Cheap summer flights from UAE? Here’s how to book smart and skip airport queues
How to save money, avoid delays and enjoy a stress-free summer holiday from the UAE
Dubai: Finally planning a summer holiday this year to your dream vacation? If you have not booked your flights yet don’t worry, you can still find the best deal and save money. Whether you are trying to save money, avoid crowds or enjoy a smoother airport experience, the key lies in knowing when and how to travel. From the cheapest days to fly to skipping airport queues altogether, here’s what UAE travellers need to know.
1. Best time to travel this summer
If you are aiming to stretch your travel budget, early July is one of the cheapest times to go on holiday. According to Expedia, prices during this period can be up to 40 per cent lower than the seasonal average, saving you over $50 (Dh183.65) per night, according to a report by Expedia, an American travel technology company.
Quietest and busiest travel dates
Least busy days: June 4, 6 and 9
Busiest days: August 11 to 1 (which aligns with schools opening after the summer break in the UAE)
2. Cheapest days to book flights
Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks Report reveals that booking flights on a Sunday can help you save up to 16 per cent compared to booking on a Friday. This trend continues for the third year in a row, making Sunday the most cost-effective day to secure your tickets.
International travellers could save even more up to 17 per cent, when compared to bookings made on Mondays or Fridays.
3. Money-saving summer travel tips
To get the most value out of your trip, consider flexible travel options. Choosing hotels and flights with ‘free cancellation’ or ‘reserve now, pay later’ policies gives you peace of mind if plans change.
According to Expedia, you can also reduce overall costs by bundling flights and accommodation into one package. Customisable holiday packages offered not only simplify the booking process but also come with added discounts.
4. When to fly to avoid cancellations
Flight cancellations increased in 2024, affecting 3.4 per cent of all departures. To reduce your risk:
Fly early: Flights departing between 9am and 3pm have the lowest cancellation rates.
Avoid late-night departures: Flights leaving after 9pm are 57 per cent more likely to be cancelled.
If reliability is important, aim to fly in the morning or early afternoon.
5. Lounge access with your UAE credit card
Travellers with premium Visa or Mastercard credit cards may be entitled to complimentary access to airport lounges around the world, including at Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport. The benefits depend on your card type and issuing bank, so it is best to check the specific terms.
For example, Emirates NBD cardholders can enjoy unlimited free visits for themselves and one guest per visit. Emirates Islamic customers receive their first lounge visit of the calendar year free of charge. These perks can significantly improve your airport experience, especially during the busy summer season.
6. Skip airport queues with home check-in services
Airports are particularly crowded during the summer, but you can avoid the hassle by using a remote check-in service. Passengers flying from Dubai or Abu Dhabi can check in their luggage from the comfort of their home, hotel or office. This not only speeds up the airport process but also cuts waiting time in half.
The service includes luggage collection, delivery of your boarding pass and bag tags, and transport of your bags to the airport. In Dubai, the service is managed by Dubz, while in Abu Dhabi it’s provided by Morafiq. Bookings must be made at least six hours before departure.
While there is an extra cost, many travellers find the convenience worth the price, especially for early morning or family flights.
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