As flight prices continue to soar in 2026,
County Derry holidaymakers are being shown some top hacks that could help them shave hundreds of pounds off their Easter getaways.
It is set to be a busy couple of weeks ahead for the airline industry as the Easter travel rush gets underway – with some carriers warning of travel chaos as thousands of holidaymakers take to the skies.
With a surge in demand for last-minute holiday bookings, the travel insurance experts at CompareNI.com are sharing some key airport hacks to help NI passengers get their trips off to a flying start.
These include comparing airport fares, avoiding hidden airline fees, pre-booking parking and shopping around for travel insurance.
Airline fares are often one of the biggest holiday expenses, but travellers can make substantial savings by comparing flight prices between airports.
CompareNI.com looked at fares for a family of four to several popular routes over the Easter break from both Belfast International Airport and Dublin Airport.
Flights from Dublin to Tenerife were priced around £400 cheaper than from Belfast International. Passengers flying from Dublin to Paris saved over £500, while flights to Amsterdam cost almost £700 less than those from Belfast.
The biggest savings were found on transatlantic flights, with Dublin to New York coming in almost £1000 cheaper than a connecting flight from Belfast.
It is worth noting that while Belfast International currently offers no direct flights to the USA, low-cost airline Fly Atlantic has announced plans to launch direct flights from NI to several North American destinations in 2027.
For NI travellers looking for a short European break, budget airlines offer low ticket fares to popular destinations, making them an attractive option for many holidaymakers. However, ticket prices often don’t reflect the true cost passengers will end up paying, as they don’t take account of any extra fees.
For example, a return fare from Belfast to Amsterdam with easyJet will set a family of four back £1035, but adding checked bags and reserved seating will mean they end up paying an extra £449 – almost 50% more than the original ticket price.
To get around these hidden fees, travellers may want to pack light and limit themselves to an under-the seat bag if possible. If passengers find themselves needing to take extra luggage, flying with a full-service airline (such as Aer Lingus or British Airways) can sometimes be cheaper than a budget airline.
When it comes to seating, most major airlines will try to seat groups on the same booking together, as long as seats are still available – so checking-in at the earliest opportunity will reduce the risk of being split up.
Other hidden fees to watch out for include airport check-in fees – with Ryanair charging passengers £55 for failing to check-in online ahead of their flight.
Airport parking can be an often-overlooked travel expense, and holidaymakers who fail to book ahead risk adding a significant chunk to the cost of their trip, as prices typically increase closer to the date of travel.
Savings can also be found by choosing off-site or park and ride options, rather than official airport facilities. Savvy travellers can cut costs even further by using online parking apps to look for private rental spaces or driveways – CompareNI.com found reservable spots located just a few miles away from Belfast International from as little as £12.
Most airlines will suggest passengers add travel insurance as part of their booking, but it is usually worth shopping around. Comparing different policies can help travellers find better coverage at a lower price, tailored to their specific needs. It’s also important to remember to buy travel insurance when the holiday is first booked, so that any incidents in the build up to the trip will likely be covered.
Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director at CompareNI.com said: “As we continue to see travel costs increase, CompareNI.com has crunched the numbers to show Northern Ireland holidaymakers how they could make real savings on their next getaway.
“Choosing which airport to fly from can have a meaningful impact on holiday budgets, while being aware of hidden airline extras and pre-booking parking can also help keep costs down.
“Holidaymakers should also make sure they have the right travel insurance in place as soon as they book their trip, along with any extras – travel disruption insurance can help with a whole range of unexpected incidents, but it doesn’t normally come as standard with most policies.”
CompareNI.com can help holidaymakers find savings on all sorts of travel insurance products, such as annual or multi-trip cover, insurance for families and those who need insurance for pre-existing conditions.
