How do you find cheap flights for a group flying from different airports?

Choose the destination and dates around the whole group's airports, not the cheapest route for one person. Then check real fares from every departure airport at the same time and book within a day or two, before prices move.

Practical steps

1. List every departure airport. Include nearby alternatives. Someone in London may fly from Stansted, Gatwick or Luton for very different prices.
2. Stay flexible on dates. Midweek departures and avoiding school holidays often save more than any other trick.
3. Pick places with links from everyone. Big airports with routes from many cities keep prices competitive for the whole group.
4. Compare the group total. Add up the cheapest sensible fare from each airport for each option. The cheapest total is often not the place one person found a bargain to.
5. Avoid painful connections. A cheap fare with a long or overnight layover can cost more in time and money. Direct, or one stop with a short connection, is usually best.
6. Check prices before anyone books. Ask each traveller to look up their real fare on the same day and report back. This stops half the group booking while the rest are priced out.
7. Book close together. Agree a booking window of 24 to 48 hours once everyone has confirmed.

Where annamo helps

annamo estimates the flight cost from each person's own airport for every place on the shortlist, using a model trained on real fares, so the group compares like with like. After the group locks in, the organiser runs a price check that looks up real fares from every departure city before anyone books. Flight links go to Aviasales, a partner annamo may earn a commission from at no extra cost to you. Estimates are a guide and prices change, so always confirm at checkout.

FAQ

Is it cheaper to book group flights together?

Not usually for small groups. Each person booking their own seat from their own airport is often cheapest.

When is the cheapest time to book flights in Europe?

Roughly one to three months ahead for short trips, though it varies by route and season.

Should we all arrive at the same time?

It is nice but not essential. Agree a meeting point and let people pick the best value flight that day.

Do budget airlines still work out cheaper?

Often, but add bags and seat fees before comparing. A slightly dearer fare with a bag included can be the better deal.