Scotland is a bonnie place to visit, wi’ its rugged landscapes, grand castles, and lively cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness. But dinnae fash yersel’—getting here doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Whether you’re looking for cheap flights to Edinburgh, budget flights to Glasgow, or the best travel deals to Scotland, this guide will help you save a few quid on your journey.
1. Use Flight Comparison Websites
If ye want to bag the cheapest flights to Scotland, ye need to be canny. Flight comparison websites will do the heavy lifting for ye by searching multiple airlines and travel agencies:
• Skyscanner – Compares flights across airlines and lets ye set price alerts.
• Google Flights – Tracks price drops and helps find flexible dates.
• Momondo – Digs up hidden fares, including budget airlines ye might no’ find elsewhere.
Pro Tip: Always check the airline’s website before booking, as direct fares can sometimes be cheaper.
2. Fly with Budget Airlines
If ye’re flying fae Europe, budget airlines offer some of the cheapest flights to Scotland. Here are some of the best low-cost carriers:
• EasyJet – Flies tae Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness.
• Ryanair – Dirt-cheap flights tae Edinburgh and Glasgow Prestwick.
• Jet2 & Wizz Air – Affordable flights fae selected European cities.
Pro Tip: These airlines love adding fees for baggage and seat selection, so read the wee print before ye book!
3. Be Flexible with Dates and Airports
Flexibility is the key to finding cheap flights to Scotland. Here’s how ye can save some dosh:
• Fly midweek – Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper than weekends.
• Avoid peak times – Summer (June–August) and Christmas see sky-high prices. Consider visiting in autumn when the heather’s in bloom, or spring when the days are getting longer.
• Try different airports – Sometimes, flying into a different Scottish airport can save ye a fair bit.
| Airport | Best for | Budget Airlines |
| Edinburgh (EDI) | Scotland’s busiest airport, ideal for city breaks | Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air |
| Glasgow (GLA) | Best for transatlantic flights | EasyJet, Jet2 |
| Glasgow Prestwick (PIK) | A wee bit further out, but often cheaper | Ryanair |
| Aberdeen (ABZ) | Handy for northern Scotland & the Highlands | EasyJet, Loganair |
| Inverness (INV) | Perfect for exploring the Highlands | EasyJet |
Pro Tip: If ye’re up for an adventure, fly into one airport and out of another to see more of Scotland while saving money!
4. Use Airline Rewards & Travel Points
If ye travel often, signing up for airline loyalty programs or using a travel rewards credit card could get ye discounts—or even free flights!
• Avios (British Airways Executive Club) – Earn points for flights to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
• EasyJet Plus & Ryanair Choice – Perks like priority boarding and baggage discounts.
• Travel Credit Cards – Cards like American Express Platinum or Chase Sapphire Preferred offer great travel rewards.
Pro Tip: Book early if ye’re using miles or points—award seats disappear faster than a dram of whisky on a cold night!
5. Use Stopovers to Save Money
If direct flights to Scotland are too dear, consider booking a stopover flight instead. Some airlines even offer free stopovers in exciting destinations:
• Icelandair – Free stopover in Reykjavik on flights from the U.S. to Scotland.
• Turkish Airlines – Free stopovers in Istanbul for flights from Asia or North America.
• KLM & Air France – Sometimes cheaper with layovers in Amsterdam or Paris.
Pro Tip: Search for multi-city flights—sometimes, a longer layover saves ye money and gives ye a chance to explore another city!
6. Student & Youth Discounts
If ye’re a student or under 26, there are special discounts on flights to Scotland. Here’s where to look:
• StudentUniverse – Offers exclusive student fares.
• ISIC Card Discounts – Some airlines give discounts to ISIC cardholders.
• STA Travel (UK & US) – Deals for students and young travelers.
Pro Tip: Even if ye’re no’ a student, some airlines offer discounts to folk under 30, so it’s worth checking!
7. When to Book for the Best Prices
The best time to book cheap flights to Scotland varies, but here’s a general rule of thumb:
• Book 6–8 weeks before departure for European flights.
• Book 3–5 months ahead for transatlantic flights.
• Tuesdays & Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest days to book flights.
• Flying off-peak (outside of summer and holidays) will save ye the most money.
Pro Tip: Some airlines offer free 24-hour cancellations, so if ye spot a cheaper fare right after booking, ye might be able to cancel and rebook at the lower price.
Find the Cheapest Flights to Scotland Today!
If ye’re ready to book yer trip, check these sites for the best deals on flights to Scotland:
• ✈️ Skyscanner – Compare flights and set price alerts.
• ✈️ Google Flights – Track price drops and find flexible dates.
• ✈️ Kiwi.com – Great for last-minute flight deals.
By following these tips, ye’ll be able to visit Scotland on a budget without scrimping on the fun. Whether ye fancy a city break in Edinburgh, an adventure in the Highlands, or a wee road trip to the Isle of Skye, saving money on flights means more to spend on whisky, ceilidhs, and exploring Scotland’s stunning scenery.
So, what are ye waiting for? Get booking and we’ll see ye soon in bonnie Scotland!