With rising jet fuel prices affecting airfares across Europe, savvy travelers are looking for ways to keep costs down on last-minute trips. Skyscanner, the flight comparison website, has released seven practical tips for securing affordable flights this summer.
Key Strategies for Budget-Friendly Travel
The first tip is to shop around and consider budget carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Norwegian, Wizz Air, and Jet2. These airlines often offer lower base fares, especially for short-haul routes within Europe.
Flexibility with travel dates is crucial. Moving a trip by just a day or two can significantly change prices. Skyscanner recommends using the 'whole month' search feature to identify the cheapest days to fly. Earlier this year, the site found that Fridays are generally the most affordable day to travel.
For those without a fixed destination, the 'Everywhere' search tool shows the cheapest destinations for chosen dates. This is particularly useful for spontaneous getaways.
Booking two separate one-way tickets with different airlines can sometimes be cheaper than a single return ticket. Similarly, flying into or from alternative airports—such as using London Stansted instead of Heathrow, or Berlin Brandenburg instead of Tegel—can yield savings.
Skyscanner also advises booking all flights in one transaction using the multi-city search to secure the best overall price. Setting up price alerts allows travelers to wait for price drops before committing.
Finally, traveling with hand luggage only is a major cost-saver, especially on budget airlines where checked baggage fees can add €20–€40 per leg. This tip is particularly relevant for short city breaks or weekend trips.
For those planning longer journeys, consider expert-backed strategies to beat jet lag on long-haul flights. Additionally, with some European airlines slow to resume Middle East flights, travelers should check route availability before booking.
These tips are especially timely as EU gas demand rises and domestic production falls, impacting overall travel costs. For a broader perspective on energy trends, see our analysis on EU gas demand rises as domestic production falls.
