Ah, January! The month when the Christmas decorations come down, the credit card bills arrive, and we all desperately need something wonderful to look forward to. Well, here's the good news – it's also the month when airlines slash their prices and holiday deals come flooding in like a glorious wave of wanderlust!

If you've been dreaming of jetting off to sunnier shores, exploring bustling European cities, or finally ticking that bucket-list destination off your list, now is absolutely the time to act. January flight sales are legendary for a reason, and 2026 is shaping up to be a cracker!

Ready to discover how to bag yourself some seriously cheap flights? Let's dive in!

Why January Is the Golden Month for Flight Sales

Ever wondered why airlines go bargain-mad in January? It's actually quite simple! After the festive rush, airlines find themselves with millions of empty seats to fill for the spring and summer months ahead. Their solution? Tempt us all with irresistible deals!

This year, we're seeing some fantastic offers across the board. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet, Ryanair, and Aer Lingus have all launched their January sales, and the savings are genuinely impressive. Whether you're after a quick city break or a long-haul adventure, there's something for every budget and every type of traveller!

What's on Offer Right Now?

Let's break down what the major airlines are bringing to the table this January. Spoiler alert: it's looking rather tasty!

British Airways

The UK's flag carrier has launched a sale running until 27th January 2026 – so you'll need to be quick! They're offering competitive fares on both Euro Traveller and World Traveller classes, with travel dates extending all the way through to August 2026. Perfect for planning that summer getaway!

From European city breaks to North American adventures, BA's sale covers a fantastic range of destinations. Keep your eyes peeled for direct flights to popular spots – they tend to get snapped up fastest!

Virgin Atlantic

Dreaming of the Big Apple or fancy exploring the American South? Virgin Atlantic is offering some brilliant transatlantic deals! Economy fares to New York (JFK) start from around £359 return, with Atlanta from £409 and Washington DC from £459. Not too shabby for those iconic long-haul routes!

These fares are available for travel through spring 2026, making them ideal for an Easter escape or a May half-term adventure with the family.

easyJet

Here's a stat to make your jaw drop – easyJet is releasing over 25 million seats across nearly 138,000 flights, with more than 14 million of those available to or from the UK! That's an enormous amount of opportunity to find your perfect cheap flight.

From Mediterranean beach holidays to European city breaks, easyJet's network covers over 150 destinations. Whether you fancy tapas in Barcelona, gelato in Rome, or a cheeky weekend in Amsterdam, there's bound to be a deal with your name on it!

Ryanair

The budget airline giant never disappoints when it comes to January sales. Ryanair consistently offers some of the lowest fares in the market, with one-way flights to European destinations often starting at incredibly low prices. Just remember to factor in any extras you might need (more on that shortly!).

Aer Lingus

Don't overlook Aer Lingus! They're running a cracking January sale with savings on roundtrip flights to Ireland, the UK, and Europe. Their Dublin hub also offers convenient connections to North America if you're planning something a bit more adventurous!

Top Tips for Bagging the Best Deals

Finding fantastic flight sales is one thing, but actually securing the best price? That takes a bit of savvy! Here are our tried-and-tested tips for getting the most bang for your buck:

1. Be Flexible with Your Dates

This is the golden rule of cheap flight hunting! Being flexible by even a day or two can sometimes save you hundreds of pounds. Mid-week flights (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) are typically cheaper than weekend departures. Use the flexible date search options on comparison sites to spot the cheapest days to fly!

2. Use Price Comparison Tools

Don't just check one airline's website and call it a day! Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Trabber let you compare prices across multiple airlines and travel agencies in one go. It's like having a personal flight-hunting assistant at your fingertips!

3. Set Price Alerts

Most flight comparison websites allow you to set up price alerts for specific routes. This means you'll get a notification when prices drop – no more obsessive checking required! Just set it and forget it until that magical email arrives.

4. Book Early (But Not Too Early!)

Here's a little secret: there's often a sweet spot for booking. For short-haul European flights, booking 4-8 weeks in advance typically yields the best prices. For long-haul destinations, aim for 2-4 months ahead. That said, during sales like these January ones, it's worth booking as soon as you spot a great deal!

5. Consider Nearby Airports

Flying from Manchester instead of London? Or perhaps Birmingham instead of Bristol? Being flexible about your departure airport can open up a whole new world of deals. Just factor in any additional travel costs to get there!

Understanding Flight Prices: What You Need to Know

Right, let's have an honest chat about those headline prices you see advertised – because transparency matters!

When you spot a fare like "from £14.99," this typically refers to a one-way fare and often excludes additional fees and taxes. The final price you pay will usually be higher once you've added:

• Airport taxes and charges
• Baggage allowance (especially on budget airlines)
• Seat selection
• Any in-flight extras

Our advice? Always check the total price before you get too excited, and factor in what you'll actually need for your trip. A slightly more expensive fare that includes checked luggage might work out cheaper than a rock-bottom price plus all the add-ons!

This isn't meant to put you off – the deals really are genuine and the savings can be substantial. We just want you to go in with your eyes open!

Protecting Your Booking

Here at TripEase, we always recommend making sure your holiday booking is properly protected. Here's what to look out for:

ATOL Protection: When booking a package holiday (flights plus accommodation), check that your booking is ATOL protected. This means you're financially protected if the travel company goes out of business.

Travel Insurance: Never, ever travel without it! A good travel insurance policy protects you against cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and all those unexpected hiccups that can happen when you're away from home.

Pay by Credit Card: For bookings over £100, paying by credit card gives you extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. It's a handy safety net!



Ready to Start Your Search?

The January flight sales won't last forever – most run until the end of January, with the best deals disappearing fastest. If you've spotted a route and date that works for you, our advice is to book sooner rather than later!

Whether you're planning a romantic city break, a fun-filled family holiday, or a solo adventure to somewhere spectacular, there's never been a better time to book. Check out our flights page to explore your options, or browse our holiday deals if you'd prefer everything sorted in one neat package!

Happy travels, and here's to an adventure-filled 2026! ✈️