How to find cheap deals as easyJet boss says flights cost 36% more than last year

FLIGHTS have become more expensive since the pandemic, the easyJet boss has warned.

easyJet airline chief executive Johan Lundgren said flights have increased by up to 36 per cent since last year.

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The average fare has increased from £50.21 to £68.47.

Easter flights also cost more – they are up 24 percent compared to before the pandemic.

The easyJet boss said: “We have seen strong and sustained demand for travel in the first quarter, carrying almost 50 per cent more customers compared to last year.

“Many returned to book during the traditional New Year’s Eve sell-off where we were filling five planes every minute during peak hours, resulting in three record-breaking weekends for sales revenue this month.”

He added that they expect to make an “full year profit”.

Not only easyJet has announced that the prices for flights will rise.

Last week, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said holidaymakers won’t see fares as low as £9.99 for the next year or two because of high oil prices.

He added: “This year we will see price increases in the high single digits for the second year in a row, which hasn’t happened in a very long time.

“That’s mainly because the demise of Thomas Cook, Flybe and IAG and Lufthansa haven’t brought as much capacity back into the market.”

Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy reiterated last year’s warning of more expensive flights, adding that green taxes would help.

And one airline owner previously said flights were too LOW before the pandemic, which is why they are going to go up now.

Lufthansa boss Carsten Spohr told the Telegraph: “I believe that pre-Covid prices were too low. 9 euros or 9 pounds [for a flight] from the UK to Portugal is not healthy for industry, not healthy for our environment.”

If you’re still looking to save some money, here are a few ways to find cheaper flights:

Be flexible with appointments

Changing the days you fly can make a world of difference.

Returning on a Monday rather than a Sunday can be a lot cheaper, while flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often a lot cheaper than weekend flights.

Be flexible with travel destinations

A change of holiday destination can also make a big difference.

Instead of the popular trips to Spain and Italy, some of the cheaper destinations include Egypt and Turkey.

Sign up for flight deals

Many airlines and websites offer flash sales or flight deals. So by signing up with these you can be the first to grab a bargain.

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