The Best Time to Book Flights to Europe for Maximum Savings
Airfares fluctuate, and the best time to buy depends on your destination and travel dates. It's always wise to plan, and you can track prices by signing up for price alerts or using credit card tools like Capital One's travel portal.
Aim for off-season departures and avoid popular holiday dates when possible. Also, consider splitting up your trip.
Winter
A dream vacation to Europe is within reach for travelers who are willing to take advantage of the right flight deals and use proven strategies. Although flying to and from Europe is still more expensive than a domestic trip, the cost can be manageable when booking during off-season periods. It can also be significantly less expensive if you are flexible on both the dates and destination of your trip.
Hopper recently used its big data analytics methods to crunch the numbers on flights from the United States to Europe and found that the best time to book those tickets is two to three months out. However, prices can fluctuate throughout the year, so it is important to check and compare regularly.
The cheapest flights to Europe are typically available in January, May, September, and November. On the other hand, ticket prices spike during peak travel season in July and August.
Another way to snag cheap flights is to fly on a weekday instead of a weekend. According to a recent study by CheapAir, airfares on Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be cheaper than those on Saturday and Sunday. Considering how popular European weekend breaks are, this can save you a substantial amount on your airline ticket if you can make the switch.
Finally, it is worth checking out fares to different airports near your destination to save money on transportation. For example, flights to London are usually cheaper when departing from Gatwick rather than Heathrow.
It is also worth paying attention to events and weather conditions in Europe that could influence the price of your flight. For instance, some European cities are known to experience snowy or rainy winters, and these can push up the prices of flights to those cities. However, these changes can be offset if you are flexible on the specific location of your trip and the type of accommodation you plan to stay in.
BudgetAir Promotion Code can help you save money on flights to Europe. To save further, consider traveling during the off-season, staying in budget accommodations like hostels or Airbnb, and using public transportation instead of taxis. You can also save money on food by eating at local markets or street vendors instead of restaurants. Researching free or low-cost activities in your destination can also help you stick to your budget.
Spring
The winter and spring are some of the best times to fly to Europe because airfares are generally much cheaper than they are in summer. You can still enjoy the beautiful weather (depending on where you’re going) and visit some of Europe’s best skiing or snowboarding resorts in these months, but you’ll also be able to do so without paying as much of a premium.
Similarly, flying to Europe in the fall is often less expensive than it is during the summer since this is a shoulder season for travelers. This is when you’re more likely to find cheap flight deals to some of Europe’s top destinations, like Paris or Madrid.
Peak travel season happens during the summer when most families have their vacation time available and airlines tend to push prices up as demand increases. This isn’t to say that you can’t find great deals during this time, but it will be a bit more challenging.
When it comes to booking flights, we recommend always searching with multiple websites and flexible dates. This will help you find the most options and the best prices. It’s also a good idea to sign up for airfare alerts so that you can get an email or text notifications when prices are low on your desired route.
When it comes to actually booking, we typically advise people to book their flights about a month in advance. That’s because fares tend to drop as the departure date gets closer and, according to Google Flights data, you’re more likely to see some of the lowest fares when booking between 50 and 179 days in advance.
Summer
Europe remains the most visited region in the world, but a trip there doesn’t have to break the bank. With savvy travel planning, you can save money on flights even when the season is in peak swing.
Summer is the most popular time to travel to Europe, so airfares tend to be at their highest rates during this time. However, there are still deals to be found if you’re willing to plan your trip around off-peak dates, such as during the week or in early autumn.
The fall and winter months—from late October through mid-to-late March—are typically the cheapest times to fly to Europe. That’s partly due to the weather, which keeps many travelers at home or in ski resorts.
However, you can also often score cheap fares during this period by flying into a less-trafficked international gateway like Berlin (BER) or Paris (CDG), then using low-cost regional airlines to get to your final destination.
Flight prices vary wildly, so it’s important to remain flexible and check price trends regularly. It’s also helpful to sign up for fare alerts so you can be notified when prices dip or climb. And if you’re flying business class, it may be worth paying the premium for an extra level of comfort, says Hobica. Airlines occasionally offer business-class sales on flights to Europe, so it’s worth checking the specials section of your favorite airline’s website and signing up for e-mail or text fare updates.
While there isn’t one magical time of year when all tickets to Europe will be at their cheapest, the best time to book is a few months in advance for most destinations. And don’t forget to consider nonstop fares—they can be quite affordable. For example, we recently spotted a Delta nonstop fare to Lisbon for less than $400 roundtrip.
Travel Promo Code can help you save money on all-inclusive packages for your trip to Europe. These packages typically include flights, accommodations, and sometimes even meals and activities. With the help of AllOverCoupon, you can enjoy a memorable trip to Europe while staying within your budget. Don't forget to check for any restrictions or expiration dates before using your coupon.
Fall
Many people search for the best month, week, or even day to book flights (anything to save a few bucks). However, there's no golden rule that applies across the board as pricing fluctuates depending on many different factors.
Still, you can find some great deals in Europe during the fall if you know where and when to look. Just be prepared to avoid major holidays and events that draw crowds and push prices up.
When you're searching for international flights, it's important to start looking about six months in advance and continue checking daily so you can get a feel for how prices fluctuate over time. Then you'll be ready to pounce on a deal when it presents itself.
If you want to be extra sure you're not missing out on a great flight deal, sign up for a travel rewards credit card and use it to book all of your flights. Many cards will give you a bonus for booking with them and even offer price protection in case the airfare goes up or down after your purchase.
One of the best times to book flights is during the week, especially Tuesday and Wednesday. According to CheapAir's ninth annual Airfare Study, which analyzed 917 million fares, prices are typically lowest midweek. That's because fewer travelers are shopping for flights, and as such, airline prices drop.
Another way to keep an eye on flight prices is to sign up for a travel newsletter. Then you'll be notified when prices are low for your preferred routes. Plus, you can also get flight deals sent directly to your inbox with apps like Going and Skyscanner.
Lastly, don't forget that even though most of Europe is currently off-limits for Americans due to Covid-19 restrictions, you may be able to score some amazing nonstop flight deals if you're flexible with your dates. Just be sure to check with a specific country's Covid-19 travel policies and get a visa, if needed, before booking. Then you'll be ready to enjoy a European adventure that's truly worth bragging about.
Conclusion
Hopper recently used its big data analytics methods to crunch the numbers on flights from the United States to Europe and found that the best time to book those tickets is two to three months out. If you want to be extra sure you’re not missing out on a great flight deal, sign up for a travel rewards credit card and use it to book all of your flights.
