Cheap Flights to USA from Europe

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Finding cheap flights from Europe to the USA can be easier if you know where and when to search. Here's a guide to help you score the best deals on flights, along with some tips and tricks for finding budget-friendly fares.


1. Best Airlines for Cheap Flights from Europe to the USA[edit | edit source]

Several budget and mainstream airlines offer affordable flights between Europe and the USA, often depending on the route and season. Here are some airlines to consider:

  • Norwegian Air: Known for its low-cost transatlantic flights from various European cities to the USA. Though they have scaled down operations recently, they may still offer occasional deals.
  • Icelandair: Offers budget-friendly flights from Europe to the USA with a stopover in Reykjavik, Iceland. Their stopover option allows travelers to explore Iceland for up to 7 days without additional airfare.
  • TAP Air Portugal: Known for offering cheap flights from major European cities to the USA with a stopover in Lisbon. They often run promotions for their transatlantic routes.
  • Aer Lingus: Ireland's national carrier frequently offers low-cost flights to the USA from Europe, especially via Dublin or Shannon.
  • Level Airlines: A low-cost carrier that operates transatlantic flights from Barcelona and Paris to cities in the USA like New York, San Francisco, and Boston.
  • KLM & Air France: These airlines offer affordable flights with flexible layovers in Amsterdam (KLM) or Paris (Air France) and often have good deals from European cities to the USA.
  • British Airways & Virgin Atlantic: Occasionally offer deals on flights from London to various destinations in the USA.

2. Best Time to Find Cheap Flights[edit | edit source]

Timing is key to getting the best deal on flights between Europe and the USA. Here are some tips to help you find cheaper fares:

  • Off-Peak Travel: Avoid the high travel seasons (June-August and December) when prices tend to be higher due to summer vacations and holidays. Instead, aim to travel during the shoulder seasons in spring (March-May) or fall (September-November).
  • Book in Advance: For international flights, it’s generally recommended to book 2-3 months in advance to get the best prices. Last-minute flights are often more expensive, though occasionally, you can find a good deal.
  • Midweek Travel: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly, as fewer people travel on these days. Try to avoid weekend departures when fares are higher.
  • Flight Alerts and Deals: Use price alert tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to monitor prices for your preferred dates and routes. These tools notify you when prices drop.

3. Popular and Budget-Friendly Routes[edit | edit source]

Some European cities are hubs for cheap flights to the USA due to their volume of flights and airline competition. These cities often have more affordable options:

  • London (Heathrow/Gatwick) to New York (JFK/Newark): One of the busiest and most competitive transatlantic routes, making it a hotspot for budget fares.
  • Dublin to Boston/New York/Chicago: Aer Lingus offers competitive fares from Dublin, and this route often has great deals.
  • Paris to Miami/New York/Los Angeles: Several budget airlines, such as Level and Norwegian, offer low-cost options between Paris and major US cities.
  • Barcelona to San Francisco/New York: Another key route for affordable flights, particularly with Level Airlines.
  • Reykjavik to New York/Seattle/Denver: Icelandair offers reasonably priced transatlantic flights with the option of a free stopover in Iceland.
  • Lisbon to Washington D.C./Newark/Boston: TAP Air Portugal frequently offers discounted flights with layovers in Lisbon.

4. Top Websites for Finding Cheap Flights[edit | edit source]

  • Google Flights: Offers a clean interface and allows you to track flight prices over time. The “Explore” feature is particularly useful for finding the cheapest destinations from your location.
  • Skyscanner: A popular tool for finding cheap flights, offering flexible date searches and a wide range of budget airlines.
  • Momondo: Known for finding deals by comparing prices across multiple booking sites, and it often shows cheaper routes and layover options.
  • Kayak: Another great platform to find cheap flights, especially for flexible travelers who want to compare dates and destinations.
  • Hopper: A mobile app that predicts when fares will rise and fall, helping you to decide when to book.
  • Secret Flying: Specializes in finding error fares and great last-minute flight deals between Europe and the USA.

5. Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flights[edit | edit source]

  • Be Flexible with Dates: If you can be flexible with your travel dates, use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to search for the cheapest departure and return dates.
  • Try Nearby Airports: Consider flying into nearby airports. For example, if you want to visit New York, check fares to both JFK and Newark. You can also check nearby European departure airports.
  • Use Budget Airlines for Connections: Book separate tickets using budget airlines within Europe to connect to a transatlantic flight. Just be mindful of longer layovers or different airports.
  • Sign Up for Newsletters: Airlines and deal sites often send out flight deals and flash sales through email newsletters. Signing up for these can help you catch a deal before it's gone.

6. Bonus: Make the Most of Stopovers[edit | edit source]

Several airlines, like Icelandair and TAP Air Portugal, offer free or cheap stopovers in their home countries (Iceland and Portugal, respectively). This is a great way to add an extra destination to your trip without paying for an additional flight.


Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Traveling from Europe to the USA doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning, flexible dates, and smart searching, you can find cheap flights that make your trip across the Atlantic affordable. Be sure to explore multiple options, book in advance, and consider budget carriers and connecting flights to get the best deal possible.