Best way to buy flights for family of 6

[Tiggsy]

Been lent a villa in N. Cyprus in August - going to take the wife and 4 kids (16,12,8,5) - never stuck them all on a plane before so whats the best way to get flights? Now...or much closer for a deal? And any old airline/website????

Normally just go away for weekends with wife via BA to NY, etc so this is a bit new!

[Puggit]

No such thing as a last minute deal. Book as early as possible.

[Tiggsy]

Looks like £3k to get us to a free villa???? That sounds a lot, I could hire a bloody car and drive there for less! (apart from the bit about Cyprus being an island!)

[LuS1fer]

Try BMIBaby good prices and cheap in general.

The days of cheap flights are gone now with all the duties you pay. The later you book, the more you pay. Cheap seats are to fill the flight.
Save money by not reserving your seats or booking any meals. Get to the airport 2 hours befoe the flight and check in and you'll get seats together anyway. Pack sandwiches and buy drinks once you clear customs as there are limits on fluids.

Annoyingly you get hammered 2.5% to pay by credit card but there is no other way bar outright debit.

[NorthEast]

As a last resort try Kayak they normally bring up budget as well as scheduled options. But as previously mentioned the days of last minute cheap flights have gone (especially in peak season)

[Hugo a Gogo]

www.whichbudget.com you can search for from/to airports and find budget options

[zbc]

If you can think of going a day earlier or later as well and try all the options. It might turn out to be cheaper to arrive a day earlier and book a cheap hotel for the night.