Where to Book the Best Deals on European Budget Airlines?
Introduction
Travelling Europe on the cheap is a doddle these days with the rise of budget airlines that will take you to practically any destination on the continent for next to nothing. But with all those options abound, knowing where to source the best European budget airline deals can turn a good trip to Europe into a great one – and without sending you to the poor house. This broad guide will guide you through reputed sources, strategies and interior tips to help you find the cheapest ticket. Whether it is the city-to-city or a multi-country trek that you are starting, the key to a successful budget flight booking is a tip that every passenger knows.
Why choose European Budget Airlines?
Why It Makes Sense to Fly Budget In Europe
- Savings: Pay a fraction of the cost of traditional carriers.
- Widespread Coverage: Covers big cities and small towns.
- Travelling as You Like : Flights are scheduled throughout the week allowing for flexible travel options.
- Ease of Booking: Intuitive website and apps.
Popular European Budget Airlines
- Ryanair: Best known for ultra-low fares and a huge route network.
- easyJet: Known for good customer treatment and major cities of operation.
- Wizz Air: Best positioned to focus on Eastern Europe, not just its home market, and grow capacity.
- Vueling: Spain and Mediterranean routes are the focus.
- Eurowings: A low-cost airline subsidiary of Lufthansa with German bases.
The Best European Budget Airlines and Where to Find Them
1. Skyscanner
- Neat aggregator which compiles prices of several low cost carriers.
- Enables price alerts and flexible date searches.
- Easy-to-use interface with filters for bag fees and flight duration.
2. Kayak
- Scours both budget and traditional airlines for the lowest fares.
- Special deals tab highlights discounts.
- Apps push timely notifications of flash sales.
3. BudgetAir
- Specializes in low-cost European flights.
- Convenient comparison for legroom, baggage fees and total price.
- Facilitates package deals including hotels.
4. Direct Airline Websites
- You might also find exclusive discounts when booking directly.
- Visit budget airlines’ own sites for flash sales.
- Sometimes you’ll even be able to get perks and points from loyalty programs on budget fares.
5. Alternative Airlines
- Great for round-the-world or multi-stop trips that include budget airlines.
- Cash in hand payment and customer service options.
Tips to Get the Cheapest European Budget Airline Flights
Book Early but Be Flexible
- Purchase tickets 6-8 weeks in advance to get the best fares.
- Use “flexible date” searches to find the best price for your preferred travel days – usually mid-week flights.
Travel Light
- Most budget airlines will make you pay more for checked luggage.
- Pack wisely and use a cabin case only to avoid fees.
Avoid Airport Extras
- Budget airports may mean a coach into town; factor in the costs.
- Only pre-book priority boarding or seat selection if necessary.
Set Fare Alerts
- Track fare changes with Skyscanner or Kayak.
- Prices drop at holidays, during the week, late at night.
Use Incognito Browser Mode
- Stop sites from jacking up prices after multiple searches.
How to plan for a cheap trip on the European Budget Airlines
Pretend it’s a 10-day trip: London to Barcelona, then to Rome and back to London.
- Step 1: Find Ryanair flights London–Barcelona and back again at $40 using Skyscanner.
- Step 2: Wizz Air for Barcelona–Rome, $30.
- Step 3: easyJet Rome–London, $25.
- Total flight cost: $75, hundreds less than with full-service airlines.
Case in point of how two low-cost carriers can yield the perfect recipe for a budget multi-city adventure with a bit of brainstorming.
What Not to Do When You’re Booking a Budget Airline Flight
Hidden Fees
- Additional fees for seats, meals, checked baggage, priority boarding.
- Always read the fine print.
Limited Customer Service
- The budget airlines are typically more restrictive and less helpful.
- Also buy travel insurance to protect plans.
Flight Delays and Cancellations
- Most budget airlines are prompt, but there can be delays.
- Build in some buffer time for connections especially when booking separate tickets.
Internal Links
Authoritative External Sources
FAQ
Which are the best low-cost airlines in Europe?
The top budget airlines are Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling and Eurowings. They have large networks and competitive prices.
How far in advance should I book for the best deals?
Prices are generally best 6 to 8 weeks in advance, but flexibility with dates can lower fares even more.
Is it safe to fly with budget airlines?
Low-cost carriers are subject to the same safety requirements of any other airline. The big difference is the no-frills service model.
Can I have luggage on budget airlines?
Yes, but most budget airlines will require you to pay for checked bags and also for some larger carry-ons. Wear light to evade any additional fees.
How do I find last-minute deals on budget airlines?
Employ fare alert tools like Skyscanner or Kayak, watch airline social media and be flexible with your itinerary.
Are budget airline airports in cities far from the city center?
Some budget carriers rely on secondary airports that might be more inconvenient. Look at airport transit to figure your own journey.
Is it less expensive to book flights on an airline website vs. third-party web sites?
Direct on airline sites and sometimes providence video deals, but I’m a huge fan of comparators.
Conclusion
Scoring deals on European budget airlines takes a bit of detective work and some discount savvy, so to help you find the best fares, I’ve put together a handy, quick-reference travel guide. By using such reliable tools as Skyscanner and Kayak, by booking in advance and avoiding any additional charges, travelers can find a cheap flight across the colorful and vivid Europe. Good news: no matter if you’re approaching budget air travel for the first time or are a veteran world traveler, our tips can help you discover new airlines and routes (without breaking the bank).
For more insights visit exploreinfoworld.com
