Why Finding Cheap Flights to Europe Matters
Flying to Europe used to be expensive, but in 2026 travelers from the United States have more budget airline options than ever before.
With the rise of low-cost transatlantic carriers, budget airlines, and flexible flight search tools, travelers can now fly from the USA to Europe for $250–$500 round trip if booked smartly, especially when comparing options like Delta Airlines flight booking or United Airlines booking before planning international travel.
However, not every airline offering cheap tickets actually provides the best value. Some ultra-low-cost carriers add fees for baggage, seats, and even carry-ons.
That’s why this guide breaks down the cheapest airlines to fly to Europe from the USA, including both:
• Low-cost transatlantic airlines
• Budget domestic airlines that help you reach cheap international departure hubs
By the end of this guide, you’ll know:
• Which airlines offer the lowest fares
• How to combine domestic budget flights with international routes
• The smartest booking strategies for 2026 travel
Before we dive in, you can quickly compare prices here:
Check cheapest flights here and explore deals through Air Canada international flights booking or other global carriers offering competitive transatlantic fares.
Prices change daily, so comparing multiple airlines is the fastest way to save hundreds of dollars.
Cheapest Airlines to Fly to Europe from the USA
If you want the short answer, these airlines usually offer the lowest fares to Europe from the USA:
| Airline | Type | Typical Round Trip Price |
| Norse Atlantic Airways | Ultra-Low Cost Long Haul | $250 – $500 |
| PLAY Airlines | Budget Iceland Stopover | $300 – $450 |
| French Bee | Low Cost Transatlantic | $350 – $500 |
| Icelandair | Budget + Stopover | $400 – $600 |
| JetBlue | Low Cost Premium Hybrid | $450 – $700 |
You can also save money by using domestic budget airlines like:
• Spirit Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Allegiant Air
• Avelo Airlines
These airlines help travelers reach cheaper international airports before flying to Europe.
Why Cheap Flights to Europe Are Easier to Find in 2026
The airline industry has changed dramatically over the past decade.
Several trends are making cheap flights to Europe from the USA more common:
1. Rise of Low-Cost Long-Haul Airlines
New airlines are competing with legacy carriers on transatlantic routes.
These airlines offer base fares that are sometimes 60% cheaper.
2. More Direct Routes from Secondary Cities
Airports like:
• Boston
• Baltimore
• Newark
• Orlando
now offer direct flights to Europe.
3. Budget Airline Partnerships
Many travelers now combine:
Domestic low-cost airlines → International budget airlines.
4. Better Flight Search Technology
Tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner make it easier to compare prices.
Cheapest Airlines Flying to Europe from the USA
Here are the airlines offering the best cheap fares to Europe in 2026.
Norse Atlantic Airways – Cheapest Long Haul Airline
Norse Atlantic is currently one of the cheapest airlines flying across the Atlantic.
They operate modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are fuel-efficient and comfortable.
Popular Routes
• New York → London
• Los Angeles → Oslo
• Miami → Paris
Average Price
Round trip fares can drop to $280–$450 during sales.
Why It’s Cheap
• Bare-bones ticket pricing
• Pay for extras like meals and bags
For budget travelers, it’s often the cheapest option available.
PLAY Airlines – Cheapest Flights via Iceland
PLAY Airlines is a budget airline based in Iceland.
They offer cheap connecting flights between North America and Europe.
Example Route
New York → Reykjavik → Paris
Typical Prices
Round trips often start around $300–$450.
Extra Perk
You can turn your connection into a free Iceland stopover trip.
French Bee – Cheap Flights to France
French Bee is a low-cost airline specializing in transatlantic routes to Paris.
Main Routes
• New York → Paris
• Miami → Paris
• Los Angeles → Paris
Typical Prices
Round trip flights start around $350–$500.
They are popular with travelers heading to France, Spain, and Italy.
Icelandair – Budget Airline With Stopovers
Icelandair isn’t technically ultra-low-cost, but it offers excellent deals.
Why Travelers Love It
You can stop in Iceland for up to 7 days without extra airfare.
Typical Prices
Flights from the US to Europe range from $400–$600.
JetBlue – Best Value Budget Transatlantic Airline
JetBlue has entered the transatlantic market with competitive prices, and many travelers now compare fares through JetBlue flight booking tools when searching for affordable Europe flights.
Routes
• New York → London
• Boston → Paris
• Boston → Amsterdam
Why It Stands Out
Unlike many budget airlines, JetBlue includes:
• Free Wi-Fi
• Larger seats
• Better onboard service
Prices start around $450 round trip during sales.
Domestic Budget Airlines That Help You Reach Cheap European Flights
Sometimes the cheapest flights to Europe depart from major hubs like major US airports, which is why travelers often combine domestic routes with Spirit Airlines booking to reach cheaper international departure cities.
• New York
• Boston
• Chicago
• Miami
If you don’t live near these airports, domestic budget airlines can help you reach them cheaply.
Spirit Airlines – Ultra Low Cost Domestic Flights
Spirit is famous for its extremely cheap base fares.
Flights can be as low as $30–$80 one way.
This makes Spirit a great option for reaching cities like:
• New York
• Orlando
• Fort Lauderdale
before flying to Europe.
Frontier Airlines – Cheap Flights Across the US
Frontier offers some of the lowest domestic fares in the United States.
They frequently run promotions where flights cost under $50.
Travelers often use Frontier to reach major international airports.
Allegiant Air – Cheap Flights from Smaller Cities
Allegiant focuses on smaller airports that larger airlines ignore.
This makes it ideal for travelers who live outside major cities.
Flights can cost as little as $40–$70 one way.
Avelo Airlines – New Budget Airline with Cheap Fares
Avelo Airlines is a newer low-cost airline offering cheap flights from smaller regional airports.
Many travelers use Avelo to reach:
• Los Angeles
• Orlando
• Las Vegas
before continuing to Europe.
Best Tools to Find Cheap Flights to Europe
Finding cheap flights requires the right tools.
Here are the best flight search platforms.
Google Flights
Google Flights is one of the most powerful tools for comparing airfare.
You can:
• Track price alerts
• Compare multiple dates
• See cheapest travel days
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is popular among budget travelers.
It shows low-cost airlines that traditional search engines sometimes miss.
Airline Websites
Sometimes the cheapest fares appear only on airline websites.
Always check:
• Norse Atlantic
• PLAY Airlines
• JetBlue
before booking.
🏨 Find Cheap Hotels in Europe
Flights are only part of your travel budget.
You can compare hotel prices here:
Booking early can save 30–50% on accommodation costs.
Extra Tips to Get the Cheapest Flights to Europe
These strategies can dramatically reduce your airfare.
Book 2–4 Months in Advance
For international flights, the sweet spot is usually 60–120 days before departure.
Fly Midweek
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest travel days.
Weekend flights are typically more expensive.
Use Nearby Airports
Sometimes flying from another city saves hundreds.
Example:
Instead of flying from Dallas → Paris, try:
Dallas → New York → Paris.
Avoid Peak Summer Travel
June through August is the most expensive travel season.
Traveling in April, May, September, or October can save hundreds.
Travel with Carry-On Only
Low-cost airlines charge extra for baggage.
Packing light can reduce total travel costs significantly.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make
Avoid these mistakes when booking cheap flights.
Not Comparing Multiple Airlines
Prices vary significantly between airlines.
Always check at least three flight search platforms.
Ignoring Extra Fees
Ultra-low-cost airlines charge for:
• Seat selection
• Bags
• Meals
Always calculate the final ticket cost.
Booking Too Early
Flights are not always cheapest a year in advance.
Prices often drop closer to departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest airline to fly to Europe from the USA?
Norse Atlantic Airways and PLAY Airlines often offer the lowest transatlantic fares, sometimes under $300 round trip.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Europe?
January, February, and November are typically the cheapest months for flights to Europe.
What US city has the cheapest flights to Europe?
New York, Boston, and Chicago usually offer the lowest airfare due to high competition between airlines.
Are budget airlines safe for international travel?
Yes. Budget airlines must follow the same international aviation safety regulations as major carriers.
Can I combine airlines to save money?
Yes. Many travelers use Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant Air, or Avelo Airlines to reach international hubs before flying to Europe.
Final Thoughts
Cheap flights to Europe are easier to find than ever before. By combining low-cost transatlantic airlines with budget domestic carriers, travelers from the United States can explore Europe for a fraction of the usual price.
Ready to plan your European adventure?
👉 Check cheapest Europe flights for 2026 now
👉 Compare best hotel deals in Europe here
Compare deals, find budget airlines, and start planning your dream trip for 2026.
