How to save money on flights to Europe
Australians heading on holidays to Europe can save hundreds on their airfares by being strategic about when they book their flights and how they route their journey, a leading travel agent says.
Airfare expert Mark Trim said there are ways to “crack the code” on overseas flights, spilling “industry secrets” to cheaper airfares for European travel in 2025.
He said travellers must forget the idea of a “one-size-fits-all” rule for booking flights because airfares are dynamic, with each route “operating under unique market conditions”.
“To claim there’s a single best time to book all flights is a gross oversimplification of the aviation sector as it’s ever-changing and extremely nuanced,” Trim said.
To find the best deals, be willing to travel in off-peak seasons, with Trim explaining that the late April to early June period offers a balance of “good deals and pleasant weather in Europe”.
Mid to late July to late August and mid-January to mid-March are also strategic times to travel.
“If you’re travelling in winter, look at leaving from mid-January, after the Christmas rush, with a return no later than mid-March for better pricing,” Trim said.
Even the day you leave Australia can greatly affect your airfare, with outbound flights between Tuesday and Thursday typically offering the best value.
Airfares between Sunday and Wednesday often offer the best deals for return flights.
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“Some airlines, including Qantas, Emirates and Qatar Airways also have specific day of the week fare surcharges which differ for outbound and inbound flights, whereas other airlines manage this dynamically with availability restrictions,” Trim said.
Research has found that booking up to 10 months in advance can save most travellers on international airfares. Travel expert Dan Heathwood from EnPerSo Business Travel saying that “midweek flights are often less crowded”.
“[They’re] cheaper than those on weekends, making them a good option for travellers looking to save money,” he said.
When to book
Knowing what time of year to book a European holiday is key to saving the most money, Trim explained.
Traditionally there are two distinct booking periods for European travel.
The first is the April to October period, which is the peak summer time for the northern hemisphere.
The second is winter, which runs from November to March and typically sees much lower volumes of tourists.
Research has previously found that the cheapest month to travel internationally is in March, during winter in the northern hemisphere, while December is the most expensive month.
“It is also important to avoid peak travel periods, such as school holiday periods, Easter, Christmas and other major events, when prices are typically higher,” Heathwood said.
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But Trim explained that while these two periods still exist, much has changed since Covid-19.
“We have seen a lot of mid-July to late August European demand pushed back to September, which has flattened the peak season for Europe and eroded the traditional September shoulder season,” he said.
“We recommend an eight- to 11-month booking lead time for the high season months to secure the best possible airfare when looking at price, seat selection and stopovers.
“If booking six to nine months out, you may need to be more flexible to get a good deal, and if you’re booking with six months or less, it will almost always result in more expensive airfares or more sacrifices/concessions to get a reasonable airfare.”
Travellers will want to keep an eye out for key events during off-peak and shoulder months, Trim said, because while February is “typically a low season” it is a great time for skiing, and there are mid-term holidays in some markets.
“Easter is another variable that can impact late March to late April booking patterns,” Trim said.
Travel hubs with cheaper prices
Although it can be more convenient to fly into major European hubs such as Berlin, Paris, London and Rome, these airports can also add significantly to your costs.
Trim said better deals are available for those willing to fly through smaller hubs, including Milan in Italy, Frankfurt in Germany, Helsinki in Finland or Munich in Germany.
“You can pick up a train, car hire, or cheap flight to other ports,” he said.
“An expert agent can guide you through the ever-changing market, help you avoid pitfalls, and secure the best airlines, connections, seats and frequent flyer advice.”
Building a stopover into your trip can also help cut down on airfares, with Ivona Siniarska, a travel expert for 1000 Mile Travel Group, having told TND that it can also break up long air trips.
– TND
