Cheap flights to Europe in summer 2006
Thinking about getting a cheap airfare to Europe this summer? Wondering where the bargains are and why prices seem to be a lot higher than last year? You are not alone.
Record demand for cheap flights, scandalously high prices for oil and little extra capacity on the usual routes this summer makes for, you guessed it, higher airfares.
The million dollar question, well actually the few hundred dollar question, is whether to buy now or wait for a juicy airfare sale closer to your chosen date of travel. This is the classic cheap-flight seekers dilemma that happens each year, as regular as Groundhog Day. Here are some tips to figure it out:
- If you know when and where you want to fly during this summer peak season (July-August) then it may be best to bite the bullet and purchase.
- If you can be flexible, then fly in the shoulder season (April-May or September-October). This is not only a great way to get cheaper flights but Europe can be quieter, better value and, if you are lucky, the weather can be better too.
- Try flying on new routes for airlines. This can be a great way to bag a deal because it is harder for airlines to fill planes on new routes where they do not have recognition yet. I see that Delta Air Lines has launched a raft of routes to places across Europe including Barcelona, Kiev and Athens.
- Try flying to alternative destinations within Europe. Think more than just London and Paris. Sometimes you can get cheaper deals to other cities like Edinburgh, Birmingham or Manchester in the UK.
- Discounted international deals tend to come out about 90 days before departure. Now, there are no guarantees, but if you are flexible with your destination then it might be worth hanging around to see what comes up (the risk is though that you will end up hanging around at home instead if prices don’t drop).
- Try specialists to Europe who may offer discounted fares and have specialist advice (1800 Fly Europe, O’Connors, or UK Air).
- Perhaps try a stopover in London with a friend (to save on the hotel bill) and fly on from there. London is a terrific low-cost hub, particularly from Luton and Stansted airports. However, don’t try to connect flights in London because the travel times between the airports will be worse than the savings you make.
- One option I have tried is to fly via Ireland with Aer Lingus. They have modeled their airline on the low-cost model with cheap fares and plenty of onward options through Europe. Dublin Airport is small so transfers are not too painful.
- If you see a cheap flight … bag it!
© Cheapflights Ltd Hugo Burge