Is it really cheaper to book on a Tuesday?

That is mostly a myth. The day you book doesn't matter as much as the day you choose to fly. Tuesday and Wednesday flights are consistently cheaper.

Should I use a VPN to find cheaper flights?

There is little evidence that changing your location via VPN results in lower prices for flights from the US to Europe; focus on flexible dates instead.

Are 'budget' airlines worth it for long-haul?

Only if you travel light. Once you factor in checked bags, seat selection, and meals, the price often matches a full-service legacy carrier.

Booking affordable flights from the US to Europe

To get the best price, book your flights 3 to 6 months in advance and use flexible search tools to scan a range of dates. Always fly into major hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt and use budget regional carriers to reach your final destination.

Set up price alerts early. Use Google Flights to track your specific route. Set your departure and arrival cities, then toggle the 'Track prices' switch. You will receive email notifications when the price drops or spikes.
Use the 'Explore' feature. If your destination is flexible, enter your home airport in Google Flights, leave the destination blank or set to 'Europe,' and view the map. This identifies the cheapest cities to fly into during your preferred timeframe.
Book mid-week flights. Avoid flying on Fridays and Sundays. Flights departing on Tuesday or Wednesday are consistently 15-20% cheaper than weekend departures.
Try the 'split-ticketing' strategy. Instead of booking one long-haul itinerary, book a round-trip ticket to a major hub (like London Gatwick or Dublin) and purchase a separate, cheaper flight on a low-cost carrier like Ryanair or EasyJet to your final destination.

Is it really cheaper to book on a Tuesday?: That is mostly a myth. The day you book doesn't matter as much as the day you choose to fly. Tuesday and Wednesday flights are consistently cheaper.
Should I use a VPN to find cheaper flights?: There is little evidence that changing your location via VPN results in lower prices for flights from the US to Europe; focus on flexible dates instead.
Are 'budget' airlines worth it for long-haul?: Only if you travel light. Once you factor in checked bags, seat selection, and meals, the price often matches a full-service legacy carrier.