One of the biggest barriers to finally taking a trip to Europe is the cost of airfare. I get it. Just thinking about booking a flight can make your wallet sweat. Here’s the secret: cheap flights exist, and you just have to know where to look and how to play the game. Be patient. Finding the right flight may take a fe attempts.

Be Flexible

Flexibility is your best friend when hunting flights. Traveling on holidays like Thanksgiving can also lead to significant savings.

• Avoid peak season if possible. Summer is beautiful, yes, but tickets are expensive.
  
• Shoulder seasons like spring and fall are perfect for fewer crowds and lower prices.
  
• Winter trips can be cheaper too, unless you’re chasing Christmas markets or Switzerland skiing.
  

Use Research Tools

Google Flights

• Great if you already have a destination in mind.
  
• Use the date grid and price graph to see when tickets are cheapest.
  
• Filter by airline, layovers, or seat class to match your preferences.
  
• Pro tip: if you’re flexible about where you go, type your departure airport and “Europe” as the destination. Google will show you prices across the continent.
  

Going.com

• This site is awesome for deals and sends alerts to your email.
  
• Paid subscriptions (~$50) are worth it if you plan multiple trips. They filter out crazy layovers and bad routes, so you save both time and money.
  

Set Alerts and Monitor Prices

If there’s a specific destination and week in mind, set up price alerts on Google Flights or Going.com. You’ll get notified when prices drop — sometimes dramatically.

It takes a little patience, but a few weeks of monitoring can save you hundreds.

Flight Tips You Need to Know

• Connecting flights: Allow plenty of time.
  
  • Within the U.S.: at least 1.5 hours.
    
  • Connecting in Europe: 3 hours is safe.
    
  • Returning to the U.S.: 2–3 hours usually works.
    
• Check airport recommendations: Each airport is different, and holidays or peak season may require more buffer time.
  
• Read reviews: A quick Google search for “connecting at [airport name] experiences” can save stress.
  

Final Thoughts

Cheap flights are out there, and they’re not just for travel hackers with credit card points. It just takes a little flexibility, research, and patience. Give these tips a try. What you find may surprise you.