As the annual Black Friday sales event sweeps across the UK, a leading travel expert has issued a crucial warning for Brits hunting for holiday bargains. While numerous enticing travel deals are available from 28th November, shoppers are being urged to look beyond the headline discounts to avoid costly pitfalls.
The Hidden Pitfalls in Black Friday Travel Offers
Chris Harrington, Travel Specialist and Managing Director at transport provider hoppa, cautions that the lowest price doesn't always represent the best value. "Black Friday deals can be extremely tempting, with many companies offering as much as £100 off per person or 20% off overall flights. But these headline prices can often hide add-ons," Chris explained to the Mirror.
He strongly advises travellers to scrutinise what's actually included in their deal before committing. Key elements to verify include resort fees, airport transfers, and cancellation policies. Comparing these details across different offers can reveal significant differences in true value.
Essential Checks Before You Book
One of the most critical tips from the expert involves thoroughly checking flight schedules. "Sometimes, a deal can be too good to be true," Chris noted. "Sure, it may look like you're getting a steal, but the flight may be going cheap because it departs at 5am or there's a 12-hour layover."
For long-distance journeys, he recommends examining both legs of the trip to ensure you're not facing uncomfortably tight connection times or excessively long layovers that could diminish your holiday experience.
Beyond securing new getaways, Chris highlights that Black Friday presents excellent opportunities to enhance existing travel plans. "In addition to bagging a cheaper deal than usual, there's also the opportunity to secure an upgrade at a fraction of the usual cost," he revealed. This could include anything from flight upgrades to more luxurious hotel facilities and all-inclusive resort packages.
Smart Strategies for Maximum Savings
With many travellers booking holidays for the following year during the sales, Chris emphasises the importance of securing flexible booking terms. "If you're booking trips for this time of year, keep in mind the likelihood of weather disruptions like heavy snowfall and storms," he advised.
Prioritising deals with flexible cancellation policies or exchangeable flights can provide crucial protection. "A slightly higher upfront cost can save you hundreds if plans need to change," Chris shared, highlighting the long-term value over immediate savings.
Despite the pressure to snap up limited-time offers, the expert advises maintaining a level head during the shopping frenzy. "Deals can move quickly, but keep a steady head and spend some time checking recent price trends by using price comparison websites or fare-tracking tools," he recommended. This research can reveal whether a supposed discount represents genuine savings or follows price inflation.
Chris also suggests setting a firm budget beforehand and sticking to it rigorously to avoid overspending in the excitement of the sales.
By following these expert recommendations, UK travellers can navigate the Black Friday travel deals landscape confidently, securing genuine bargains while avoiding unexpected costs and disappointments. "Black Friday is a brilliant opportunity to secure yourself a great deal," Chris concluded, "but take the time to do your research before booking."
