How to save on winter flights: book in summer and track deals

When the heat is on and everyone is dreaming of the beach, it’s the perfect moment to think about… winter travel. Counterintuitive, yes, but summer is exactly when it makes sense to book flights for New Year breaks, ski trips and other cold-season getaways. The savings can be substantial—sometimes twice, or even three times lower than peak prices.

Why buying tickets in summer pays off

If keeping costs down matters, book ahead—about 2–4 months for trips within Russia and 4–5 months for international flights. Summer is when airlines roll out their winter schedules at the most attractive fares.

The closer it gets to the holidays, the higher the prices climb, especially around New Year and throughout January. Wait until autumn, and you could end up paying double. Those who purchase in summer get not only lower fares but also a wider choice of departure times, routes and seats. From experience, the early-bird strategy rarely disappoints.

Sales worth tracking—they help you save

Some carriers, including Ural Airlines, run summer sales with reduced fares on winter flights. They held such a promotion in May 2025. Discounts often coincide with holidays like Russia Day, Black Friday and New Year.

To catch the best offers, it’s practical to subscribe to airline newsletters or enable alerts in their apps. It takes a minute and pays off more often than not.

Timing matters—the day and hour can change the price

Good fares frequently appear overnight from Monday to Tuesday, when airlines refresh their pricing.

Flexibility helps, too. Shifting departure by a day—earlier or later—can noticeably reduce the fare. This is especially true around the holidays: December 31 or January 2 tends to cost more than December 28 or January 4.

Mileage and points programs are a real boost

If you fly regularly, join an airline loyalty program. Miles or points can be used for discounts or even a free ticket. The earlier you book, the better the chance to redeem them—by peak season, those award seats are usually gone.

Where to find the best fares

There’s no need to check every airline site by hand. It’s easier to use dedicated tools such as Skyscanner, Aviasales or Yandex Travel. They compare fares across carriers and highlight the cheapest options. You can also tweak the itinerary: consider a connection or a nearby city—sometimes it beats a nonstop on price.

Should you wait until fall?

Judging by the current market, demand for winter trips isn’t easing—people are traveling actively again. Banking on last-minute December tickets is a gamble, and odds are the prices will be high. If saving matters, it’s smarter to move now. Summer is the sweet spot for planning a winter holiday without overspending.