Introduction
Europe remains one of the most popular destinations for travelers and expats from the USA. Whether you’re reconnecting with family in London, studying abroad in Paris, or exploring hidden gems like Lisbon or Budapest, airfare is often the biggest barrier. The good news? 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years to score cheap flights from the USA to Europe thanks to new budget carriers, expanded routes, and smart booking tools.
This guide reveals the best months to fly, cheapest airports, top airlines, and booking hacks that will save you hundreds of dollars on transatlantic flights.
1. Best Time to Book Flights to Europe in 2025
- Cheapest months: February, March, November.
- Peak months: June–August (summer travel), December (Christmas).
- Advance booking: 2–4 months for off-peak, 5–6 months for peak.
📌 Use Google Flights for fare history to lock in the best deals.
2. Cheapest U.S. Cities for Europe Flights
- New York (JFK/EWR): Cheapest gateway to London, Paris, Madrid.
- Boston (BOS): Budget carriers like PLAY and Azores Airlines fly here.
- Chicago (ORD): Competitive flights to central Europe.
- Washington D.C. (IAD): Great for flights to London, Frankfurt, and Istanbul.
- West Coast (LAX, SFO): Higher average fares, but deals exist via Aer Lingus, Norse Atlantic.
👉 Check Skyscanner for “everywhere” searches to find surprising routes.
3. Which Airlines Offer the Best Value?
- Norse Atlantic Airways: Low-cost transatlantic from JFK, LAX to London & Oslo.
- PLAY Airlines: Budget flights via Iceland.
- Iberia & Aer Lingus: Frequent sales from U.S. East Coast.
- Delta & United: Solid deals on nonstop routes, especially when booked early.
- Turkish Airlines: Competitive fares with a stopover in Istanbul.
💡 Bookmark the Iberia Offers Page for regular U.S.–Europe flash sales.
4. Hacks to Save on Europe Flights
- Fly into budget airports: London Gatwick (LGW), Paris Orly (ORY), and Milan Bergamo (BGY) are cheaper than the main hubs.
- Book open-jaw tickets: Fly into one city (e.g., Paris) and return from another (e.g., Rome).
- Use stopover programs: TAP Portugal (Lisbon), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), and Icelandair (Reykjavik) offer free/cheap stopovers.
- Use points & miles: U.S. credit cards often offer great redemptions for Europe (e.g., 30,000–35,000 miles roundtrip on United or American Airlines).
5. Average Prices in 2025
- East Coast → Europe: $450–$750 roundtrip (off-peak), $950+ peak.
- Midwest → Europe: $550–$850 roundtrip.
- West Coast → Europe: $650–$950 roundtrip (cheapest via budget carriers or one-stop).
👉 See updated averages on Kayak Flight Trends.
6. Must-Have Booking Tools
- Hopper – Predicts the cheapest booking times.
- Kiwi.com – Finds unique flight combinations.
- Scott’s Cheap Flights – Alerts for mistake fares.
- Travelpayouts – Compare airlines + earn cashback.
Conclusion
Traveling to Europe in 2025 doesn’t have to drain your bank account. By booking early, choosing flexible airports, and leveraging new budget airlines, you can save hundreds of dollars while still enjoying reliable service. Expats, students, and families traveling between the USA and Europe should start monitoring fares now—because the best deals don’t last long.
✈️ FAQs
Q1: Which U.S. city has the cheapest flights to Europe?
New York City (JFK/EWR) almost always has the lowest fares.
Q2: Are budget airlines like Norse and PLAY safe?
Yes—though service is basic (no free meals or bags), they’re reliable and perfect for budget travelers.
Q3: Is it cheaper to fly nonstop or with connections?
Nonstops cost more; one-stop flights can save $100–$300.
Q4: How far in advance should I book for summer in Europe?
At least 5–6 months ahead for the best fares.