The holiday shopping season is about to get a whole lot more interesting for travelers. While Black Friday has long been the headline act for bargain hunters, new data from Skyscanner suggests that Cyber Monday is the cheapest day to book flights during the five-day sales bonanza. Last year, average seat prices hit their lowest point on that day, and savvy travelers who waited scored some serious savings.
This year, the sales window stretches from Black Friday on November 27 to Travel Tuesday on December 1. European airlines and hotel groups are already gearing up with promotions, and with fuel prices and living costs still biting, the chance to shave a few hundred euros off next year's holiday is too good to ignore.
What the Numbers Tell Us
Skyscanner's analysis of last year's sales period found that Cyber Monday offered the lowest average fare per seat across the entire five-day stretch. Laura Lindsay, a travel trends expert at Skyscanner, explains that by Travel Tuesday, many people have already locked in their plans after a weekend of shopping, which means demand (and prices) can creep back up. But that doesn't mean Travel Tuesday is a dud. Last year, fares to Fort Lauderdale dropped 28% on that day, and Seoul saw a 24% dip. Over the whole period, Casablanca and Lisbon were 30% and 28% below their 12-month averages.
For European travelers, short-haul routes saw the most dramatic drops. Flights from the UK to Bilbao were a whopping 67.8% cheaper during Black Friday 2025, followed by Podgorica (57.7%), Wrocław (47.1%), and Sarajevo (46.6%). If you've been dreaming of the Adriatic, now might be the time to check out Montenegro's new flight options.
How to Snag the Best Flight Deals
The key is to start now. Set price alerts on Skyscanner or Google Flights to get a sense of what's normal, and sign up for airline newsletters so you're the first to know when sales go live. Flexibility is your best friend: be open to different dates, destinations, and airports. Skyscanner's Whole Month and Explore Everywhere tools can reveal the cheapest days and hidden-gem destinations, while the new Drops section highlights fares from your airport that have fallen by 20% or more that day. When you spot a deal, book fast because the best prices vanish quickly.
Several airlines have already announced their plans. Eurowings' Black Flydeals run from November 23 to December 1, while Vueling (which offered up to 30% off last year) and easyJet start on November 27. Iberia and Finnair will reveal their offers later this month, and Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines are teaming up for a joint promotion in selected countries. In the UK, Jet2 and easyJet holidays have already launched their sales. If you're worried about disruptions, check out our guide on the exact days to book holiday flights.
Hotel Deals and Loyalty Programs
Hotels are getting in on the action too. Marriott, Accor, IHG, and Hilton all ran Black Friday sales last year, and joining their loyalty programs (usually free) is the smartest move. Members often get early access and bigger discounts. Last year, Accor slashed prices by 30% on stays of three nights or more at participating hotels in Europe and North Africa, while Marriott, IHG, and Hilton offered up to 25% off, with members getting the best rates.
Skyscanner also advises searching early, staying flexible, and checking cancellation terms before you book. For car hire, compare rates including local agencies, and look for free mileage or reduced insurance excess. And if you're planning a trip to Spain, be aware of the 24-hour strike on November 11 that could affect flights and museums.
So, mark your calendar for Cyber Monday. It might just be the smartest travel decision you make this year.
