As the new year approaches, people are preparing for January airline sales, and travel expert Eoghan Corry knows how to get the best deals. 

Speaking on The Anton Savage Show, Mr Corry said people are itching to book a holiday as soon as possible. 

“This is a pattern that goes back since the invention of holidays,” he said. “As soon as the wishbone, people start thinking it’s New Year’s, it’s January, where to go.” 

Unfortunately, Mr Corry explained, demand outstrips supply.

“There’s an Airbus problem with engines and reduced capacity,” he said. “It means we’re paying a little bit more than we did pre-pandemic. 

“The average airfare for Ryanair, for instance, is about €10 more than it would have been pre-pandemic.” 

Booking flights for New Year's

Mr Corry noted that there will be few “cheap late seats” this year and people should check out the airline sales as soon – and as carefully - as possible. 

“British Airways jumped first about 10 days before Christmas, Aer Lingus have a sale, Ryanair have their sale at the moment,” he said.  

“The key with the sales is the terms and conditions – they normally have a ‘book by’ and January 31st is the book by for most. 

“The ‘travel by’ is the one that you really need to look at. 

“Aer Lingus has very good fares to Europe out to the second week of June and do North America to the end of May. 

“Ryanair unusually has a sale fare through the summer right through to September and British Airways right through to September too.” 

New flight destinations

Mr Corry also pointed out some countries may not apply in airline sales, such as Australia, which is already in high demand. 

He also noted there are new flights from Dublin Airport to Sicily, Crete and Turkey through Aer Lingus. 

Aer Lingus will also offer flights to Denver, Colorado and the twin cities of Minneapolis-St Paul in Minnesota. 

Saving smartly

Mr Corry said there are great deals to find year-round and discounts through layover flights – but you should always consider the cost of saving. 

“People, in my experience, will do anything to save €30,” he said. 

“Then when they're stuck in the three-hour queue in Miami, they’re wishing they hadn’t done that.” 

He said Dublin has plenty of options to fly to that will save you money and keep you comfortable. 

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