by Skycop team
Air travel isn’t free – unless you plan to fly in the cargo hold (please don’t!). But what actually decides the price you pay for a seat? Let’s break down the biggest factors affecting airfares – and share some tips on how to pay less.
Balancing travel costs with smart planning
Was Your Flight Disrupted? Turn your delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight into a compensation up to €600!
Seasonal demand and competition
Ticket prices naturally rise during busy times like Christmas or major events – when travellers simply have no choice but to fly. In the quiet season, fares drop to encourage people to book more trips.
Competition also plays a role. If several airlines operate the same route, they try to keep prices lower. But when a single airline is the only option, it can afford to raise fares – exactly what happened when SAS routes were disrupted by a pilot strike.
Seat class and experience
Economy will always be cheaper than premium cabins, but even here airlines are rethinking what you get for your money. Etihad, for instance, has replaced some seat-back screens with streaming options so passengers can watch content on their own devices. This saves weight, burns less fuel and fits into the industry’s push for sustainability.
Cabin layout affects ticket pricing too
Booking class and distance
Even within the economy, ticket prices differ. The cheapest fares often come with restrictions like early purchase deadlines or no refunds, while flexible tickets stay available right up until departure day – at a higher cost. Flight length also matters: longer trips mean higher fares. They also mean higher potential payouts – flight compensation for long-haul delays or cancellations can reach €600.
Fuel prices and operating costs
Jet fuel remains one of the biggest costs for airlines, around 25–30 % of total expenses. Prices in 2025 are stable but above pre-pandemic levels, which means you’re likely paying a bit more for your ticket whenever oil markets rise.
Documents ready before heading to the gate
Departure time and extra charges
Want cheaper flights? Fly when others don’t – very early, very late, or midweek.
And don’t forget that most carriers now charge for extras like luggage, meals or even seat choice. These “hidden” costs make the base ticket look cheaper but raise the final price.
How to save on tickets
Book for off-season months like January (after the holidays), early November or September.
Check nearby airports – sometimes taking a short train ride can save a lot.
Late-night browsing often helps too – that’s when many deals are published before competitors react.
Comparing flight options online pays off
Was Your Flight Disrupted? Turn your delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight into a compensation up to €600!
When things go wrong
Even the cheapest ticket can still cost you time and nerves if your flight is disrupted. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, many passengers may be eligible for up to €600.
You can check if you can claim compensation for a delayed flight, cancelled flight, overbooking, denied boarding, or missed connection.
Don’t let disruption ruin your plans – get compensation quickly and without stress. If you’ve already been affected, claim now – it’s free to check whether your flight qualifies.
