Vacationing in Europe is a dream for many Americans. From historical landmarks to breathtaking nature, the continent offers a wide range of experiences.
However, a transatlantic trip can be quite expensive, especially if you don’t know how to find a good deal on your flight.
Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to cut costs. In this article, we share four practical tips to find cheaper flights from the U.S. to Europe.
Book your flight early (but not too early)
A lot of people think the earlier you book a flight, the cheaper it’ll be, but that’s not always how it works. Yes, you don’t want to wait too long, but booking super early can sometimes end up costing you more. Flights usually go on sale around 11 to 12 months ahead of time, but here’s the catch, those low prices you’re hoping for don’t usually pop up right away. From what frequent flyers and travel experts suggest, the best time to book international flights is around three to six months before your trip. That’s typically when airlines start offering the best deals. But be careful, if you wait until the last minute, prices can jump again. Also, timing is everything when it comes to the season. If you’re planning to fly during popular times like summer or the holidays, you’ll probably see higher fares. If you can, try to plan your trip during off-peak times for better rates.
Flexibility is key
Being flexible with both your travel dates and destination can help you save significantly on your flight. If you can leave a few days earlier or later, you’ll have a better chance of finding cheaper flights. Most flight search engines, such as Google Flights and Skyscanner, allow you to view prices over multiple days, so you can choose the most affordable days to fly. Additionally, considering alternative airports can make a big difference in price. For example, instead of flying directly to Paris, you could search for a LA to Paris flight with a layover or consider landing at a nearby airport such as Brussels or Amsterdam. From there, you can easily take a short train ride to your final destination, often for a fraction of the cost of a direct flight.
Use price comparison sites and price alerts
The online world offers countless tools to help you find the best deals. Price comparison sites like Momondo, Kayak, and Google Flights compare hundreds of airlines and travel dates to find the best offers. These platforms make it easy to compare prices between different providers, and you can often see which days are the cheapest to fly. Additionally, you can sign up for price alerts. This means you’ll get a notification when the price of a flight you’re tracking drops. This is especially useful if you start your search early and have some time to monitor the price. This way, you can avoid overpaying by missing out on price drops.
Consider budget airlines and mixed routes
Budget airlines like Norwegian Air, WOW Air, and Level often offer much cheaper flights from the U.S. to Europe. Although these flights are usually less luxurious, and you might have to pay extra for things like checked luggage or in-flight meals, the savings on the ticket itself can be substantial. For travelers willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort, these airlines can be an excellent option. Another smart strategy is to combine different airlines to create a cheaper route. Sometimes you can save money by booking a separate flight from the U.S. to a major European hub and then using a low-cost European airline for the last leg of your trip. This does require extra planning and research, but it can make a significant difference in price.
