By Cameron Huddleston
Contributions from Donna LeValley in Features
6 Ways to Save Money on Summer Flights to Europe
Thinking about taking an international vacation this summer? You might want to reconsider heading overseas during the peak travel season. Summer is widely recognized as the most expensive time to travel, especially to Europe, due to the influx of tourists.
This summer, fares are down by 16%, with the average ticket costing $892, according to travel insights from Hopper.com. Major airports in London, Paris, and Frankfurt are anticipated to be the busiest throughout the season. Notably, Europe is hosting the final leg of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, and Paris will be bustling with the Olympics from July to August.
Best Time for Affordable Long-Haul Travel
The most budget-friendly time to travel long-haul is between November and March. Moreover, European vacations in early fall and late spring tend to be more economical than those in summer. If your schedule mandates a summer trip to Europe, you can still find ways to keep your costs down.
1. Book Your Flight Early
It is advisable to book your flight to Europe as early as possible. Ideally, aim to secure your ticket about 11 months before your departure to attain the lowest fare. However, if your travel is imminent, ensure you book at least six weeks beforehand; waiting too long could result in significantly higher fares.
For those with more than six weeks until travel, consider activating fare alerts on travel comparison platforms like Kayak.com and Airfarewatchdog.com. Occasionally, airlines release seats at lower fare levels as the departure date nears. Therefore, staying informed about price changes can lead to savings.
2. Fly Mid-Week
Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday often yields the best deals, especially when including a Saturday night stay. According to Hopper.com, travelers can save up to $435 per ticket during these days. Fridays and Sundays generally see the highest fares, making mid-week travel a smart choice.
3. Stay Flexible
Check various travel date combinations because flight prices can fluctuate significantly throughout the month. If your travel dates are flexible, utilize the flexible date option on travel comparison sites to pinpoint the most affordable fares.
Consider Lesser-Known Airlines
Look into airlines like Norwegian Air and Condor, which often have sales for U.S. to European routes. Additionally, Icelandair and FrenchBee are reputable low-cost carriers worth considering.
4. Be Prepared for Connecting Flights
If you don’t have a specific city in mind, opt for hubs that are more economical to travel to. For example, flying into Dublin or Brussels can be less expensive compared to entering major cities like London or Paris. If needed, consider switching to a regional airline or train service for the final leg of your journey.
5. Consider Business Class
Don’t overlook the possibility of budget-friendly business class tickets. Airlines frequently have promotions for business-class seats during summer flights to Europe. Occasionally, prices for business class may fall below those of economy tickets, which presents an excellent opportunity for added comfort during your travels.
Conclusion
By following these strategies, travelers can mitigate costs and make their summer journeys to Europe more financially manageable. For those keen on a European summer vacation, being informed and planning accordingly can yield significant savings.
