Remember the glory days of 1p flights from Ryanair? Although practically free or very cheap flights are a thing of the past, finding cheap deals on flights is still very much possible. Low-budget airlines have a monopoly on short-haul flights within Europe—because why pay more if you don’t have to? However, given the competition and popularity of these journeys, prices have been steadily increasing over the years, making the cheapest flights to Europe harder to come by. All is not lost; give this page a little TLC for a taste of the glory days!
Ryanair, established in Ireland in 1984, has become one of Europe’s leading budget airlines. Over the years, it has expanded its network significantly and now serves more than 180 airports across over 30 countries in Europe and North Africa. Ryanair's focus on cheap flights is achieved through cost-cutting measures, such as a point-to-point operating model and routes to secondary airports, which are often located a bit outside major city centres. With its extensive selection of flights, Ryanair offers travelers an affordable way to explore many parts of Europe in a short timeframe, making it a convenient choice for budget-conscious adventurers.
Below is a list of budget airlines and the number of destinations they are flying to per country. Almost across the board, low-cost airlines fly to Spain at a greater frequency than other countries mentioned.
Given the number of budget airlines in the market currently, wouldn’t it be swell if there was a way you could compare cheap flight prices at a glance? Well, look no further frugal friends—Omio is here to lend a helping hand and do the endless trawling of websites for you to ensure you get the cheapest flight.
If this hasn’t already convinced you that Omio is the best thing since sliced bread, there’s even more you can do with this flight comparison tool. When you search for flights, our smart search function will calculate if it’s cheaper for you to fly to a neighboring city or town and then continue your journey with a bus or train.
Booking 3-6 weeks in advance is considered the best time to secure the cheapest flights. Using this method is generally better than waiting until the last minute, as once enough seats are sold to make the flight profitable, airlines often raise prices.
Flexibility is key to finding the cheapest flights. Be flexible with time, dates, and even destination if possible. This is one of the few times when last-minute flights may be within reach.
Some airlines offer the chance to save air miles if you fly frequently. Over time, these miles can be exchanged for cheap flights or accommodation.
Layovers may be annoying, but if you have time to spare, they can help you save money on flights.
Research the distance between the city and airport. Some budget airlines use secondary airports far from the city center, with costly shuttle services. Compare these costs with flights to the main airport—Omio can help with this!
When possible, stick to hand luggage, as checked luggage fees can be high with low-cost flights. Check weight and dimension restrictions before you travel.
Booking flights online via a travel search engine like Omio helps you compare airline prices quickly. Omio also includes buses and trains to ensure you’re getting the best price.
The best time to book flights online is said to be at midnight, as airlines may release unbooked deals then. However, beware—leaving it until the day before rarely results in the best prices.
When booking round trips, consider searching for individual legs separately. Using a search engine might reveal a cheaper option by combining two different airlines.
With experience, you’ll notice consistent trends for cheaper routes. Here are some examples:
Airline | Connection | Price |
---|---|---|
Ryanair | Brussels-Berlin | From £6 |
Ryanair | London-Barcelona | From £22 |
Ryanair | Paris-Madrid | From £21 |
Ryanair | Dusseldorf-Milan | From £30 |
easyJet | Paris-London | From £24 |
easyJet | Amsterdam-Barcelona | From £31 |
German Wings | Dusseldorf-London | From £30 |
So, you’ve booked your cheap flights and want to avoid unnecessary charges. Here are some expert tips to make your experience easier and more affordable: