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Best Airlines and Booking Hacks for Finding Cheap Flights to Dubai

Dubai, one of the premier destinations in the Middle East, is ever increasingly gaining popularity among the residents of the United Kingdom. Flights to Dubai from London are plentiful, and several international and low-cost airlines offer direct and stopover flights. Moreover, 7-8 hours of flight is an added advantage for the Europeans as Dubai is well-connected to the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, Africa, South America, and Central and North America. Whether you are looking for a holiday in Dubai or just moving on to a different destination, Dubai is the perfect airport of choice.

If you are looking to fly to Dubai without spending much, we recommend that you do a little research and check out the best available airlines. Some efficient booking hacks can help you secure the best deals on Dubai flights from London. Looking for quality international flights? Check out flights offered by major international airlines like Emirates, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. At the same time, budget travelers can look out for low-cost airlines like Wizz Air and EasyJet.

Timing is also crucial while hunting for cheap flights to Dubai. Check out flight prices around six to eight weeks in advance for the best prices. Look out for mid-week flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. These three days are comparatively cheaper than the weekends and Mondays. Set up fare alerts on travel comparison sites using apps like Skyscanner or Google Flights. In this article, Travelup, the UK’s leading travel agency, presents a few tips and tricks for getting the best flight deals to Dubai!

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Top Airlines Offering Flights to Dubai from London

Dubai, with its luxurious lifestyle and iconic skyline, attracts millions of visitors every year. If you’re planning a trip from London to Dubai, several airlines offer direct or connecting flights to suit every type of traveler. From full-service luxury carriers to budget-friendly options, there’s a flight for everyone. Here’s a closer look at some of the top airlines flying from London to Dubai.

Major Airlines Offering Flights to Dubai

1. Emirates Airlines

Emirates is one of the most popular airlines for flights to Dubai. Known for its world-class service, luxurious seating, and in-flight entertainment, Emirates flies multiple daily flights from London Heathrow and Gatwick to Dubai. Passengers can choose from three classes: Economy, Business, and First Class, all offering a premium experience. Emirates’ onboard service, gourmet meals, and generous baggage allowances make it a top choice for travelers seeking comfort. However, these perks come at a premium, with Emirates often being on the higher end in terms of price.

2. British Airways

British Airways also offers several direct flights to Dubai from Heathrow in London. Like Emirates, BA provides various seating options, including Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Club World), and First Class. British Airways is known for its consistent service quality and extensive network, making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and comfortable journey. While generally cheaper than Emirates, British Airways fares can still be on the pricier side, especially during peak travel seasons.

3. Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic, known for its youthful branding and stylish approach, offers a few direct flights to Dubai from London. Their Upper-Class service stands out for its plush seats and exceptional customer service, while the Economy Cabin provides decent comfort and in-flight entertainment. Virgin Atlantic tends to be competitively priced compared to British Airways and Emirates, making it a good option for travelers seeking quality without paying top-tier prices.

Budget Airlines for Flights to Dubai

For those looking to save money, budget airlines like Wizz Airand easyJet provide more affordable options. Wizz Air has recently expanded its long-haul services and now offers cheaper flights to Dubai from London Luton. While these airlines may lack the frills of full-service carriers, they make up for it with significantly lower fares. Be mindful of additional costs, such as for checked luggage, meals, and seat selection, as these aren’t typically included in the base fare.

Booking Hacks for Cheap Flights to Dubai

Securing a cheap flight to Dubai requires more than just luck. With a few strategic booking hacks, you can significantly reduce the cost of your journey. Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help you find the best deals on flights to Dubai:

1. Timing Your Booking

Ideal Booking Window: One golden rule for finding cheap flights is to book at the right time. The sweet spot for booking international flights, including those to Dubai, is around 6-8 weeks in advance. Booking too early can result in higher prices as airlines haven’t released their discounted fares yet, while last-minute bookings often come with a hefty premium.
Avoid Last-Minute Panic: Flights tend to surge in price in the final weeks before departure, so avoid waiting until the last minute. If you need to book at the last minute, try searching for flights on alternative dates or at airports to find better deals.

2. Mid-week vs. Weekend Flights

Cheaper Mid-week Flights: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the least expensive days to fly. Fewer people travel during the middle of the week, meaning there is less demand, and airlines are more likely to offer lower fares.
Weekend Price Spike: Flights on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are generally more expensive due to higher demand from leisure travelers and weekend holidaymakers. If you have the flexibility to travel mid-week, you can save significantly on your ticket to Dubai.
Return on a Mid-week Day: Not only should you consider flying out mid-week, but returning on a mid-week day can also help save costs. Avoid Sunday returns, which tend to be the most expensive, and opt for a quieter Wednesday or Thursday return.

3. Use Fare Alerts

Set Up Price Alerts: Using fare comparison tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak allows you to set up price alerts for flights to Dubai. These alerts notify you via email or app notification when there is a price drop or increase on the route you’re interested in. This way, you can act quickly when prices are at their lowest.
Monitor Trends: Price alerts also help you monitor fare trends. If you notice consistent price fluctuations, you can better predict when to book for the best deals. Sometimes, waiting for a sale or off-peak period can yield excellent results.
Use Google Flights Explore: Google Flights has an “Explore” feature that allows you to see the cheapest destinations for your travel dates. This can be useful if you’re flexible and looking for a great deal from London to Dubai or even other nearby locations.

4. Be Flexible with Dates

Flexibility Can Save You Money: Being flexible with your travel dates is one of the best ways to find cheap flights to Dubai. When searching for flights, try looking at an entire month’s worth of prices instead of just one or two days. Most flight comparison websites allow you to view a calendar that displays the lowest fares for each day, giving you the chance to select the most budget-friendly option.
Avoid Peak Travel Seasons: Prices skyrocket during holidays, school breaks, and peak travel seasons. If possible, avoid traveling during these periods. Instead, opt for off-peak seasons like the summer months when Dubai experiences its hottest weather, but flight prices drop due to lower tourist demand.

5. Fly from Alternative Airports

Gatwick or Luton Over Heathrow: Heathrow is often the go-to airport for London flights, but it’s also one of the busiest and most expensive. Consider flying from Gatwick or Luton instead, where airlines often offer cheaper fares.
Look for Connecting Flights: If direct flights from London are too costly, consider flying from alternative UK cities or choosing a flight with a layover. Connecting flights are often cheaper, though they may take more time.

6. Use Airline Reward Points and Credit Card Miles

Maximise Rewards Programmes: If you frequently fly, sign up for frequent flyer programs like Emirates Skywards or British Airways Executive Club. Accumulating points on past flights or through credit card spending can be redeemed for significant discounts or even free flights.
Credit Card Bonuses: Some credit cards offer sign-up bonuses in the form of miles, which you can use to offset the cost of your Dubai flight. Pairing a rewards card with airline programs can help you score cheaper or even free flights.

7. Book During Airline Sales

Look Out for Sales: Many airlines run flash sales or seasonal promotions, often in the form of Black Friday or New Year sales. By signing up for airline newsletters or following their social media pages, you can stay in the loop and grab tickets to Dubai at a fraction of the usual price.
Use Discount Codes: Occasionally, airlines offer discount codes or promotional offers. Using these codes at checkout can significantly reduce the cost of your flight.

By employing these booking hacks, you can save money on your flight to Dubai and make the most of your travel budget. Whether it’s through intelligent timing, flexibility, or fare alerts, these strategies will help you get the best deals on your next trip.

Conclusion

Finding affordable flights to Dubai doesn’t have to be a challenge if you use the right strategies. By booking during the ideal window of 6-8 weeks in advance and opting for mid-week flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, you can often score better deals. Tools like Skyscanner and Google Flights offer handy fare alerts, helping you track price changes and grab discounts when they appear.

Flexibility with your travel dates and airports, such as flying from Gatwick or Luton, can also lead to considerable savings. Additionally, taking advantage of airline sales, reward points, and credit card miles can reduce costs even further.

By implementing these simple booking hacks, you’ll be well on your way to finding cheap flights to Dubai. Whether you’re planning a luxurious getaway or a budget-conscious holiday, these tips can help you cut travel expenses, leaving you more to enjoy on your trip.

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