Finding cheap flights from Europe to the USA can be a very daunting task, but with planning and research, you will be sure to save money for your next transatlantic adventure. In this guide we’ll cover all the aspects of booking cheap flights: when it’s best to book, and the best airlines to use for budget travel. Also, some pointers on achieving the lowest fare possible and the most effective ways to utilize your flight experience. Here’s how you can book cheap flights to the USA from Europe.
Table of Contents
The Best Time to Book Cheap Flights
When searching for the cheapest flights from Europe to the US, time is a crucial factor. It is throughout the year that prices vary, and booking at just the right time can make your flight ticket cheaper than otherwise. Here are some tips:
Off-Peak Travel Periods
The cheapest time to fly to the USA from Europe is during off-peak seasons. Especially January to March is one of the periods when demand drops after the holiday season. For these months, prices go low. Another good period is from late September to November. During this it is the fall season and usually not so crowded travel seasons, thereby providing cheap transatlantic flight deals.
Peak Travel Periods to Avoid
The summertime, June to August, is typically the busiest season when travel demand is high. Flight prices can be expensive. Also, the Christmas and New Year period from mid-December to early January has become very expensive as lots of tourists want to travel in this period and many flights take off.
When to Book
Accordingly, to get yourself a ticket or be safe, it is better to book 60 to 90 days in advance. To not be entitled to or charged a fine for an early departure or late departure, opt for early tickets; accordingly, the best period for obtaining inexpensive tickets to the USA falls between 60 to 90 days before your departure.
Choosing Budget Airlines
Numerous airlines serve transatlantic destinations, but not all are budget airlines. Choosing the right airline could save you hundreds of dollars. The best airlines that may give you cheap flights to the USA from Europe include:
Budget Airlines to Consider
Norwegian Air: It is known especially for cheap transatlantic flights from Europe, if not from Britain and Scandinavia at all. Not an operator of long-haul routes anymore, it started a trend that brought forth more low-cost airlines.
Icelandair: Very cheap with a free stopover at Reykjavik, Iceland. You can even make a stopover for some days to explore Iceland.
LEVEL Airlines: LEVEL Airlines is a low-cost airline, based in Spain, flying from a good number of European cities, such as Barcelona and Paris, to several destinations in the US.
WOW Air: while the airline is no longer in the sky, it was an ultra-low-cost transatlantic airline; many more have been formed since its death to carry on the innovative work of WOW Air.
Also read: 2024 USA Travel Guide for UK Citizens
Full-Service Airlines with Occasional Deals
Even the largest airlines have sale fare tickets during promotion time:
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- Air France
- KLM
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
These airlines do flash sales very frequently, and there is a price much lower than usual for a relatively short period.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flights
Getting cheap flights to the USA from Europe, the following could be a smart way to find cheap flights to the USA: well, how can you save even more come your next flight? Find out more below:
Be Flexible with Dates
As the fourth way to find affordable flights is flexibility in your travel dates, one should note these facts that flight fares might vary within the range of a single day. Indeed, one can make use of Google Flights or Skyscanner to seek a flight price across different dates.
Use Flight Comparison Websites
There are also flight comparison websites in comparison to other airlines. They help to compare and find out how to fly cheaper. Some of the best ones are as follows:
Skyscanner: Has a “cheapest month” feature, which will help you find the best dates.
Google Flights: It reflects price fluctuation trends and also sends an alert when prices are dropping.
Momondo: Frequently discovers fares that other sites don’t.
Kayak: It has a price prediction tool so you know if you should book now or wait.
Set Price Alerts
Mostly, most flight comparison websites and apps provide a feature that allows you to set a price alert. You will be notified when the fares for your destination route go down so that you can take advantage of the situation by booking at the right time.
Fly from Cheaper Airports
Some airports in Europe will charge considerably less for flights to the USA than others. Airports in London, Paris, and Dublin tend to offer more economical fares in response to the higher number of transatlantic flights operating from these cities. Consider flying out of a different airport if possible.
Be Open to Connecting Flights
More importantly, direct flights are more expensive compared with flights involving one stop or two stops. You can save much money by taking a connecting flight especially if you are very flexible regarding your schedule. For instance, there is a possibility that you could have a lower priced, layover flight with a flight in Iceland or Canada.
Learn more: The Ultimate USA Travel Guide: Top Destinations You Must Visit
Airports and Destinations in the USA
Now that you have managed to find a budget flight, it is time to figure out where to land in the USA. Among the most popular destinations for travelers coming from Europe are New York City (JFK, Newark), which is the obvious choice because of the huge variety of available flights. It often becomes a competition on the lowest price, and you are very likely to end up finding one. Los Angeles (LAX) is yet another key West Coast hub that generally is not nearly as expensive as places like San Francisco.
Chicago (O’Hare) is a huge key hub, both domestically and internationally. Miami (MIA) is a very good choice, particularly for connection traffic in Florida or the Caribbean. Finally, Boston (Logan) is relatively less visited but can sometimes offer cheaper fares, especially from Ireland or the UK.
Baggage and Hidden Fees
When booking budget flights, pay attention to hidden fees that may increase the overall cost of your ticket. Many budget airlines charge extra for:
- Checked baggage
- Seat selection
- On-board meals
- Priority boarding
To avoid unexpected charges, read the fine print before booking and be prepared to travel light if necessary.
How to Make the Most of Your Flight
Long-haul flying can be tiring. But with these few tips, flying can be made enjoyable. First, pack smart- a neck pillow and noise-cancellation type of headphones will help to snooze down that good book or film for entertainment.
Stay hydrated with lots of drinking throughout the flight. You may very well become dehydrated. In addition, be mobile and stretch your legs by walking around the cabin whenever possible. Of course, if you can afford it, upgrade wisely for premiums such as economy or business class. Especially at the time of flash sales or last-minute offers.
Practical Advice for First-Time Travelers
When you will be flying for the first time to the USA, there are a few very important things to keep in mind. One thing is to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip dates. Another thing is that if you’re coming from a visa waiver country in Europe, you are going to need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for entry to the USA.
Once you arrive, you will go through customs and immigration, and there are usually long queues there too. So, have all the documents as well as the information ready, so at least you will be able to answer any questions they may want to ask you quickly and easily.
Budget Travel Tips for the USA
Below is a collection of precious tips that will benefit any American travel budget:
Keep your travel costs down with these tips while staying in the USA. In terms of accommodation, continue using websites such as Airbnb, Hostelworld, or Booking.com. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts, especially for longer periods.
For public transport, great options can be found in cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco; instead of using taxis, use buses or subways. Dining on a shoestring: Opt for street food, food trucks, or local diners for affordable, authentic meals. Avoid touristy restaurants; they usually cost a fortune.
Conclusion
Finding cheap flights to the USA from Europe will take a bit of flexibility, time, and good research, but surely, it is possible. It can easily save you hundreds of dollars by making bookings at the right times, using comparison tools as well as seeking other routes and airlines.
Being in the USA, utilize the budget-friendly tips during your travel so you can utilize your entire travel to the fullest without spending a dollar. Whether you are traveling to New York, Los Angeles, or a small US city, this guide has everything you need to make your journey as economical and enjoyable as possible. If you like the information, share it with your friends and also give your feedback in the comment section below. Thanks!
