Quick Tips for Scoring Cheap Flights Around Europe (and Beyond)

If you’re planning to hop across Europe (or anywhere, really) without burning through your entire travel budget on flights, the good news is — it’s absolutely possible. You just need to know a few tricks of the trade.

Here are some quick, practical tips to help you book flights that are actually cheap — without getting stung by hidden costs or logistical nightmares.

1. Know How Budget Airlines Work in Europe

Budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air dominate short-haul travel in Europe — and if you understand how they operate, you’ll be better equipped to find the cheapest routes.

Hubs & Base Airports: These airlines often operate out of specific hubs, flying in and out of the same airports frequently. This increases flight volume and brings prices down. For example, EasyJet uses bases across Europe like Berlin, Milan, and Lisbon to funnel most of their routes.

Secondary Airports: Many budget carriers avoid major airports (like Paris Charles de Gaulle or Heathrow) in favor of smaller, secondary ones (like Paris Beauvais or London Stansted). These airports are cheaper to operate from and often result in lower ticket prices.

More Competition = Lower Prices: Europe has tons of budget airline competition, which keeps prices competitive on popular routes. If multiple airlines fly the same route, you’re more likely to score a deal.

2. Use Skyscanner Smartly

Skyscanner is your best friend when it comes to finding flight deals — but you need to know how to use it to your advantage:

Be flexible with dates: When searching flights, select “entire month” instead of specific dates to see which days are cheapest.

Be flexible with destinations: Not sure which city in Spain to fly into? Choose “Spain” as your destination and see where the cheapest airport is.

Mix & match airlines: Skyscanner often combines one-way flights on different airlines to get you the best fare.

3. Factor in the True Cost of Travel

That €30 flight may look like a steal, but ask yourself:

• Is it flying out of a remote airport at 2:30am?

• Will you need a €100 taxi to get there?

• Are you paying €50 extra to check a bag?

Low-cost airlines make their money from extras — seat selection, checked luggage, food, even printing your boarding pass in some cases. If you’re traveling light and flexible, great. If not, the savings might not be worth it.

4. Connecting Flights Can Be Cheaper

Direct flights aren’t always the most budget-friendly option. If you don’t mind a layover (and your time isn’t super limited), connecting flights can sometimes save you a chunk of cash.

Just make sure you:

• Have enough layover time (especially if flying with different airlines).

• Check visa rules if you’re transiting through a non-Schengen country.

5. Travel Light

This one’s simple: pack smart.

Most budget airlines include just a small backpack or carry-on. Once you add checked luggage, “cheap” flights can double in price. If you can manage a few days with a carry-on, you’ll save a lot.

Scoring cheap flights isn’t about luck — it’s about knowing where to look, how to be flexible, and understanding what you’re actually paying for.

Remember:

• Use tools like Skyscanner

• Consider secondary airports

• Always check the true cost of the journey

• And if you’re flying budget — travel light

Got questions or want destination-specific tips? Slide into the DMs or drop a comment — happy to help you travel smarter ✈️🌍