By Traveling to Europe from the United States has always been a dream for many — whether it’s strolling the streets of Paris, exploring ancient ruins in Rome, or enjoying the beaches of Greece. However, flight prices can sometimes make this dream seem out of reach. The good news is that 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years for affordable transatlantic travel, thanks to competitive airlines, new flight routes, and smart booking strategies.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover how to find cheap flights from the USA to Europe in 2025, which airlines are offering great deals, the best times to book, and expert tips to save money on your journey.
Why Flights from the USA to Europe Are More Affordable in 2025
Airfare prices fluctuate every year depending on global fuel costs, tourism trends, and airline competition. In 2025, several key factors are making it easier to find cheap flights:
- More Budget Airlines: Low-cost carriers such as Norse Atlantic Airways, PLAY, and LEVEL are expanding their transatlantic routes, offering no-frills tickets at a fraction of the price of traditional airlines.
- Increased Competition: Major airlines like Delta, United, and American Airlines are competing with European carriers such as British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France, leading to more promotions and sales.
- Off-Peak Travel Trends: More travelers are choosing flexible travel schedules, making it easier to find off-season deals.
- New Routes and Hubs: Secondary airports such as Lisbon, Reykjavik, and Dublin are becoming major layover points for budget travelers.
Best Time to Book Flights to Europe
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the lowest fares. Based on recent travel data, here’s when to plan your booking:
- Book 2–5 months in advance: This is typically when airlines release their most competitive fares.
- Fly during shoulder seasons: Late spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October) offer mild weather and lower prices.
- Avoid peak months: June, July, and August are the most expensive due to high summer demand.
- Travel mid-week: Flying on Tuesday or Wednesday often results in cheaper fares compared to weekends.
If you’re flexible, use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to track price changes and set fare alerts for your preferred destinations.
Cheapest US Cities to Fly from
Some US airports consistently offer cheaper transatlantic fares because they’re major airline hubs or have strong competition. Consider starting your European trip from one of these airports:
- New York (JFK or Newark): Frequent deals to London, Paris, and Dublin.
- Boston (BOS): Excellent for flights to Iceland, Portugal, and Spain.
- Miami (MIA): Competitive fares to Madrid, Lisbon, and southern Europe.
- Chicago (ORD): Great deals to Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands.
- Los Angeles (LAX): Affordable flights to London, Zurich, and northern Europe.
Pro tip: Even if you don’t live near these cities, you can sometimes save money by booking a domestic connection separately.
Budget Airlines to Watch in 2025
While full-service airlines are convenient, budget carriers can save you hundreds of dollars — especially if you pack light and plan carefully. Here are some of the top budget airlines flying from the USA to Europe in 2025:
- Norse Atlantic Airways – Low-cost flights from New York, Los Angeles, and Miami to cities like London, Oslo, and Berlin.
- PLAY Airlines – Offers affordable routes via Reykjavik to European destinations such as Paris, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen.
- LEVEL Airlines – Flies from Boston and New York to Barcelona and Paris at highly competitive rates.
- Aer Lingus – Ireland-based carrier known for excellent prices and connections to the rest of Europe.
- Icelandair – Offers stopovers in Iceland at no extra cost, allowing travelers to explore two destinations on one trip.
Just remember that budget airlines often charge extra for checked baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals — so factor those into your total cost before booking.
Tips to Find the Best Flight Deals
Here are some tried-and-true methods to make sure you get the lowest possible airfare:
- Use flight comparison websites – Platforms like Kayak, Momondo, or Skyscanner aggregate deals from multiple airlines.
- Turn on fare alerts – Receive notifications when prices drop on your chosen route.
- Book one-way tickets or open-jaw routes – Fly into one city (e.g., Paris) and out of another (e.g., Rome) to save both time and money.
- Consider layovers – Connecting flights can be significantly cheaper than direct routes.
- Redeem airline miles or credit card points – If you travel often, use your loyalty rewards to offset costs.
- Browse in incognito mode – Some sites may increase prices based on repeated searches from your browser.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Even when you find a cheap fare, additional fees can quickly add up if you’re not careful. Before finalizing your booking, check for:
- Baggage fees (both carry-on and checked)
- Seat selection costs
- Airport taxes or fuel surcharges
- Payment processing fees for certain credit cards
If you’re flying with a budget airline, always read the fine print and consider whether paying slightly more for a full-service carrier might be worth it.
Popular European Destinations with Affordable Flights
Certain destinations tend to offer better deals due to flight frequency and airline partnerships. In 2025, watch for great prices to:
- Lisbon, Portugal – Known for budget-friendly travel and increasing flight availability.
- Dublin, Ireland – A major hub for Aer Lingus and Ryanair connections.
- Madrid, Spain – Frequent deals from Miami, New York, and Boston.
- Reykjavik, Iceland – A common stopover city with access to the rest of Europe.
- Berlin, Germany – Often included in discount promotions from Norse Atlantic.
Final Thoughts
Finding cheap flights from the USA to Europe in 2025 is easier than ever — if you plan smartly. Between the rise of budget airlines, flexible travel tools, and seasonal price variations, there are countless ways to make your dream European vacation affordable.
Start by comparing prices early, stay flexible with your dates, and explore alternative routes or layover cities. With a bit of research and timing, you can secure a fantastic deal and spend your savings exploring Europe’s breathtaking landmarks, culture, and cuisine.
