Latest news with #CheapDealsAway
Daily Mail
03-08-2025
- Daily Mail
Travel expert's top tips to avoid crying babies on your next flight - including knowing which seats are 'baby magnets'
A travel expert has revealed how travellers can avoid sitting next to crying babies during flights. Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, a company dedicated to helping people avoid overpaying for holidays, said people have 'more control over their seating situation than they think'. She noted that the nightmare scenario - settling in for a peaceful flight, before being disrupted for hours by a crying infant - is all too familiar to many people. According to Dawn, the unrelenting noise can make rest impossible, and turn a journey into an 'endurance test'. She said: 'Passengers usually don't realise they have more control over their seating situation than they think. 'With the right strategies, you can dramatically improve your chances of securing a quieter spot on the plane.' She then shared some practical tips on strategic seat selection can transform the flying experience. 1. Steer Clear Of Bulkhead Seats Those front-row seats might seem appealing with their extra legroom, but they're actually baby magnets, according to Dawn. This is because airlines install bassinets directly on the bulkhead wall, which makes these prime real estate for families with infants. 'Bulkhead seats are where airlines place bassinets, so families with babies get priority booking for these rows,' Dawn explained. 'If you want peace and quiet, avoid the front section entirely.' 2. Master The Seat Map Most airlines now show detailed seat maps during booking, and savvy travellers can spot potential trouble zones before confirming their selection. 'Look for baby icons or bassinet symbols on the seat map – they're your early warning system,' said Dawn. 'Some airlines even flag which rows have bassinets installed, so you can steer clear from the start.' Why babies can ruin your flight experience Before diving into the solutions, it's worth understanding exactly why sitting near families with infants can have such an impact on your journey. The disruption isn't limited to just occasional crying. 'When babies cry, they create a ripple effect of activity around them,' explains Dawn. 'Parents are constantly moving up and down the aisle, getting supplies from overhead bins, and using reading lights at all hours to tend to their little ones.' The noise factor is obvious, but there's also the frequent movement as parents walk crying babies up and down the aisle to soothe them. Add in the bright overhead lights being switched on and off throughout the flight, plus the general commotion of nappy changes and feeding times, and you've got a recipe for disrupted rest. 3. Head To The Back While passengers often scramble for seats near the front for quicker boarding and disembarking, this strategy can backfire if you're seeking tranquillity. Dawn explained: 'Families usually book early and choose seats near the front for convenience, with easier access to toilets and getting off the plane earlier with all their gear. 'The rear sections and far sides of wide-body aircraft are usually much quieter.' 4. Fly At Odd Hours Timing your departure can be just as important as seat selection. Late-night flights and red-eye departures see significantly fewer families with young children. 'Parents generally avoid flying with babies during antisocial hours unless absolutely necessary,' Dawn noted. 'An 11pm departure or 6am red-eye dramatically reduces your chances of sharing the cabin with crying infants.' 5. Research Adult-Focused Options Some airlines and aircraft sections cater specifically to adult passengers, though these options are becoming rarer. 'Certain premium economy sections or specific aircraft configurations limit families with infants,' said Dawn. 'It's worth checking airline policies before booking, as some carriers restrict where families with bassinets can sit.' Dawn concluded: 'At the end of the day, smart seat selection is your only real defence if you're someone who needs peace and quiet during flights. 'You can't control other passengers, but you can absolutely control where you sit. I've seen too many travellers book the cheapest available seat without thinking about the bigger picture, then spend eight hours miserable because they're stuck next to a screaming baby.' She continued: 'The key is being strategic from the moment you start booking. Take those extra few minutes to study the seat map, consider your departure time, and think about aircraft layout. 'Yes, you might pay a bit more for a seat towards the back or avoid those tempting bulkhead spots, but the difference in your travel experience is worth every penny. 'A good night's sleep or peaceful journey often makes the entire holiday better from day one.'
Wales Online
20-06-2025
- Wales Online
Flights are 'almost always cheaper' on two days of the month
Flights are 'almost always cheaper' on two days of the month A travel expert has revealed the best time to book a holiday, including the perfect time to get the cheapest flights and hotels - and it's not as far in advance as you might think There's nothing better than saving money on a holiday (Image: Getty ) Booking holidays can really add up, so any chance to get a good deal is very welcome. Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, has spent years monitoring the fluctuating pricing tactics of airlines and hotels, and has some useful advice on saving some cash. It's all about the timing. While you might think booking as far in advance as possible, this actually isn't usually the best approach, says Dawn. "I've seen people book flights 10 months early thinking they've got a bargain, only to watch the same route drop by £200 per person just weeks before departure," she said. "Airlines use dynamic pricing, which means they're constantly adjusting based on demand predictions." But likewise, waiting until the last minute to arrange your holiday can be just as detrimental, with the likelihood of snagging a late deal becoming slimmer, reports the Express. "The days of rocking up to the airport and getting a massive discount are largely gone," said Dawn. "What you're more likely to find are inflated prices, limited availability, and having to compromise on everything from departure times to accommodation quality." Article continues below It can be difficult to figure out if you're getting the best deal (Image: Getty ) Budget airlines and holiday operators are most likely to put up their fares closer to the departure date, Dawn added. "The travel industry has its own rhythm, and understanding that can make the difference between a bargain and a disappointment," she said. According to Dawn, the ideal time to book short-haul flights to European destinations is six to eight weeks prior to departure. For long-haul journeys, it's best to secure your holiday booking eight to 12 weeks in advance. Article continues below However, these guidelines vary with the seasons. Those planning a summer getaway are advised to book their short-haul European trips 10 to 12 weeks ahead of time. "But for a city break in February, you can often get away with booking just four to six weeks ahead and still secure excellent deals," Dawn added. The most attractive deals are typically found when there's some flexibility around departure dates, airports, and even destinations. "Tuesday and Wednesday departures are almost always cheaper than weekend flights," Dawn said. "And flying from alternative airports can cut costs dramatically."
Daily Mail
20-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Flights are 'almost always cheaper' if you depart on two specific days of the week reveals travel expert
A travel expert has revealed the best days of the week to fly to secure a cheap flight. Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, says that travelling on two specific days will help tourists save money on their flight. Speaking to the Express, the expert reveals that flying mid-week could help travellers snap up a bargain flight. Dawn says: 'Tuesday and Wednesday departures are almost always cheaper than weekend flights.' Many British travellers try to maximise their time away by flying at the weekend so prices are generally highest on Saturday. If you're able to be flexible with your departure date, it's worth checking the price of your flight across different days. Dawn also claims that booking a flight at the earliest date possible isn't always the best way to save money. She says: 'I've seen people book flights 10 months early thinking they've got a bargain, only to watch the same route drop by £200 per person just weeks before departure. 'Airlines use dynamic pricing, which means they're constantly adjusting based on demand predictions.' However, the expert adds that booking a flight last-minute is also a risky way to travel. She explains that tourists could face 'inflated prices' and 'limited availability' as well as being forced to 'compromise' on 'accommodation quality' if they book late. According to Dawn, the ideal time to book a short-haul flight to Europe is six to eight weeks before departure. When it comes to a long-haul flight, it's best to book eight to 12 weeks ahead of travel.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Yahoo
Travel expert shares airplane trick to make sure the whole family gets the best seats
Flying with a big group can be stressful, especially if you're catering to family members of different ages. But according to one expert, there's an easy way to make sure everyone gets the perfect spot on the plane without breaking the bank. Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, a company dedicated to helping people find the best holiday deal, advises that you separate the plane into various zones and book seats for family members accordingly. She said: 'Most families just grab whatever seats are available, then end up stressed when their toddler won't settle or grandad struggles to get to the loo. But with a bit of planning and my simple zoning method, you can turn a potentially stressful journey into a much more pleasant experience for everyone." READ MORE: The European city 'just like Amsterdam' but cheaper with fewer tourists READ MORE: The European city 'just like Berlin' with the biggest red light district in Europe Dawn's zoning method is simple but effective. Instead of booking seats randomly, she suggests dividing the plane into strategic zones based on each family member's needs. Describing the method, she said: "It considers everyone's needs - from grandparents who need easy access to the loo, to kids who need entertainment, to teens who want their own space. 'The beauty of this approach is that it's flexible and can work with any budget. Even if you can't get your exact preferred seats, understanding these zones helps you make the best choices from what's available." For older relatives, she advised booking aisle seats at the front of the plane. Dawn said: 'This makes boarding and getting off much easier, plus they'll have quick access to the loos. The front of the plane also tends to be quieter and experiences less turbulence.' For parents with young children, Dawn recommends the middle section near the wings. She commented: 'This area experiences the least turbulence, which is great for little ones who might get nervous, 'Choose window seats for the kids - it keeps them entertained with the view and means they won't be disturbed by other passengers needing to get past.' For teenagers or more independent family members, Dawn suggested sitting them slightly separately to give family members some breathing space. Dawn explained: 'Teens often appreciate having their own space. Book them aisle or window seats within sight but not right next to you. It gives them independence while keeping them close enough if needed.' The expert also shared her advice on keeping costs down. She said: 'Most airlines now charge extra for seat selection, but there are ways around this. Book early - this gives you more choice and often better prices. Some airlines also offer free seat selection for families with young children if you call their customer service.' Websites like SeatGuru allow you to check the best spots on your specific plane. Dawn added: 'Also, download your airline's app - sometimes they offer free seat selection through their apps, and you'll get notifications if better seats become available.' Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
