The Average Costs of Flights Around the World

Friday, 28 Feb 2025

Average cost of flights

Planning a trip? Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury getaway or a budget-friendly adventure, it always comes down to the final cost. We’ve rounded up the average cost of flights from around the world. Flight prices shift with the seasons, demand, and how early you book. Summer and school holidays push costs up, while midweek flights (Tuesday or Wednesday) often save you money. The prices mentioned in this article are based on averages for travellers departing from the UK. Send My Bag operates internationally, so costs may vary depending on your location.



Luxury Destinations

Fancy sipping champagne in Dubai or lounging in a Maldives overwater villa? Luxury holidays mean premium destinations, and flights reflect that. From London, a return ticket to Dubai averages £400 - £600, depending on the season. For the Maldives, you’re looking at £700 - £1,000 return - pricey, but worth it for paradise. These costs assume economy class, splash out on business or first class, and you could easily double these costs.

  • Barbados: £500 - £800 return from London - perfect for upscale beach resorts.

  • Tokyo: £600 - £900 return - A sleek, high-end city break.



Budget saving

Budget-friendly spots like Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia offer amazing value. A return flight from London to Budapest can cost as little as £50 - £100 if you book early with a low-cost airline. Heading further? Bangkok averages £350 - £500 return - still a steal for street food and stunning temples. Pack light, send your bags with us, and keep your holiday cheap and affordable.

  • Krakow, Poland: £40 - £90 return - history and charm on a budget.

  • Hanoi, Vietnam: £300 - £450 return - affordable and packed with culture.


Flight Hopping Holidays

Love bouncing between cities or countries? Flight-hopping around Europe or island-hopping in Asia, can add up fast if not done correctly. A return to Barcelona might start at £80 - £150, then add £20 - £50 one-way hops to Rome or Paris on budget carriers. For a global trip, say London to New York (£300 - £500 return), then internal US flights (£70 - £150 each), costs climb but stay manageable.

  • Lisbon to Madrid: £30 - £60 one-way - a quick Iberian hop.

  • Sydney to Melbourne: £80 - £120 one-way - Australian city vibes.

You can also save money by booking flights at the very last minute. Airlines often slash prices on unsold seats to fill planes, especially if you’re flexible with your destination or travel dates. You can do this for accommodation as well. For example, a last-minute return to Malaga for a beach break might drop from £150 to under £80, or a quick getaway to Dublin could go from £100 to £50.


Culture and Sightseeing

If you’re looking to explore the culture and sightseeing of a destination such as the ancient ruins or vibrant markets, culture-rich destinations don’t have to break the bank. A return flight to Athens averages £100 - £200 from London. Perfect for exploring the Acropolis. For a further place, Marrakech costs £80 - £180 return, offering souks and stunning architecture. These prices flex with demand, so best to book ahead.

  • Istanbul: £120 - £250 return - where East meets West.

  • Cairo: £250 - £400 return - pyramids and history galore.



Walking Holidays

Walking holidays are all about stunning trails and fresh air. A return flight to Geneva (for Swiss hikes) averages £70 - £150 from London. For a shorter trip, fly to Edinburgh for £50 - £120 and hit the Highlands. These destinations are affordable and close, keeping costs low.

  • Innsbruck, Austria: £80 - £160 return - Alpine trails await.

  • Dublin: £40 - £100 return - step into Ireland’s wild hills.

Beach Holidays

Nothing beats a lazy poolside escape. Popular beach spots like the Algarve in Portugal offer return flights from London for £60 - £150. For a longer haul, Cancun, Mexico, averages £400 - £600 return, ideal for white sands and all-inclusive vibes. These prices dip outside school holidays, so it’s all about planning smartly.

  • Malaga, Spain: £50 - £130 return - Costa del Sol bliss.

  • Phuket, Thailand: £350 - £550 return - tropical poolside perfection.



Final Say

Flight costs vary widely, but this guide ensures you’re prepared for any journey. Luxury places offer premium escapes (£400 - £1,000), while budget-saving trips keep costs low (£50 - £500). Flight-hopping holidays range from £20 - £500 depending on distance, and culture and sightseeing destinations stay affordable (£80 - £400). Walking holidays are economical (£50 - £160), and beach holidays span £60 - £600 for poolside relaxation.

With strategic booking, a little clever planning and our reliable luggage service, your travel plans will remain seamless and cost-effective.

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