What to expect from Black Friday 2025 and how to bag the best bargains
This year, Black Friday is taking place on Friday, November 28, although the sales often start earlier in the month and continue through to Cyber Monday on December 1. With just over a month to go, I’m bracing myself for a barrage of cut-price deals on flights, holidays, staycations, suitcases, travel bags and a wealth of other travel-related essentials.
Getting prepped now gives you time to plan ahead, research dream destinations, get the old luggage out of the loft or simply start making a list of potential buys that have caught your eye. While most brands have yet to confirm any deals or discounts, previous Black Friday deals should give us a good idea of what we can expect.
Black Friday is renowned for its wallet-friendly deals on everything from air fryers to Oodies and just about everything in between. But when it comes to travel, do those headline-grabbing discounts really make a difference?
The answer is a resounding yes. Booking flights or holidays during the Black Friday sales can unlock huge savings on airfares, hotels and beyond. In recent years, travellers have snapped up some truly standout offers, and with the travel industry bouncing back stronger than ever, those who can stay flexible with dates and destinations are likely to land the best bargains.
To help you get ahead of the rush, I’ve rounded up a list of travel must-haves that typically see fantastic discounts during the pre-Christmas shopping frenzy.
Flights and holidays
When it comes to saving money on your next getaway, it’s fair to say that not all Black Friday deals are created equal. Some travel companies might tempt you with modest discounts on future bookings or last-minute escapes, while others go all out with perks like free child places, luggage upgrades, or even buy-one-get-one-half-price holiday offers.
If past years are anything to go by, most of our favourite UK holiday brands will be jumping on the Black Friday bandwagon — and it’s well worth keeping an eye out for those extra-special deals.
Thomas Cook
Travel giant Thomas Cook has traditionally always offered discounts across the range on Black Friday.
Previously they have sliced up to 20% off some of their best-selling hotels, with family favourites like Turkey and Greece seeing favourable savings.
TUI
Previously, the award-winning travel agent broke out some impressive discounts on selected holidays. From exotic long-haul adventures to family friends spots in Europe and beyond, TUI offered up to £200 pounds off selected bookings and up to £150 per person in rewards.
There were also discounts of up to £30 per person on short and mid-haul flights and £50 per person on long-haul flights.
Virgin Atlantic
Offering package deals to some of the world’s top destinations including Orlando, New York, LA and the Caribbean, Virgin Atlantic gave money off economy and premium seats and upper-class flights in their last Black Friday deals.
People were also able to save up to 10% off a package holiday with Virgin Atlantic Holidays.
EasyJet
Last year, easyJet launched their annual Black Friday sale with nearly half a million seats across thousands of flights to Europe and North Africa, with up to 15% off fares starting from just £25.99.
Holidaymakers could also enjoy up to £200 off package getaways with easyJet holidays.
Jet2
Budget airline Jet2 had lots of different deals to choose from in 2024, offering between £90 and £100 off per person on a wide range of holidays. There was also a up to 15% off selected flights.
British Airways
Last year the UK flag carrier offered selected flights starting from as little as £35 one way. BA also lured travellers with up to £300 off worldwide holidays, city breaks from £129 per person and deposits starting from as little as £25.
Bookings made in the Black Friday sale were also able to qualify for the long-running DOUBLE BA tier points offer, subject to terms and conditions.
Ryanair
Already offering low-cost seats to a wide range of destinations, Ryanair Black Friday 2024 saw prices slashed on ticket prices, with passengers snapping up tickets from the UK starting from £40 return.
Wizz Air
As another low-cost flight provider, Wizz Air fought off the competition by offering different Black Friday deals flying to various destinations including Tenerife, Rome and Portugal. Prices started from as little as £30 return.
LoveHolidays
Online travel agent LoveHolidays offered discounts in the form of 15% off selected hotels and holidays last year, with £25 deposits and flexible payment options remaining attractive for holidaymakers wanting to book in advance.
Eurostar
The intercontinental rail service Eurostar runs flash deals throughout the year. Last year saw tickets to Paris and Lille for as little as £39, with further deals on sightseeing tours and other holiday add-ons.
Wowcher
Deal site Wowcher offers a wide range of cheap city breaks, holidays and mystery travel deals. Already great value for money, they traditionally slash prices during Black Friday.
Well suited to travellers who are flexible about when they travel and where they stay, you could grab a weekend away for as little as £99 per person. Sign up for the site and keep your eyes peeled.
Hotels and accommodation
Anyone looking to book a staycation or in need of a few nights away could also save some cash based on previous Black Friday deals.
Booking.com
The hotel aggregator site offers great deals on hotels, flights and car hire all year round. During last year’s Booking.com Black Friday sales travellers could take advantage of a further 30% off selected accommodation.
Hotels.com
Last year’s Hotels.com Black Friday event ran until December, 1 and offered up to 30% off selected hotels across the world and 25% off car hire.
Lastminute.com
Online travel portal lastminute.com had a range of Black Friday deals available in previous years including up to £300 off flight and hotel vouchers, as well as £100 off a £1000 spend, £200 off a £2500 spend and £300 off holidays costing £4000 or more.
The Lastminute.com site usually offers big savings on Black Friday, along with favourable deposit deals and monthly payment plans.