Travel Tips

Do flights go on sale for Black Friday? What you need to know before booking

Do flights go on sale for Black Friday? Yes, but genuine offers can be tricky to find. Here’s how to avoid fake “flash sales” and the best places to grab real bargains.

As Black Friday rolls around again, you might be wondering, “Do flights go on sale for Black Friday?”

Yes, but the deals aren’t always legit.

Some airlines rebrand normal low fares as “Black Friday” deals or raise fares before lowering them back to the normal rate, creating the illusion of a deal.

Despite these tactics, it’s totally possible to find real Black Friday flight deals if you know where to look.

Read on to learn how to spot the real bargains and avoid falling for fake discounts.

In this article

Where to actually find Black Friday flight deals

So, where exactly do flights go on sale for Black Friday? There are three key places to look:

Airline websites

Many airlines release their best deals directly on their own websites.

For example, in 2024, Qatar Airways ran an epic Black Friday sale from November 25th to December 3rd. Solo travelers could nab 20% off round-trip flights to over 170 destinations. The offer was even better for couples (25%), and those traveling in threes could save up to 30%!

In the same year, American Airlines ran flash sales on Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, with domestic flights for less than $100 and round-trip flights to Europe starting at $599.

Checking airline sites ensures you don’t miss exclusive offers that aren’t shared elsewhere. Even budget airlines like easyJet and Vueling offer special promotions and time-limited discounts.

And it’s not just Black Friday when you can find deals. Many sale prices continue through to the following Monday (Cyber Monday) or Travel Tuesday (the annual shopping event explicitly created for travel deals).

Flight aggregators

When scrolling through airline websites, it can be hard to keep track of all the deals and understand which ones are the best. That’s where platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak come in.

With these reputable flight aggregators, you can quickly and easily compare deals across multiple airlines. Skyscanner often highlights “Black Friday” deals in its search results, making it simple to spot genuine savings.

You can also track price drops and set alerts, saving you tons of time and effort.

Travel apps and newsletters

When searching for Black Friday flights, don’t forget to check booking apps like Hopper, Going, and Expedia, which offer member deals around Black Friday. For example, in 2024, Expedia gave its One Key loyalty members up to 30% hotel and flight bundles.

Travel apps promote their exclusive Black Friday fares via email newsletters and app notifications. So be sure to sign up for their newsletters and enable your notifications ahead of time to get early access to their sales or special discount codes.

💡 Pro tip: Start checking prices on Wednesday (November 26th) before Black Friday (November 28th). Many airlines release early deals in the middle of the week, and snagging them before the weekend can save you the most money.

How to tell if a flight deal is real or fake

Source: Shutterstock

Not every Black Friday flight deal is as good as it seems. Airlines and aggregators sometimes use marketing tactics to make regular fares look like discounts.

Knowing what to watch for can save you from overpaying and ensure you get the real bargains.

Red flags

“Limited time” countdowns: Some sites use flashy timers to create a sense of urgency, making you feel like you must book immediately, but often, the advertised “sale fare” is actually the regular price.
Hidden baggage, seat selection, or service fees: You might think you’ve nabbed a cheap flight, but when you get to checkout, you’ll find extra charges such as seat selection or checked baggage that inflate the cost.
“From $99” fares that apply only to a single random date: A common tactic is to highlight a single, low-cost option that’s not practical for most travelers. Aside from being one specific flight, it’s usually mid-week or off-season. When you search for the same flight on weekends or peak travel dates, you will likely see it costs double or triple the advertised price.

Signs of a genuine deal

Discounts apply across multiple dates, routes, or cabin classes
Deals are listed by verified airlines or reputable OTAs
Price drops are consistent with historical averages for that specific route

Quick tips to actually save money on Black Friday flight deals

Here are some smart strategies to help you maximize your Black Friday savings and avoid overpaying:

Compare the deal against your usual route prices: Tools like Google Flights or Hopper can help you compare current deals with historical averages.
Check if the headline fare includes all fees: If you have to pay extra for checked luggage, seat selection, or airport fees, the real price will quickly increase. Real discounts stand out even after the fine print.
Avoid unknown or third-party sites: Some lesser-known booking platforms may advertise low fares that don’t actually exist. Stick to verified airlines or reputable OTAs like Expedia, Kayak, or Skyscanner to ensure your booking is safe and confirmed.
Set price alerts a week early: Many aggregators and apps let you track fares for your preferred routes a few days before Black Friday. This helps you spot real deals (which are often limited in quantity) the moment they appear.
Use incognito mode or a fare-tracking app: Flight prices can increase after a few repeated searches in your browser. Using incognito mode (or relying on a fare-tracking app like Hopper) can prevent dynamic pricing from inflating fares.
Compare two or three sites before booking: Checking a deal across a few trusted sites before buying will ensure you’re getting the lowest possible price.
Check deals on Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday: Sometimes you will find better deals on these days rather than Black Friday.

Black Friday is not just about cheap flights. Check out our Black Friday 2025 travel deals guide to discover what other travel-related bargains you can find!

Travel smarter this season with Holafly

Black Friday flight deals can be a great way to save, especially if you’re flexible with your dates, destinations, and airlines.

Once you’ve locked in your flight deal, keep those savings going by avoiding costly roaming fees. With a Holafly eSIM, you can get online right after landing with unlimited data and reliable coverage across 170 destinations.

And keep an eye out for upcoming Holafly’s Black Friday deal! Buy 2 eSIMs, get 1 free. Perfect if you’re planning multiple trips or sharing data with friends and family!

For more savvy travel tips, follow Holafly on Google Discover.