Subscribe Now

travelers today

Home » Travel Tips

How to Find Cheap Flights to Europe

Travelers Today       By    Staff Reporter

Updated: Oct 18, 2019 09:02 AM EDT

Text Size: A A A

How to Find Cheap Flights to Europe

(Photo: pixabay.com)

Just who are these travelers unearthing cheap fares to Europe for $200?

Planning a multi-city Europe trip can be expensive. Thus, you need to  learn how to find the cheapest flights to Europe.

On a regular day, flights from New York to Barcelona or from Los Angeles to Paris round-trip can show for well over $500, but it's very possible to find flights to Europe for around $200.

1. Fly off-season and during the week

Choose an off-peak time of year to visit: There is less tourist activity from September through March when you won't be competing with a lot of leisure travelers for seats.

Note that the cheapest fares will be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; avoid Friday or Saturday flights. Midweek isn't popular with leisure travelers.

2. Sift through search engines

Online travel agencies (known as OTAs) and metasearch engines are two types of third-party online booking channels.

With a metasearch site, you'll find fare and then be passed directly to the airline's website. Metasearch sites will also include mix-and-match flight options that might consist of flying the outbound leg to Europe with one airline and returning home with a different carrier. Metasearch sites will find the lowest fares because they are comparing data from a number of sites and sources, including the airlines themselves.

3. Book your flight as far in advance as possible

Booking 3-6 weeks ahead of time is usually the best policy. Most airlines dramatically increase their prices once they sell enough seats on a flight to cover their costs.

4. When to search

The best time to search for flights is usually just after midnight when companies reduce the prices on the flights that weren't booked during the day. Studies show that people who book at midnight on Tuesday tend to save about 6% on their trips.

5. Buy during the prime booking window

The "prime booking window" is from 4 months to 3 weeks before departure. Buying more than 4 months ahead of time will likely mean you'll pay a premium for your preferred date.

6. Be willing to fly from a different departure city

If you live in a city that's not a major hub (nor an international airport) like San Francisco, New York, Chicago, or Houston, then flights to destinations in Europe are always going to be more expensive.

Bring the cost down significantly by flying to one of these larger hubs within the U.S., first, and then catching a flight to Europe.

7. Choose a less popular destination airport

Airlines can save big (and pass those savings on to you) by flying into less popular airports, meaning it may be worthwhile to fly just a little out of the way if you have your heart set on a destination like Paris or Rome.

The trick is to then fly into one of the cheaper hubs, then grab another flight or means of transportation to the city you want to go to.

If you have your heart set on visiting Europe this summer, go for it. It just takes a little bit of patience, flexibility, and resourcefulness.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018

© 2023 Traverlers Today, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Join Our Conversation

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive the latest travel news, reviews, and more..

Most Popular

6 Tips For Traveling With Young Children

6 Tips For Traveling With Young Children

Planning for a trip takes some time, even if it's just you g

How Traveling Can Make You Happy

How Traveling Can Make You Happy

If you have never traveled before but are thinking of doing so then

Scottish Islands: The Best Places to Reside!

Scottish Islands: The Best Places to Reside!

So there are a few islands that can be found off the Sco

How to Plan a Multi-Destination Honeymoon During COVID

How to Plan a Multi-Destination Honeymoon During COVID

You need to know how to plan appropriately and

7 Tips for Amazing Campus Visits

7 Tips for Amazing Campus Visits

A campus visit's significance could not be overstated. After all, fo

4 Tips For Curating The Perfect Gallery Wall

4 Tips For Curating The Perfect Gallery Wall

Having a gallery wall brings plenty of benefits to your

Water Travel Options That Don’t Involve a Cruise

Water Travel Options That Don’t Involve a Cruise

There is something equally relaxing and invigorati

Photo by Erik Odiin on Unsplash

Things That Will Help Cost-Conscious Vacationers Save Money

There are several ways you can significan

Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

How to Make Vet Visits Affordable in 2022

If the situation is minor, you might be lucky and get away

Photo by Tim Samuel from Pexels

Know Your Florida Driving Rules

There is so much to do in the region, but we want to focus on some of

Photo by Ging Ang from Pexels

Holidaying in your own Country: Try these Fun Trips!

Many countries are opening their borders, but if

Photo by Jessica Lewis Creative from Pexels

The Best Tech Tools for Expats

Here’s a quick look at most versatile tech tools for expats on the m

Photo by Tobi from Pexels

How to Turn a Road Trip Into A Luxury Adventure

But a road trip doesn’t have to mean living on the

Australian Citizenship Test: Everything You Need to Know

Australian Citizenship Test: Everything You Need to Know

Do you want to become a citizen of Australia

Hair transplant Istanbul: Why is it so popular?

Hair Transplant Istanbul: Why is it so Popular?

Getting a hair transplant in Istanbul is affordable i

What’s Going on with Rental Cars Right Now?

What’s Going on with Rental Cars Right Now?

They are incredibly expensive, and they’re also in sh

Role of Professional companies in International Trade

Role of Professional companies in International Trade

International trade holds great importance in a

The 5 Best Wines from Germany

The 5 Best Wines from Germany

Riesling is Germany’s best-known wine, but the country makes other fi

Here's Why You Should Go Camping On Weekends

Here's Why You Should Go Camping On Weekends

There is nothing like the great outdoors –– natureâ€

The Best Tote Bags To Travel With in 2022

The Best Tote Bags To Travel With in 2022

Who knew you could pack your entire life away into one litt

7 Captivating Attractions for Kids in San Diego

7 Captivating Attractions for Kids in San Diego

San Diego is a magnificent place, and it would not be

travelers today

© 2023 TRAVELERS TODAY All rights reserved.

Subscribe to our newsletter
Real Time Analytics