Cheap flights to New York

[crazycrofter]

Does anyone have any tips on finding the cheapest flights possible (whilst still being restricted to school holidays)? We're hoping to go within the next two years and stay with family.

We fly back and forth quite regularly and I would say my top tips are:

• use air miles if you can
• if you can't, then book 11 months in advance of your return date as that's when flights are released and early booking usually = good prices
• fly midweek (Tues, Weds, Thurs) as these are the cheapest days
• be flexible on dates if you can
• don't go around Christmas, Easter weekend, July/Aug or Thanksgiving. We usually go in Oct half-term as the weather is neither too hot or cold and prices aren't too bad as American schools are all in session then.

Norwegian are cheap

I thought Norwegian were going bust?

One more thing - consider flying to Newark rather than JFK - it's worth considering both airports unless your family live on Long Island or somewhere very close to JFK.

First stop Skyscanner/Kayak/Google Flights. Norwegian are cheap, we're using them next month. For the last couple of years they've managed to survive people predicting they are going to go bust any minute - however to be real, their finances haven't looked at all good for a while so if you do go down that route, be aware there is an element of risk and get yourself some very good insurance & pay particular attention to the terms of their scheduled airline failure details. Norwegian also swap in partner airlines aircraft to deliver some flights, some of which may not be 100% desirable. Having said that, I got flights for the 3 of us with luggage for just over a grand in October half term. Judging by Mumsnetters comments, their transatlantic routes are pretty marmite with plenty of people saying it was fine and others the opposite or predicting doom and gloom! Just make an informed choice but I do think (and I've booked with them!) It's not without realistic risk!

My DD has had severely delayed flights with them and another company eventually ran the flight. No food and no water in loos. DD said it was disgusting. So be aware, they can be dire. On the way out, no problems. Flights were under £450. We would rather book early and get a better schedule of daily flights so long delays don’t happen. If you are flexible on dates, check out mid week and Sundays and 11 months in advance. Sometimes VA and others are only a few £ more.

BA. Not VA.

Thanks for all the advice, that's really helpful. Maybe we will look to go Oct 2020 if prices are slightly more reasonable then, and start looking at available flights in November.

We flew with Thomas Cook and paid £300 each return at Easter. We did book 11 months in advance - but I could only find Aer Lingus at a similar price, with a stop over in Dublin.

I've been trying to earn avios points, but I'm beginning to suspect that using a cheaper airline will be cheaper than part-paying with avios on something like BA

The beauty with Aer Lingus as that you clear US customs in Ireland.

Yes to Norwegian as being cheap as chips.

We’ve found flying out of northern airports cheaper than the ones south. Also, connecting flights via wherever? ie Admsterdam, Paris etc.

We flew to the Dominican Republic on holiday via Zürich. It was £800 cheaper than going direct.

Booked for October half term, Virgin economy light (hand luggage only) flights just under £250 each return when booked exactly 11 months before. Norwegian were £550 for same dates.

Also book hotel as soon as you book your flights - prices seem to go up and up nearer the time, particularly if you are going at a busy time of year.

Wow, those Virgin flights are an amazing price! Where did you find those?

Virgin also have Premium Economy in sale over easter at the moment... they're supposed to sell fast

If you're looking for economy don't bother with airmiles, it's a poor value way of using them. They're great though if you're looking at business or need a flexible ticket.

Given that you're flexible I'd set up a fare alert on Skyscanner (I think you can do it on Google Flights too?), so you'll receive an email when prices are at a certain level. I've got them for sub £150 a few times, but that's usually a glitch fare that has been honoured.

This might be useful for you in terms of release dates - www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/flight-ticket-release-dates/
@CoolShoeshine - we’re also going October half term & the Norwegian price I got booking in December was £323 each not the £550 you got (but then to be fair, we’re going on the Thursday before half term officially starts thanks to inset days which may explain it!). Rather wishing I’d found your flights now & have a great time!

Look for a deal on Expedia too with a hotel as well - even if just for one night, often cheaper than just the flights

Some great ideas on here!

Crazycrofter- I just booked the flights directly on the Virgin site