How to Book Cheap Flights to Europe: Tips and Top Destinations

Thinking about a European vacation but worried about the cost of flights? You’re lucky because finding cheap flights to Europe is easier than ever. Many options are available, whether you’re flying from a major hub or a smaller airport. From tools like KAYAK and Expedia to Google Flights, it’s simple to compare prices and snag the best deals. For instance, you might find flights starting as low as $25, though prices can vary depending on the airline and timing.

You can save even more by being flexible with your travel dates. Set up price alerts and keep an eye on changing fares—you’ll be surprised at how much you can save with patience. It’s also a good idea to consider budget airlines that might not offer all the bells and whistles but will get you to your European destination without breaking the bank.

Booking early is another savvy strategy. Flights to popular destinations like Paris, London, and Rome tend to get pricier as the travel date approaches. Remember, research and flexibility are the keys to finding bargain flights to Europe. Happy travels!

Book In Advance

When booking flights to Europe, timing is everything. If you plan, you can snag some incredible deals.

Six Months Ahead: Experts recommend booking your tickets six months in advance. This gives you access to the best prices before they start to climb.

• Peak Seasons: If you’re traveling during peak seasons like summer or Christmas, booking early is even more critical. These times are in high demand, and flights can get pricey.
• Best Months: Data shows that January and February are often the cheapest months to book flights for the year. Setting up price alerts can help you snag a great deal when prices drop.

There’s also something special about seeing those low numbers pop up right after the holidays. It’s like getting a little gift for yourself!

Being flexible with dates can also help. Sometimes, booking just a day earlier or later can save you a lot.

Staying ahead of the game and booking in advance can make your European dream trip a reality without breaking the bank.

Be Flexible With Dates

When searching for cheap flights to Europe, flexibility with your travel dates can make a huge difference.

Instead of sticking to one specific date, consider a range of dates. Airlines often have varying prices depending on the day of the week and the season. Mid-week flights, like Tuesday or Wednesday, are usually cheaper than weekends.

Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices throughout the month. This way, you can spot the cheapest days to fly.

If your plans are flexible, set up price alerts. These notifications will inform you when ticket prices drop, and you can grab a great deal quickly.

For example, flying two days earlier or later can save you a lot. Once, I saved $200 by moving my trip by just one day.

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Using these tips requires adaptability, but that small effort can lead to big savings. After all, the more you save on flights, the more you can spend enjoying your European adventure!

Consider Nearby Airports

When looking for cheap flights to Europe, don’t overlook nearby airports. Sometimes, smaller or alternative airports can offer better deals.

For example, you might usually fly out of New York’s JFK, but Newark or smaller regional airports could have lower prices.

Check airports within a reasonable driving distance from your home. You may find that a two-hour drive can save you hundreds of dollars.

Here’s a quick list of things to consider:

• Alternative airports: Smaller airports might have fewer flights, but airlines sometimes offer cheaper deals to fill seats.
• Driving distance: If you can manage
• extra travel before your flight, you can save significantly.
• Flexibility: Being flexible with your departure and arrival airports opens up more opportunities.

For instance, flying out of Baltimore instead of Washington, DC, can sometimes be cheaper, even though they’re close.

Use airfare comparison tools to check prices from multiple airports. Sites like KAYAK and Skyscanner allow you to search for flights from “nearby airports.”

When planning my trips, I always compare prices from at least three airports. Once, I saved $200 just by flying out of Long Beach instead of LAX.

Taking a little extra time to consider nearby airports can help you find the best deals on flights to Europe. Happy travels!

See Related: The Best Times to Buy Flights to Europe for Incredible Savings

Use Budget Airlines

Budget airlines can save you a lot of money when flying to Europe. Carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet offer low-fare flights between major European destinations.

These flights often range from $50-$250 each way. While they have lower prices, budget airlines usually have fees for extra services, such as checked luggage, seat selection, and in-flight snacks.

Booking well in advance can help you snag the best deals. For instance, you might find flights as low as $143 if you plan your trip around promotional periods or use flight comparison tools like KAYAK or Skyscanner.

Popular Budget Airlines

Airline	Notable Routes	Prices Start At
Ryanair	Across Europe, Israel, Jordan	$20
Wizz Air	Central and Eastern Europe	$25
EasyJet	UK to Europe, North Africa	$35

Remember that some airports used by budget airlines might be further from city centers. This means you’ll need to plan for additional travel costs and time. For example, Paris Beauvais is about 85 km from downtown Paris.

Try to pack light for these trips since even a small carry-on can come with a fee. Budget airlines are perfect for those who can travel with just the essentials.

Lastly, be flexible with your travel dates. Flying mid-week can often get you the best rates. Also, double-check for any hidden fees before you finalize your booking. Enjoy your budget-friendly European adventure!

Set Fare Alerts

Setting fare alerts can save you a lot of money on flights to Europe. Many travel websites, including Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo, offer this feature.

To set a fare alert, you first need to select your departure and arrival destinations and travel dates. Once you’ve entered this information, look for an option to “Set Price Alert” or something similar. Click it.

You’ll usually need to create an account or log in. After that, the website or app will notify you by email or push notification when flight prices change.

Benefits of Fare Alerts:

• Saves Time: You won’t need to keep checking flight prices manually.
• Cost-effective: You’ll be notified when prices drop, making it easier to snag a good deal.
• Customizable: Set alerts for specific dates, flexible ranges, or even the cheapest month to travel.

Some sites like Momondo even offer predictions on whether it’s a good time to buy tickets based on historical data.

Pro Tip: Set alerts for flights to multiple airports near your destination. Sometimes, smaller airports offer cheaper flights. Also, experiment with different travel dates if you have a flexible schedule.

For example, I once got a great deal flying into London and then taking a budget flight to Paris. It required a bit more planning but saved me a couple of hundred bucks, which I gladly spent on French pastries!

By setting up these alerts, you can ensure you never miss out on a great flight deal.

Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

Traveling during off-peak seasons can save you a lot of money. Flights, hotels, and even some attractions are cheaper when demand is low. For Europe, consider visiting in late fall or winter, except close to the Christmas holidays.

Spring, specifically from mid-March to mid-June, often offers good deals. The weather is usually pleasant, and you won’t face the massive summer crowds. Southern Europe can be mild even in winter, making it a decent option.

I’ve snagged some great deals using Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature. It shows the cheapest destinations for your preferred dates.

Another tip: look for special airline promotions. These often coincide with off-peak periods but can pop up at any time. Flexibility is key.

Most importantly, remember to pack for the season. European winters can be harsh, especially in the north. But trust me, less crowded museums and landmarks are worth the chilly weather.

See Related: The Ultimate Guide for Visiting Major Events in Europe

Use Points And Miles

Using points and miles can make planning a trip to Europe more affordable. It’s one of the best ways to save big on airfare.

Air Canada Aeroplan: You can fly from the West Coast to Germany for 90,000 miles or from the East Coast for 100,000 miles. The taxes are usually around $50.

Flying with Asiana miles? One-way first-class trips from Chicago to Frankfurt can be booked for 50,000 miles, costing about $800 in fees. For a cheaper option, Miami to Warsaw in business class requires 40,000 miles plus roughly $250 in fees.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is another solid choice. You can book round-trip flights between the U.S. and the U.K. for as low as 20,000 miles and $350 in taxes and fees.

If you prefer American Airlines, look for their off-peak deals. You can snag a one-way flight to Europe for just 22,500 AAdvantage miles.

Lastly, many credit card points are transferable to various airline loyalty programs. That flexibility can help you find the best deal for your travel dates and destinations.

Using points and miles effectively requires some planning and research. But with some effort, you can secure eye-popping deals for your European adventure.

Check For Deals And Sales

When looking for cheap flights to Europe, looking for deals and sales is crucial. Airlines and travel websites often run promotions that can save you significant money.

Sign up for email alerts. Many travel websites, like KAYAK and Skyscanner, offer notifications for flight deals and price drops. This way, you’ll never miss out on a good bargain.

Use price comparison tools. Websites like Google Flights and Momondo can help you compare airline prices and travel dates. Don’t just settle on the first deal you find.

Flash sales. Airlines sometimes offer limited-time flash sales that can dramatically lower prices. Following airlines on social media or subscribing to their newsletters can give you a heads-up on these offers.

Loyalty programs and credit card deals. If you travel often, consider signing up for airline loyalty programs or using travel credit cards. These often come with perks and access to exclusive deals.

Booking at the last minute can sometimes yield cheaper fares as airlines look to fill empty seats. But be careful; this can also backfire if demand is high.

When you find a deal, always double-check restrictions and hidden fees. Some airlines offer seemingly low fares but add extra charges for baggage, seat selection, or other services.

Finally, be flexible with your travel dates and destinations. Sometimes, flying into a smaller or alternative airport can save you more than expected.

Popular Destinations In Europe

London is the most popular destination. With 41% of searches, it’s clear many folks dream of visiting. You’ll find something to love, whether it’s the historical landmarks or the bustling city life.

Paris comes in second with 24%. The Eiffel Tower and its romantic vibes attract millions each year. You can’t miss a walk along the Seine or a visit to the Louvre.

Rome receives 11% of the searches. The Colosseum and Vatican City are must-sees, and the city’s rich history and delicious cuisine are big draws.

Madrid, with 5%, is a hub of culture and art. The Prado Museum and vibrant nightlife won’t disappoint. Plus, flights here can be quite budget-friendly.

Athens and Lisbon each hold 4%. In Athens, you’ll get lost in ancient ruins and mythology. Lisbon offers charming streets and stunning views over the Atlantic.

Make sure to explore these spots. They offer a mix of history, culture, and vibrant life. And importantly, you can often find good deals on flights to these popular places.

See Related: Budget-Friendly Adventure Destinations That Feel Like a Million Bucks

Additional Tips

Consider Layovers
Non-direct flights often cost much less. Consider flights with layovers, especially in major hub cities. For instance, you might find a cheaper flight to Europe if you’re willing to stop in cities like Reykjavik or Dublin.

Use Flexible Dates
Be flexible with your travel dates. Prices can vary widely depending on the day of the week. Midweek flights, like Tuesday and Wednesday, are usually cheaper.

Set Fare Alerts
Set fare alerts on airline websites or apps like Google Flights. When prices drop, you’ll get notified. This can be an excellent way to snag a deal before prices increase.

Book in Incognito Mode
Sometimes, flight prices can go up if websites track your repeated searches. Use your browser’s incognito or private mode to avoid this.

Follow Budget Airlines
Budget airlines like Ryanair, Norwegian Air, and WOW Air often offer incredible deals. Though services might be basic, the savings can be substantial.

Use Points and Miles
Don’t forget about credit card points and airline miles. Accumulating these can lead to free or heavily discounted flights. Check your accounts regularly for opportunities.

Check Nearby Airports
Flying into or out of nearby airports might be cheaper. Compare prices for all airports within a reasonable distance.

Social Media Alerts
Follow airlines and travel deal sites on social media. Sometimes, the best deals are announced first on Twitter or Facebook.

Subscribe to Newsletters
Sign up for newsletters from travel deal websites. These often include insider tips and exclusive deals you won’t find elsewhere.

Clear Your Cookies
Now and then, clear your browser cookies before booking. It’s thought that flight prices sometimes spike for frequent searchers.