If you're wondering how to find cheap flights in Europe and what rules and tips to follow, you're in the right place.
There are no exact rules, but data analysis has allowed us to recognize some patterns in the algorithms behind airline ticket sales which, 90% of the time, happen online.
With some targeted tips, you can save hundreds of euros and find the flight that suits your needs.
The most important thing to remember when looking for cheap flights is to be flexible. Not just with dates, but also with the destination. If you're willing to land in a city that's not your first choice and depart early in the morning or late at night, you can save a lot.
But let's go step by step.
Last-Minute Flights and Planning
The first question to answer to debunk a myth is: do last-minute flights exist? Not anymore. Waiting until the last minute is the worst decision you can make. Very rarely do flight prices decrease as the departure date approaches. Last-minute flights no longer exist because airlines try to sell – often at high prices – the remaining tickets to business travelers who often cannot plan their trips in advance.
The basic logic of European low-cost airlines is to increase prices as tickets are sold, so the best solution is to buy flights, where possible, in advance (at least 15 days before).
Incognito Browsing
If you feel like the flight price changes every time you search, know that it's not just your impression. Airlines tend to modify – and increase – flight prices through cookies on websites to create fear of further price increases and push users to buy tickets immediately. A clever trick to avoid this issue is incognito browsing.
Browsing incognito allows you to bypass the cookies airlines store on your device to track your activity and inflate prices each time you repeat a search. This way, you can see the “real” prices.
Best Days and Times
Recent research has shown that there are trends to follow to save on airline ticket costs and thus snag the cheapest flights to Europe.
In particular, the best day to book a flight is Tuesday, the worst is Sunday.
Also, pay attention to time slots! Avoid booking between 7 PM and 10 PM, as ticket prices are generally higher then. If possible, try booking between 2 AM and 3 AM but absolutely not at 1 PM!
If you're planning a trip to Europe for next year, know that the most convenient month to book is January, when prices drop after the Christmas booking rush.
Where to Search for Cheap Flights in Europe
To snag the cheapest flight, you can use flight search engines like Skyscanner or Google Flights.
These platforms compare hundreds of offers to show you the most relevant results based on your preferences, with filters for time, date, stops, destination airports, and airlines. As mentioned earlier, if flexibility doesn't scare you, you can try the “Everywhere” feature to find the cheapest European destination.
Don't forget to also check out Momondo: its flight prediction feature is a very useful tool to statistically understand when to book your flight.
Finally, we recommend trying to search for outbound and return flights separately and in the local currency. It's not uncommon to pay much less this way!
Meeters Inspirations
Now that you know all the tricks to book cheap flights in Europe, you can take a breath and get inspired by Meeters' travel proposals. Wonderful weekends or group trips, carefully organized and always with expert local guides to offer you a unique experience.
Here are some suggestions for you!
Immaculate Conception Holiday in the Flanders
Departing from December 8 to 11 to discover Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp to explore the characteristic and charming alleys, medieval bridges, and Gothic cathedrals of these three beautiful Flemish cities.
In a wonderful Christmas setting, you can taste delicious seasonal specialties like the famous chocolate and enjoy excellent beer in good company.
Don't miss this long weekend in one of the most beautiful regions of the Flanders..
Portugal
From Lisbon to Sintra to Cabo da Roca: five incredible days from December 28 to January 1 to celebrate the New Year in one of Europe's most beautiful capitals!
Lisbon awaits you with its attractions, excellent food and wine, and many shows and events for New Year's Eve. New Year's Eve! Discover all the details and book now to enjoy the celebrations in good spirits.
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