I have spent years exploring the cobbled streets of Rome and the neon lights of Berlin. My secret is simple. I always hunt for a Cheap Airline To Travel in Europe. It is a game of skill. First of all, the market has changed. Long ago, air travel was for the wealthy. Today, a flight can cost less than a taxi ride to the terminal. I find it amazing that I can fly over nine countries in just a few hours. Sometimes, the ticket is cheaper than a parking fine. Really..
I want to share my personal guide to the skies. Europe is the best region for budget travel. You can find cheap flights within europe that allow you to hop from country to country for a fraction of the cost in other places. Additionally, these flights are often faster than driving or taking the bus. I have found that most routes take under two hours. This is perfect for a quick weekend getaway.
However, you must know the rules. Budget travel can be a riddle. There are hidden fees. There are strange airport locations. There are complex fare classes. I am here to help you navigate this world. I will use my own experiences to show you how to make the most of every euro. Plus, I have the latest data to back it up.
The King of the Skies: My Life with Ryanair
I must start with the big one. Ryanair is the king of low-cost travel in Europe. It has a massive network. It serves 229 destinations across 37 countries. I have used them more times than I can count. Their fares are often dirt cheap. Seriously cheap. I have snagged tickets for the price of a fancy coffee.
I once found a route from London to Barcelona for just £12.99. That is about €15. At that time, I realized that train companies just cannot compete. A train for that same trip might cost ten times more. On top of that, if you book at the last minute, the train could be 30 times more expensive. This is why I often look for ryanair cheap return flights first.
But there is a catch. Stefan, a fellow traveler, once warned me about the extra fees. You have to pay for everything. Seat selection? Fee. Priority boarding? Fee.. I once forgot to print my boarding pass. They charged me 50 euros at the desk!. They required a paper printout and would not accept the PDF on my phone at that time. Nowadays, you should use their app to avoid this.
Additionally, you must watch your bags. They are very strict. Their lowest fares only include a small personal item that fits under the seat. If your bag is too big, they might charge you £137 at the gate. I have learned to pack like a minimalist. If I can fit everything into one small bag, I save a lot of money.
Ryanair often uses secondary airports. These places are sometimes far from the city center. For example, they might fly into Paris Beauvais, which is 90 km away from Paris. This can increase your ground travel costs. Therefore, you should always check the total trip cost before you book.
The Primary Choice: Why I Like easyJet
If I want to land closer to the city, I choose easyJet. This airline is a heavy hitter. Unlike some other budget carriers, they often fly into primary airports. This means I can get into the city center much faster. I find this very helpful when I have a tight schedule.
They serve over 150 destinations, including big names like Paris, Berlin, and Barcelona. I recently booked a one-way flight from London Gatwick to Berlin for C$155. While it was more than some other flights, it was still a good deal for my specific dates.
However, they also have strict rules. I have seen them examine every single bag at the gate. One time, I had a duffel bag and a purse. They hit me with a C$89 fee because I exceeded my allowance. They really mean it when they say one bag. You should not try to bring a backpack and a purse together unless you can hide one under your coat.
On the plus side, I find their cabins quite clean and professional. The legroom is decent too. I am 5-foot-4, and I had a whole hand’s length between my knees and the seat. I even got a random upgrade to an emergency row once. More space to stretch out!. Their website can be a bit like a riddle, but their app is very user-friendly.
Heading East: My Experience with Wizz Air
When I want to see Central or Eastern Europe, I look at Wizz Air. They are based in Budapest. They are a go-to for cities like Warsaw, Bucharest, and Budapest. I have found their fares to be incredibly low. Sometimes, I see ryanair 5 flights and think they are cheap, but Wizz Air can match them.
They connect nearly 200 destinations. I recently flew with them from Tirana to Barcelona for C$97. I had to add a carry-on bag for C$52 later. This is a common theme. Their base fares cover only a tiny personal item.
If you plan to fly a lot, you might like their memberships. They have an “All You Can Fly” subscription. It costs €499 per year. When it launched in 2024, it sold out in just 24 hours. You still have to pay a small fee per flight and extra for bags, but it is a great deal for frequent travelers.
One thing to note is that Wizz Air has had some issues with delays. In 2024, they were named the worst for flight delays in the UK for the third year in a row. On average, their flights left over 30 minutes late. I always give myself plenty of buffer time when I fly with them.
Other Great Options for Your 10 Flights to Europe
There are so many more choices than just the big three. If you are planning a longer list, like 10 flights to europe, you should consider these other gems:
- Vueling: This is a Spanish airline based in Barcelona. It is part of the same group that owns British Airways and Iberia. I like them because you can earn Avios points. Their app is very simple to use. I often use them for hops within Spain or to Italy.
- Norwegian Air Shuttle: This airline focuses on the Nordic regions. They are famous for their modern planes and free Wi-Fi. I find their cabins very comfortable and relaxed. However, you still have to pay extra for meals and bags on their basic fares.
- Jet2: This is a UK favorite, especially for sun and ski trips. I find their staff very friendly. Their baggage policies are often less strict than Ryanair. They have fewer hidden fees, which makes the booking process much calmer.
- Pegasus Airlines: Based in Istanbul, they are a great bridge between Europe and the Middle East. I have seen them offer very competitive prices.
- Transavia: This is the low-cost arm of Air France-KLM. They have hubs in Amsterdam and Paris. I recently compared them to Vueling. I found Transavia’s seats to be surprisingly comfortable, even better than some business class seats!.
The Statistical Reality: 2025 at a Glance
I love looking at the numbers. It helps me understand the market. In 2025, there were 11.1 million flights in the European network. This is back to pre-pandemic levels. For the first time ever, low-cost carriers flew more than the traditional big airlines. They held a 35.4% share of all flights.
Low-cost carrier flights grew by 6% in 2025 compared to the year before. This shows how popular these cheap options have become. The busiest operator was the Ryanair Group, with 3,184 daily flights. easyJet was second with 1,611 daily flights.
Interestingly, arrival punctuality improved in 2025 to 76.1%. That is a 3.5% increase from 2024. I have noticed fewer delays lately, which makes the travel experience much better. The average fuel price also dropped by 9% to $2.17 per gallon. This might be why we still see such great deals.
My Guide to Booking: Where and When to Pounce
To get the best price, you need the right tools. I always use a skyscanner cheap flights to europe search to start. It is the best website for cheap flights to europe because it compares so many different airlines. Additionally, I like Google Flights. Their “Explore” feature is brilliant. It shows the cheapest destinations from your airport on a big map.
Here is my personal strategy for timing:
- The Goldilocks Window: For short flights within Europe, the best time to book is usually 2-3 months before you go. If you are traveling during summer or Christmas, aim for 4-6 months out.
- Avoid Peak Days: Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays are usually more expensive. I find that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly.
- Check Late on Mondays: Some data shows that airlines release deals late on Monday nights. These deals can last into Tuesday morning.
- Use Incognito Mode: Some travelers swear by this. I have heard that prices might spike if you keep checking the same route. While some call it a myth, I still do it just in case.
- Set Up Alerts: I always set a price alert on Google Flights or Skyscanner. They email me the moment the price drops.
If you are looking for round trip flights to europe under $500 from the US, I suggest checking Going. They monitor prices and find amazing deals. Once you arrive in Europe, you can use the budget carriers to hop around for very little money.
The Hidden Trap: Drip Pricing and Fees
I must warn you about “drip pricing”. This is when fees are added on slowly during the booking process. A flight might start at £29, but after you add a bag and a seat, it could jump to £124!. Researchers found that fees can sometimes quadruple the initial cost.
Here is a list of common extras you will face:
- Baggage: This is the big one. Most cheap tickets only include a tiny under-seat bag. A standard carry-on or a checked bag will cost more.
- Seat Selection: If you want to sit with your friends or family, you will likely have to pay. Ryanair starts these fees at about €4.
- Airport Check-in: Do not forget to check in online! Ryanair might charge you £55 or more if you do it at the airport.
- Food and Drink: These are rarely included. I always buy a sandwich and a bottle of water at the airport before I board.
Gradually, I have learned that a $30 ticket often ends up being $80 or more. Therefore, I always compare the total price, not just the first one I see.
Choosing Your Hub: The Cheapest Airports
Not all airports are equal. Some are hubs for budget airlines and offer much lower fares.
- London Stansted (STN): This is a huge hub for Ryanair and easyJet. I often find flights here for as low as £20.
- Milan Bergamo (BGY): This is a great alternative to the main Milan airports. It serves many low-cost carriers and often has great sales.
- Brussels South Charleroi (CRL): This is about an hour from the city, but it is a favorite for budget travelers because of its Wizz Air and Ryanair connections.
- Berlin Schönefeld: This airport is popular for people heading into Eastern Europe.
Selecting one of these airports can save you a lot of money on last minute cheap flights to europe.
Multi-City Hopping: Getting More for Your Money
One of my favorite tricks is to turn one trip into two or three. Often, you can add a stopover for the same price as a direct flight. Some major airlines even give you a discount if your layover is at least 12 hours.
I once flew from Manchester to Bangkok and added a stay in Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. I kept my original dates and just split the journey into a “multi-city” trip. This allowed me to visit two amazing cities for the price of one.
You can also do this with budget airlines. For example, I might fly from London to Barcelona, stay for a few days, and then take another cheap flight to Lisbon before heading home. This is the beauty of the European budget market.
Know Your Rights: What Happens if Things Go Wrong
Even with the best planning, things can go wrong. I have had my share of delays. However, as a passenger in Europe, you have strong rights under EC 261.
If your flight is delayed by over 3 hours and the airline is responsible, you could get up to €600 in compensation. This applies to flights within the EU and those departing from the EU. If you are delayed overnight, the airline must provide accommodation and a transfer. They should also give you food and drink after a few hours of waiting.
I always keep my boarding passes and booking confirmations. If a disruption happens, I ask the staff why it is happening and take a photo of the flight board. This helps if I need to make a claim later. Companies like AirHelp can handle the claim for you if you do not want the hassle.
The Greener Path: Plane vs. Train
I must mention the environment. I love to travel, but I know flying is hard on the planet. Planes emit nearly five times more greenhouse gases than trains on average. In some cases, the impact can be 80 times worse if you include all factors.
Greenpeace found that flying is often much cheaper than the train, even though it is more polluting. For example, the route from Barcelona to London has 3.36 million annual flights. If these people took the train, it would save 461,000 tons of harmful gases. That is like taking all the cars in Glasgow off the road for a year.
I hope that one day trains become more affordable. Until then, budget airlines remain the primary choice for most of us. Some airlines, like Wizz Air, claim they are working to reduce their emissions by using newer, more efficient planes.
FAQ
What is the cheapest airline to fly with in Europe?
First of all, Ryanair and Wizz Air are the pinnacle of ultra-low-cost travel. Their base fares can start as low as five to ten dollars.
Which low-cost airline is the best in Europe?
However, easyJet and Jet2 often rank as the most reliable options. They receive excellent reviews for customer satisfaction and punctuality. Additionally, Volotea was named the leading low-cost carrier for 2024.
Where is the cheapest to fly to in Europe?
France is often the cheapest country to visit from the United States. Flights from New York to Paris are frequently very low in price.
What is the cheapest way to travel within Europe?
Similarly, air travel is usually the cheapest way to move within the region. Low-cost flights often cost less than a train or bus. Plus, I agree with the user BashfulTwist that return trips for about 250 euros are common even in the summer.
What’s the cheapest month to fly to Europe?
November is a very cheap month to fly from London to other cities. Shoulder seasons like spring and autumn also offer great deals.
What is the biggest low cost airline in Europe?
Therefore, Ryanair is the largest low-cost carrier in the European market. It serves over 229 destinations.
What is the safest budget airline in Europe?
For safety, many people trust TAP Portugal specifically. I find it can be trusted based on past performance.
What are the top 10 cheapest airlines?
The top ten budget brands are Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling, Volotea, Pegasus, Norwegian, Transavia, Jet2, and Eurowings.
Who is the cheapest international airline?
Finally, Norse Atlantic, French Bee, and Icelandair are the cheapest choices for international trips across the ocean. Norse offers rates similar to low-cost regional airlines.
Which month is cheapest to fly?
November is generally the month with the lowest prices.
What is the best cheapest way to travel in Europe?
Low-cost airlines remain the backbone of affordable travel on the continent. They offer the most freedom for a low price.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
I searched the provided text for a specific daily budget, but that information is not there. Therefore, I cannot confirm if 100 dollars is enough.
Concluding words
Europe is a gold mine for people who want to travel for less. I have learned that Ryanair and Wizz Air are the leaders for low prices. However, fees for bags and seats can quickly quadruple your initial cost. Additionally, easyJet is a great choice if you prefer main city airports.
The act of booking two to three months ahead will save you the most money. Plus, you should stay flexible with your dates to catch the best flash sales. Just remember to check in online to avoid heavy fees at the airport terminal. Really..
