Data from the global travel platform shows that the week of August 31 offers the season's lowest average airfares - but that's also when many UAE schools are set to reopen for the new academic year.
The cheapest travel week, however, varies depending on the destination. Return flights to Cairo are at their lowest during the week beginning August 17, while travellers heading to Tokyo and Kochi could find the best value during the week beginning August 31.
For families travelling together, the savings can quickly add up.
"We booked our flights earlier than usual because travelling as a family becomes expensive very quickly," Maryam Al Mansoori, a parent in Abu Dhabi, told Aletihad.
"After comparing fares, we shifted our departure by a few days, and the savings covered part of our accommodation. When you're buying tickets for five people, every dirham makes a difference," she added.
"We usually have to balance school holidays, annual leaves, and everyone's schedules, so we don't have much flexibility. But if changing our trip by a few days can save us a significant amount of money, it's definitely worth considering. I would rather spend that money on activities with my children than on higher airfares."
Skyscanner's analysis estimates that a family of four travelling to Tokyo could save about Dh2,088 by flying during the cheapest week, while a trip to Cairo could cost Dh1,949 less compared with average summer fares.
Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, told Aletihad that comparing travel dates has become an increasingly important part of holiday planning.
"Our data shows that travellers do not necessarily need to compromise on their preferred destination to find better value. Checking a wider range of dates and comparing the cheapest weeks can uncover substantial savings, which can then be put towards accommodation, experiences, or simply making the overall holiday more affordable," El Mamoun said.
Choosing the cheapest flight dates, however, isn't an option for everyone. Skyscanner found that only 33% of UAE travellers have flexibility over when they take their summer break, while 27% say school holidays or other commitments restrict their travel dates. The research also found that more than half of respondents (52%) incorrectly believe July offers the cheapest summer flights.
For frequent traveller Omar Al Suwaidi, adjusting travel dates has become part of the booking process.
"I've become much more flexible with my travel dates over the years," he told Aletihad.
"Instead of searching for one specific departure day, I compare prices across the entire week. This consistently helped me find better fares, even during the busy summer season."
Al Suwaidi has found that booking a little earlier and flying midweek can make "a noticeable difference".
"Travelling from Abu Dhabi during summer is always in high demand, so flexibility has really become one of the best ways to manage travel costs without giving up the holiday I want," he said.
