Is it really cheaper to book on a Tuesday?

That is largely a myth. Prices fluctuate based on supply and demand algorithms, not the day of the week. Setting price alerts is more effective than waiting for a specific day.

Should I book budget airlines for the long haul?

Be cautious. Budget long-haul carriers often charge extra for carry-ons, seat selection, and water. Once you add those costs back in, the price is often the same as a full-service carrier.

How to Book Cheap Flights to Europe

The secret is to book exactly 3 to 6 months in advance and use flight aggregators to track price drops. You will save the most money by flying into major hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt and taking budget airlines or trains to your final destination.

Use aggregate search engines. Start your search on Google Flights or Skyscanner. Avoid booking directly with airlines until you have compared all options across the entire month using the calendar view.
Set up price tracking. Once you pick your preferred dates, toggle the 'Track prices' switch in Google Flights. You will receive email alerts when the price drops, which happens most frequently on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Consider the 'Hub' strategy. If your final destination is a smaller city like Prague or Seville, search for flights to major hubs like London (LHR), Paris (CDG), or Frankfurt (FRA) first. Often, buying a cheap flight to a hub and a separate, low-cost carrier ticket (like Ryanair or EasyJet) for the final leg is significantly cheaper than a single multi-leg ticket.
Be flexible with airports. If you are flying to London, check both LHR (Heathrow) and LGW (Gatwick). If you are flying to Paris, check CDG and ORY. Airport taxes vary, and flying into the secondary airport can save you $100+.

Is it really cheaper to book on a Tuesday?: That is largely a myth. Prices fluctuate based on supply and demand algorithms, not the day of the week. Setting price alerts is more effective than waiting for a specific day.
Should I book budget airlines for the long haul?: Be cautious. Budget long-haul carriers often charge extra for carry-ons, seat selection, and water. Once you add those costs back in, the price is often the same as a full-service carrier.