Black Friday has come a long way from fighting over the last discounted air fryer. Now you can shop from your couch, compare prices in seconds and even score cheaper flights. But the deals have gotten smarter, and so have the ways you can waste money.
Black Friday 2026 falls on Friday, 27 November, but Travelstart’s sale kicks off on 25 November and runs until 27 November, with another round of deals on Cyber Monday, 30 November.
Here are five common Black Friday shopping mistakes and how to avoid them, especially if cheap flights and holiday deals are on your shopping list.

Mistake #1: Thinking Black Friday Is Just One Day

The name is becoming a little misleading, isn’t it?

Black Friday technically falls on 27 November 2026, but many retailers and travel companies run promotions over several days. Some even start weeks earlier. Waiting until Friday to start looking could mean missing a deal that was available earlier.

• Start Early: Beat the rush by shopping before the actual Black Friday.
• Plan Your Shopping: Map out which stores to visit and which items to buy online. For  example: Book flights well in advance before the masses start scrambling for them. 

When is Travelstart’s Black Friday Sale in 2026?

Pro-tip for flight deals: Airlines may only discount selected flights, routes or travel periods. Having a few dates in mind gives you a better chance of finding something that works.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Online Black Friday Deals

If your Black Friday plans still involve waking up at 4 AM to queue outside a shopping centre, we need to talk. Shop online just like you can compare Black Friday flight specials online without leaving the house. And check if the cheapest ticket is your best option.

Our tip: Compare the total fare, baggage allowance and layover times on Travelstart. That cheap flight with a 19-hour layover might suddenly look less appealing.

You can also use the Travelstart app to compare flights and manage your bookings.

Mistake #3: Only budgeting for one thing

That cheap Black Friday flight looks fantastic. Until you remember you still need somewhere to sleep. Flights are only one part of your holiday budget. Accommodation, transport, meals and activities can quickly add up.

Our tip: Work out what the entire trip will cost before jumping on a Black Friday flight deal.

Speaking of Activities…

Travelstart has partnered with GetYourGuide, giving you access to over 200,000 tours and activities worldwide. Find something worth adding to your itinerary and factor it into your holiday budget.

Mistake #4: Falling for Fake Black Friday Deals

A giant 50% OFF sticker doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting a bargain. Some discounts only apply to selected dates, while others aren’t much cheaper than the usual price. And yes, scammers love Black Friday too, be careful.

Our tip: Check flight prices before the sale so you have something to compare against. Stick to trusted booking sites, double-check URLs and be suspicious of deals that seem impossibly cheap.

Mistake #5: Not Reading The Fine Print on Black Friday Deals

Nobody enjoys reading terms and conditions. Nobody enjoys discovering their discounted flight can’t be changed either. Black Friday flight deals can have limited seats, blackout dates and strict booking conditions.

Our tip: Before paying, check:

• Travel dates: When can you actually fly?
• Baggage: Is checked luggage included?
• Changes and refunds: What happens if plans change?
• Final price: Are there additional charges?

FAQ’s on all you need to know

Black Friday Deals, Minus the Mistakes

Avoiding these common Black Friday shopping mistakes could be the difference between a bargain and an expensive regret. Compare prices, check the fine print and get ready for Travelstart’s Black Friday flight deals from 25–27 November 2026, plus Cyber Monday on 30 November. Your next holiday deserves a good deal.