How to Save Big on European Flights: The Best Months to Book for Busy Travel Periods

Europe is a dream destination for many travellers, offering a wealth of culture, history, and stunning landscapes.

However, securing affordable flights can be challenging, especially during peak travel periods like summer, Christmas, and Easter.

The secret?

Booking early!

Not only does booking early help you lock in the best prices, but it can also give you greater flexibility with airlines, dates, flight times, and the all-important seat selection (although most airlines will still charge for this…grrr).

Here’s your ultimate guide to finding the cheapest flights to Europe, helping you save money and start your European adventure stress-free.

Understand Europe’s Peak Travel Periods

Europe comes alive during its busiest seasons, each offering unique and unforgettable experiences.
 

• Summer (June to August): Think warm Mediterranean beaches, sun-drenched piazzas, iconic cultural festivals like Spain's La Tomatina or Italy’s Palio di Siena, and famous sporting events such as Wimbeldon and Le Tour de France.
  
  
• Christmas and New Year (mid-December to early January): The festive season transforms Europe into a winter wonderland, with enchanting Christmas markets (think Gluwhein, Vin Chaud, Chestnuts, Fondue…), outdoor ice skating rinks in picturesque city squares, and the thrill of skiing through Europe’s many ski fields.
  
  
• Spring Break (March to April): Europe bursts into bloom in spring, with Japan-level cherry blossoms in Bonn, Dublin or Paris (and many other locations!), the Tulips in Amsterdam, and Easter celebrations bringing local traditions to life.

Flights during these times are in high demand, with prices rising as travel dates approach. To get the best deals and your preferred seats, booking 6–10 months in advance is essential. 

Not only does it help you save money (that you can then spend on that fancy hotel, the tour you’ve always wanted to do or dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant…), but it also allows you to secure flights for those key dates, whether it’s Christmas Eve, peak cherry blossom season, or early summer’s serene golden hours.

When to Book for Summer Travel (June–August)

Best months to book: September to December (for travel the following summer). Why this works: Airlines release their schedules 10–12 months in advance. Booking 6–10 months ahead allows you to snag the lowest fares before prices surge closer to departure. Pro tip: Consider flying in early June or late August to avoid the most expensive peak weeks in July (and miss most of the crowds!).

Timing Your Christmas Flights (December)

Best months to book: February to April (for travel the same December). Why this works: Booking your Christmas flights 8–10 months ahead lets you lock in better fares before demand skyrockets in the autumn months. Pro tip: If you’re flexible with dates, flying just after Christmas Day can save you money on your return flight.

Spring Break and Easter (March–April)

Best months to book: June to September (for travel the following year). Why this works: Spring is increasingly popular for European travel, thanks to its pleasant weather, blooming landscapes, and charming Easter traditions. Booking 6–10 months in advance will help you secure the best prices and preferred flight times. Pro tip: Aim for mid-week departures, which are often cheaper than weekend flights.

The Truth About Flight Comparison Sites

Flight comparison tools like Skyscanner and Google Flights are excellent for monitoring prices and setting alerts. However:

• False urgency: These platforms often display warnings like “Only 2 seats left at this price!” that may not be accurate.  
• Limited options: Many comparison sites prioritise specific airlines or suppliers, meaning you won’t always see every available flight.
• Inaccurate pricing: The price you see on these sites isn’t always the final price. Often, you won’t know the real cost—including taxes and fees—until you click through to the airline or booking provider’s site. Which brings me to my next point…
• Third-party booking issues: Many comparison sites redirect you to third-party booking platforms. While these providers can sometimes offer lower prices, the experience may not always be seamless. If you need to make changes or deal with unexpected disruptions, navigating these third parties can be frustrating and time-consuming.

That’s where I come in. As a travel advisor, I have access to exclusive tools and industry connections to provide you with a full range of options. I’ll also help you secure fares and seats at a price you’re comfortable with—without the stress of unexpected costs, third-party issues, or misleading information.

Why Booking Early Makes Sense

Booking 6–10 months in advance has multiple advantages:

• Greater flexibility: You’ll have the widest choice of dates, flight times, and seats.
• Peace of mind: Locking in a price early helps you avoid rising fares closer to your departure date.
• More options for extras: You can pre-select seats, meals, and baggage options with ease.

Consider Flexible Routes

If you’re open to alternative routes, you can save even more:

• Fly into less popular hubs: For example, consider flying into Amsterdam or Brussels instead of Paris, or Milan instead of Rome. You can easily connect to your final destination via the extensive train network in Europe, and this is often quicker, more comfortable (and sometimes cheaper) than a low-cost carrier.
• Look for stopover deals: Airlines like Emirates or Qatar Airways often offer affordable fares with stopovers, which can be a fun way to explore an additional city. If you are flexible with dates, or not in a rush you could also look at flying with an airline like Turkish Airways or Oman Air. These airlines have more stops (which allow for more stopovers!) and can also be quite a bit cheaper than the “one-stop” or direct options. Who wouldn’t love to walk through the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, or soak in the history of Muscat (or soak up the sun on Qurum Beach!)?

Seasonal Promotions 

Timing your bookings around sales can lead to significant savings:

• Summer travel: Watch for early-bird sales, often announced in September and October. These aren’t as common as they used to be, although some airlines will still release these.
• Christmas travel: Deals are commonly released in January/February for the following festive season.

Extra Tips for Affordable Flights

• Be flexible with dates: Adjusting your travel dates by just a day or two can result in big savings.
• Leverage rewards and points: Use frequent flyer miles or credit card rewards to offset costs.
• Book return trips early: Round-trip flights are often cheaper than booking one-way tickets separately.
• Fly on less popular days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often have cheaper fares.
• Consider cities with multiple airports: Many European cities, like London, Paris, and Milan, have more than one airport. Often, flying into a secondary airport (e.g., London Gatwick instead of Heathrow or Paris Orly instead of Charles de Gaulle) can save you money due to lower demand and cheaper landing fees. However, always factor in the cost and time of ground transportation to your final destination.

Avoid Last-Minute Bookings

Last-minute fares during peak travel periods are almost always more expensive, unless there’s an unlikely flash sale. Planning early eliminates the stress of scrambling for flights and paying premium prices.