Cheapest places to fly in January
Whether you’re flying home, hitting the slopes, or swapping the cold for the beach, here are a few top destinations where flights tend to cost less in January 2026.
Cheap Flights January 2026
Your guide to cheap January flights and stress-free travel tips
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Book cheap January 2026 flights
January’s a big month for fresh starts — but it doesn’t have to mean big prices.
Whether you’re chasing winter sunshine, planning a spontaneous city break, or heading home after the holidays, January travel can add up quickly.
That’s why finding a great deal matters. The earlier you book (or the smarter you search), the more you can save.
From new-year adventures to mid-winter escapes, whatever your reason to fly this January, we’ll help you get there for less — with flexible ways to pay, over 600 airlines to choose from, and no hidden stress.
Why fly in January?
January’s when fresh plans turn into new adventures.
It’s the month of winter escapes, city break discoveries, snowy getaways, and chasing sunshine. So whether you’re starting the year abroad, reuniting with loved ones, or simply taking a well-earned break, there’s something about flying in January that feels full of possibility.
Some head for ski slopes and frosty cities. Others seek out the warmth of the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, or the southern US. And for many, it’s the perfect time for a spontaneous trip.
Whatever your reason, January is full of opportunities to travel. Just remember — the earlier you book, the better the fares.
Are flights cheaper in January?
Are you looking for cheap January 2026 flights?
Flights in January are often cheaper, especially in the weeks right after New Year’s.
For many destinations (especially Europe and North America), January is considered a “low season” for tourism, so airlines lower fares to fill seats.
With Alternative Airlines, you can easily find cheap winter flights in January for your trip. We have implemented many features to make it easier for our customers to find cheap flights.
Cheapest times to fly in January ✈️
- The first 2–3 weeks after New Year’s
- Midweek flights (Tuesdays & Wednesdays often have the best fares)
When prices are highest 📈
- Around New Year’s Day and the first weekend of January
- Late January, if it overlaps with school holidays or big events
💡 Top tip: Book early in the month for the best deals — demand is lower right after the holidays, so you can snap up great fares before prices rise.
Tips for Booking Cheap Flights in January
A little planning can go a long way. January travel doesn’t have to break the bank — here’s how to save without compromising your trip:
Booking early vs. last minute 🕜
- Early: Booking 4–6 weeks ahead often gets you the best prices and widest choice, especially if you’re travelling around the New Year or school holidays.
- Last minute: If you’re flexible and flying off-peak, you might grab a bargain.
Be flexible with dates and destinations 🔁
Flying midweek or outside of busy periods usually means cheaper fares. The more flexible you are with when (and where) you travel, the more savings you’ll find.
Use our Best Fare Finder 📆
Our Best Fare Finder shows you the cheapest days to fly across the month, so you can pick dates that work for your budget, not against it. You’ll see real-time prices from over 600 airlines, all in one place.
Cheapest places to fly in January from the USA
Cancún, Mexico 🇲🇽
- Average ticket price: $200–$315 (round-trip)
- Why go in January: Sunny beaches, buzzing nightlife, and endless resorts — all with lower prices before the late-winter rush.
- Fly with: Fly with United, American Airlines or JetBlue
Bahamas 🇧🇸
- Average ticket price: $185–$240 (round-trip)
- Why go in January: Clear waters, perfect beach weather, and a relaxed island vibe — just a short flight from the East Coast.
- Fly with: Fly with Delta, American Airlines or JetBlue
Costa Rica 🇨🇷
- Average ticket price: $220–$340 (round-trip)
- Why go in January: Rainforests, beaches, and warm tropical weather at the start of the dry season — ideal for adventure and relaxation.
- Fly with: United, Delta or American Airlines
Fly now, pay later this January 💸
Book your January flights from the USA with flexible Buy Now Pay Later options, including Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, Sezzle, Zip and PayPal Credit. Lock in a great fare now and spread the cost over time.
Cheapest places to fly in January from the UK
Dublin, Ireland 📍
- Average ticket price: £25–£60 (round-trip)
- Why go in January: Cosy pubs, fewer crowds at top attractions, and a quick, budget-friendly hop from the UK.
- Fly with: Ryanair, Wizz Air or British Airways
Canary Islands, Spain 📍
- Average ticket price: £70–£150 (round-trip)
- Why go in January: Year-round sunshine, sandy beaches, and easy direct flights from the UK.
- Fly with: Ryanair, Jet2, or easyJet
Rome, Italy 📍
- Average ticket price: £50–£110 (round-trip)
- Why go in January: Fewer tourists, shorter queues, and crisp winter walks through ancient history.
- Fly with: Ryanair, ITA Airways, or British Airways
Pay weekly, bi-weekly or monthly 💸
Spread the cost of your January flights from the UK with flexible Buy Now Pay Later options, including Affirm, Clearpay, Klarna, PayPal Credit, Snap Finance and humm. Choose what works for you at checkout.
Seasonal events and attractions in January 2026
January isn’t just a great time to fly; it’s packed with seasonal events that make your trip even more memorable. From festive markets to sunny celebrations, here’s what’s worth adding to your travel plan:
Winter skiing in the Alps 🏔️
From the French Alps to the Swiss mountains, January is prime ski season. Expect fresh snow, buzzing resorts, and picture-perfect alpine views.
New Year's Day in Sydney 🎆
One of the first major cities to welcome the new year, with spectacular fireworks over Sydney Harbour and parties that last well into New Year’s Day.
Australian Open, Melbourne 🎾
Kick off the year with world-class tennis under the summer sun. The first Grand Slam of the year brings a festival atmosphere to the city.
Winter sun in the Canary Islands ☀️
Swap frosty mornings for golden beaches. Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria offer warm weather, blue skies, and plenty of January flight deals.
Ready to book your January getaway?
Lock in the best January flight deals, pay your way, and take the stress out of booking.
Start your search with Alternative Airlines and spread the cost with flexible payment options. Wherever you’re flying to kick off the new year, we’re here to help you get there — simply and smoothly.
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Extra savings for flights in January
Unlock more savings with flight loyalty programs 🎁
Flying in January? You could save even more with flight loyalty programs. — the perfect way to stretch your travel budget after the holidays.
- Earn miles: Collect points on every flight and redeem them for discounts, perks, or even free flights later in the year.
- New Year fare deals: Loyalty members often get early access to special fares and limited-time offers — perfect for spontaneous January getaways.
- Free upgrades: Use your points to upgrade your seat or add extra baggage — ideal for long-haul winter escapes.
- Sign-up bonuses: Many programs offer bonus miles at the start of the year, giving you even more value when you join.
With loyalty rewards, flexible ways to pay, and plenty of January routes to choose from, now’s a smart time to book and save.
FAQs
Where is hot in January in Europe?
If you're looking to escape the cold temperatures during the winter, then you must take a trip to the Canary Islands. During January, the average high in the Canary Islands is 21ºC. You also expect 7 hours of sunshine on a daily basis. The warmest destinations in the Canary Islands are Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
Where is hot in January in the US?
Miami is the warmest city in the USA during the winter period. The average high in Miami is 24ºC in January, which is the perfect temperature for travellers to walk around without it being extremely hot.
Which Canary Island is hottest in January?
Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the hottest islands in the Canaries during January. The average temperature in Gran Canaria in January is 18°C, and in Tenerife, the average temperature in January is 20°C.
Is January a cheap month to fly?
Yes — for most destinations, January is one of the cheapest months to fly, especially after the first week of the month. For much of Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, January is considered off-peak, so airlines lower fares to fill seats.
When is the best time to book flights for January?
For most destinations, the best time to book flights for January travel is usually 6–10 weeks in advance, so that means locking in tickets in October or November. Prices spike in December when people are booking Christmas/New Year trips.
Can I still find cheap January flights if I book last-minute?
Yes — you can still find cheap January flights last-minute, but it depends on when and where you’re flying. After the first week of the month, demand drops and airlines sometimes discount unsold seats. If you can fly midweek, early morning, or to alternate airports, you’ll have more chances of a low fare.
Should I use Buy Now Pay Later for January flights?
January trips often follow expensive December spending, so BNPL can make budgeting easier. Lock in cheaper fares 6–10 weeks ahead while paying in instalments. It's a great advantage when you have money free for other travel costs like hotels or activities.