FLIGHT TO THE Algarve’s only airport, Faro – or Gago Coutinho International Airport as it has now been renamed – is around three hours from London airports like Luton, Gatwick, Heathrow and Stanstead. The same goes for Dublin. If one is flying out of Edinburgh or Glasgow, it’s another 20 minutes. Expecting visitors? Share the following with them…

Skyscanner compares cheap flight prices from all of the major airlines and travel agents. The website says the best time to book a flight to the Algarve is 45 to 60 days in advance. TravelSupermarket.com says the further you book in advance, the more likely you are to bag a cheaper flight. Flights are obviously more cost-effective in the low season – November to February – but as the warm weather now lasts for much longer on the Algarve, going out of season for some winter sun is very appealing.

The fact that flights to the Algarve are in constant high demand keeps prices relatively competitive, but the school summer holiday months of July and August mean they will always rise then. Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air are some of the most popular airlines; a quick scan for the best prices as of August 2024 had flights with Ryanair listed for as little as £60 for a roundtrip, with easyJet advertising prices for £61 and Wizz Air at £97. However, a good deal heavily depends on the time of day that you are travelling; early morning flights can be much cheaper, while later flights on easyJet and Ryanair were advertised at £244 and £175 respectively for the same day that I looked at.

Next, it’s baggage. Airlines differ, but Faro Airport says travellers can expect to be able to take a single item onto the plane, but it must respect the weight and size restrictions at check-in. Hand luggage should contain only essential items and for those who are carrying medicines and medical items like syringes for Diabetes, they may be asked to provide a medical certificate.

Speedy Boarding is a process unique to easyJet, but is it really of value? It’s only available for customers who have an easyJet Plus card, have bought Standard Plus or FLEXI fares, or paid to add a large cabin bag to their booking. It cannot be bought separately. It’s down to individual choice but Speedy Boarding may best serve those who are travelling at peak times when the plane is likely to be busier and you want first dibs on the overhead luggage holdall or getting settled into your seat, especially if you have little children with you.

Be aware
There are also certain caveats to bear in mind at the time of booking flights. It’s always necessary to check the individual terms and conditions – for example, easyJet tickets are non-refundable with only a few exceptions like Travel Restriction Protection, which gives you flight flexibility if there was a health crisis like another COVID-19 lockdown.

Spelling mistakes on bookings will be updated free of charge by this airline but making changes to bookings will cost you and is cheaper if you do it online rather than on the phone with an airline operator. A name change online will cost £55 while over the phone, it’s £60. Ryanair charges £115 online or £160 with an agent and for Wizz Air, it’s €60 per person. So, there are benefits to being internet savvy when booking a flight.

There are also Rescue Fees for easyJet customers; if you miss your flight but arrive within two hours after the scheduled departure time, you can get on the next available flight for £110 per passenger. There are also other fees to take into account like name changes to bookings, extra luggage, and allocated seating which, with easyJet starts at £12.99… but you’ll need to be quick, as those tend to be some of the first seats to go fast.

Words: Lucy Mayer