How to Find Cheap Airline Tickets to Europe

If you are dreaming of a getaway to Paris, London or Prague, but have been put off by high-priced plane tickets, don't despair. Although airfares to Europe have steadily increased in recent years, it is still possible for would-be travelers to find cheap airline tickets - it is just a matter of patience, flexibility and a bit of travel savvy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Research before you buy. Use flight search aggregators to compare prices and sign up for newsletters and emails alerts from airlines with routes to Europe. Check out sites like Orbitz, Kayak, Travelocity and Fare Compare and visit airline websites from time to time. Some airlines like Air France and Aer Lingus only post their best fares on the own websites. Begin your search for cheap fares at least two months in advance of when you plan to purchase tickets.

2. Twitter your way to cheap tickets. In addition to emails and newsletters, many airlines post notices about airfare deals on their Twitter streams. Follow the streams of your favorite airlines and check regularly for updates.

3. Use promotional codes from airlines' frequent flyer programs or newsletters. Some airlines generate promotional codes that you can apply to your ticket purchase for a discount.

4. Compare routes and alternate airports. Connecting flights are usually cheaper than direct flights and smaller airports near a large urban airport sometimes offer cheaper flights. It is sometimes worth the extra drive to get a better airfare deal. It is also cheaper to fly into Dublin, Frankfurt or London's Gatwick than to other European airports, so consider booking a ticket to one of these hubs and booking a second ticket with one of Europe's budget carriers like Ryan Air or Easy Jet to get to your final destination.

5. Travel off-season. Airfares to Europe are significantly lower in the fall and winter than in the spring and summer. Book travel in September, October or after the holidays, and use a flexible date search. For example, websites like Orbitz and CheapTickets.com can search over any 30-day period. Better yet, off-season travel means shorter lines and less tourists crowding around Europe's museums and monuments.

6. Fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Flights that depart in the middle of the week are far cheaper than flights that depart at the end of a week or during a weekend. Moreover, many airlines list their sale fares early in the week, so you are more likely to find travel deals on a Monday or a Tuesday.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider a package deal. Sometimes booking airfare and a hotel together will save a lot of money in the long run.
• Beware of scams and hype. If an airfare price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

[Arathi]

on 8/12/2009 Traveling off season saves so much money, and results in a better experience. Awesome tips!