How to Book Cheap Flights Between European Cities

Book European flights 6-8 weeks ahead using budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are cheapest. Compare prices on Skyscanner, then book direct with airlines to avoid booking fees.

  1. Start with budget airline websites. Check Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Vueling first. They dominate European short-haul routes and often beat major carriers by 50-70%. Book direct to avoid third-party fees.
  2. Use Skyscanner's flexible date search. Select 'whole month' view to see cheapest days. Tuesday and Wednesday flights average 15-25% less than weekend departures. Early morning flights (6-8am) are typically cheapest.
  3. Consider secondary airports. Budget airlines use airports like Paris Beauvais (80km from Paris) or Frankfurt Hahn (120km from Frankfurt). Factor transport costs - sometimes the savings disappear, sometimes you save €50-100.
  4. Book 6-8 weeks ahead. European flight prices bottom out at this window. Earlier bookings waste money, later bookings face price spikes. Exception: last-minute deals 3-7 days before departure, but risky for fixed plans.
  5. Check train alternatives for short routes. For London-Paris, Amsterdam-Brussels, or Frankfurt-Munich, high-speed rail often matches flight times door-to-door and eliminates airport hassles. Compare total journey time and cost.
Are budget airlines safe?
Yes. Ryanair, EasyJet, and other European budget carriers meet the same safety standards as major airlines. They're regulated by strict EU aviation authorities.
What's the baggage allowance on budget airlines?
Most allow one small cabin bag (40x20x25cm) free. Larger cabin bags cost €8-15, checked bags €15-25. Wizz Air Priority includes larger cabin bag for €15-20.
Can I change budget airline tickets?
Usually yes, but fees often exceed the original ticket price. Ryanair charges €35-70 for changes. Some airlines offer 'Flexi' tickets with free changes for 2-3x the base price.
How early should I arrive at European airports?
90 minutes for European flights, 2 hours if checking bags. Budget airlines are strict about check-in deadlines - arrive late, pay €55 airport check-in fees.