
Would you believe that you can find cheap flights in Europe and fly between those European cities for less than the cost of a nice dinner?
Let me tell you something.
Finding cheap flights in Europe is surprisingly simple—it might be the easiest part of planning your entire trip!.
Whether you’re dreaming of sipping espresso in Rome’s cobblestone streets or chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland, cheap flights are at your fingertips.
You just need to know a few insider tricks to plan your journey.
I’ve personally used these methods to travel across Europe, and trust me—you don’t need complex strategies or hours of research. In fact, combining these strategies with tips from the Ultimate Guide to Budget Trip can help you save even more across your whole adventure.
So let’s dive into the proven methods that savvy travelers use to score incredible deals on European flights!
Best Time to Book Your European Flight
First, let’s tackle the age-old question: When’s the best time to buy cheap flight tickets in Europe?
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are your best bet for finding deals. Airlines often launch sales on Mondays, and by Tuesday, other airlines have joined in, offering competitive prices.
- Flying at Odd Hours:
Usually the most affordable airlines, like Wizzair or Ryanair in Europe, offer affordable flight tickets at night or early in the morning. Even on weekends, you can find cheap flights at night or early in the morning.
I remember I traveled from Malta to Spain and it cost me only 10 dollars.
The only challenge with that is that you will need to sleep at airport sometimes because in some cities there is no public transportation at night and taxi will cost you another airline ticket so you need to get adapted with that
- flying during off-peak seasons
One of the most effective ways to secure cheap flights is by traveling during off-peak seasons. These periods typically fall in late fall, winter (excluding the holiday rush), and early spring.
During these times, you’ll find that flight prices can be significantly lower compared to the high-demand summer months or festive periods.
Not only do you save on airfare, but you also enjoy the benefit of fewer crowds at popular tourist spots and potential discounts on accommodations.
Advance Booking vs. Last-Minute Deals
Now, into the timing of booking. Should you book well in advance or gamble on a last-minute deal? It’s a real toss-up, and honestly, both have their merits.
- Booking in Advance: Secure your fare by booking around three to six months before your trip. This approach gives you a wider range of flight options and helps avoid dreaded layovers.
- Last-minute deals: These can be tempting and sometimes rewarding. Airlines prefer filling seats at lower prices than leaving them empty, but this strategy is risky and might leave you with fewer options.
Flight Comparison Platforms
Flight comparison tools made everything so easy for me for all my trips
Instead of visiting 20 different airline websites and checking how much it costs each day to find a cheap ticket (who has time for that?!),
you can simply type your trip details, like how long you will stay.
and boom!
They instantly show you all your options, from the cheapest to the fastest routes. It’s like having someone do all the hard work for you
Here are my Top Flight Comparison Platforms
To ensure you never miss a great deal, set up price alerts on these platforms. By doing so, you’ll receive notifications when flight prices drop to your preferred destinations.
Most platforms and apps, including Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak, offer easy-to-use alert systems to keep you informed.
Tip: When searching for cheap flights in europe, using incognito mode or private browsing can help prevent price increases that might occur due to cookies tracking your search behavior. Airlines and booking sites sometimes use tracking information to increase prices for routes that have been Europe searched multiple times. By searching in incognito mode, you can avoid this potential price inflation and ensure you’re seeing the freshest, most unbiased prices available.
Flexibility Hacks for Maximum Savings
Flexibility in travel dates can be a game-changer when it comes to finding cheap flights in Europe.
Here are my best strategies for maximum savings by being flexible:
Multi-city flight combinations
Most travelers usually use multi-city combinations only as layovers when there’s no direct flight to their destination.
Or they just book round trips for one country
For me, it was an opportunity to explore multiple places affordably.
For example, when I visited 15 countries in Europe, I booked one-way tickets for each country, like Italy to France, then France to London, and so on, Skyscanner helped me find the cheapest options for each route.
Note: I chose to do one way for each one to be more flexible but skyscanner can help you with that by using the multicity flight option
This approach not only provides cost savings but also enriches the travel experience by allowing you to visit multiple destinations efficiently without spending a fortune.
Alternative Departure Cities
One of the key strategies for reducing travel costs is considering alternative departure cities.
- Sometimes, flying from a nearby airport rather than your local one can result in significant savings. Major hubs often have more flights and competitive pricing, which can drive down costs.
- Utilize flight comparison tools to check prices from different cities and weigh the potential savings against the convenience of traveling to an alternative airport
Budget Airlines vs Traditional Carriers
When planning European travel, choosing between budget airlines and traditional carriers can significantly impact your experience and expenses.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which option suits your needs best.
Budget Airlines:
Pros:
- Low Base Fares: Budget airlines provide significantly cheaper tickets compared to traditional carriers
- Frequent Promotions: These airlines often run sales offering even lower fares, making them attractive for budget-conscious travelers.
- Point-to-Point Connectivity: They offer direct flights to numerous destinations, minimizing layover times and reducing travel costs.
Cons:
- Additional Fees: Services like baggage, seat selection, and meals come at an extra cost, which can add up
- Limited Amenities: Expect a no-frills experience with fewer onboard services and comforts.
Traditional Carriers: When to Spend More
Traditional carriers may come with higher ticket prices, but they offer a range of services that can justify the extra cost under certain circumstances.
When It’s Worth It:
- Traveling with Luggage: If you’re carrying significant luggage, traditional airlines often include a baggage allowance in the ticket price.
- Flexible Tickets: For those needing flexibility in their travel plans, traditional carriers provide options for changing or canceling flights with fewer penalties
- Comfort and Amenities: Long-haul travelers or those seeking a more comfortable journey will appreciate the comprehensive in-flight services, including meals, entertainment, and more spacious seating.
The choice between budget airlines and traditional carriers ultimately depends on your travel priorities and needs.
If cost savings are your primary concern and you’re traveling light, budget airlines might be the best choice.
However, if you value flexibility, comfort, and additional services, spending more on a traditional carrier could enhance your travel experience.