Located in the South West corner of Ireland, Cork International Airport is the gateway to the beautiful South West. With around 3.2 million visitors recorded just last year (2007), passing through its terminals it certainly has come a long way since its first landing 1961. Cork Airport is now the 3rd largest airport in the Republic of Ireland and is located just 8 kilometres south of the city centre. Whether you’re flying to or from Cork, you’ll be looking for the best possible price. For some top tips to bag that bargain flight read on for more…

There’s a huge difference between high and low season and apart from the obvious, the price you pay is certainly a big factor. During high season there is much more demand for holidays, children and students are on summer holidays, the sun, or lack of it in our case, sends sun searchers in flight to the many sun resorts abroad. With such demand and all the many factors that create such havoc, prices take their toll too and they increase considerably in price. During low season the opposite can occur but then you are not guaranteed the weather, students have returned to the books and so on, however, if you can jet off during low season it is well worth it and doing enough research will certainly pay off!

Last minute holidays (package deals) are of course one of the main ways to get a great deal. Our top tip is to regularly check the many internet sites available and I advise you sign up to as many newsletters as possible as you are assured of being informed of the many special offers, promotions, discounts and sales on offer. For charter flights they tend to sell their seats at higher rates in advance and the closer to the date they cut prices on all remaining seats.

The opposite has to be said for booking with “Low Fares Airlines”. If you book well in advance you can avail of much better deals and the prices continue to increase the closer it is to the departure date.

Try to be as flexible as possible with your dates and this will give you a lot more choice when it comes to price, and check out as many possibilities as you can and compare the price. Weekdays normally work out cheaper than weekends for arrival and departure and as mentioned above high season and low season affect this too. Flight times can also affect the price so choose a selection of early morning and late night flights and again compare your findings.

Booking on line can save you not only money but time and hassle as well. However be aware of any hidden extras and ensure to go to the end of the booking process to see all the taxes, insurance and other additional fees that may be added on. Always ensure not to confirm anything until you are fully aware of the total price.

Have a look at our article on Flights to Cork. This includes a listing of all airlines that operate to and from Cork, and remember to shop around for any location that may interest you.

Need somewhere to stay near Cork Airport. Have a look at our Cork Airport Hotels page.

And if you want to hire a car check out our cheap car hire at Cork Airport.

Find out more about Cork Airport.