Why Flights to Europe Are Cheaper Than Ever in 2024
Flights from the U.S. to Europe are at their lowest prices in three years, with fares dropping even for late-fall and winter, which are typically the slower travel months. The surge in travel capacity after the COVID-19 pandemic and the seasonal dip in demand have made flights across the Atlantic more affordable, presenting travelers with an opportunity to visit Europe without breaking the bank.
Why Europe Flights Are So Affordable Now
According to data from flight-tracking company Hopper, “good deal” fares from the U.S. to Europe are averaging $578 in November 2024, down from $619 last year. This is the lowest rate since November 2021, when transatlantic travel was still affected by pandemic-related restrictions, and fares averaged $479. Hopper also reports that January 2025 fares are expected to be even lower at around $558, giving travelers an extra incentive to book off-season flights.
In comparison, U.S. domestic airfare remains elevated, with prices rising from November through March 2025. Airlines like Spirit and Southwest have reduced flights or trimmed growth plans, which has helped keep domestic fares steady. Aircraft shortages have also limited the ability to increase domestic flights, maintaining higher fare prices within the U.S.
How Airlines Increased Transatlantic Capacity
To meet the booming demand for travel to Europe post-pandemic, airlines expanded transatlantic routes, adding flights during both peak and shoulder seasons. As travelers increasingly seek to avoid the crowds and high temperatures of European summer, airlines are seeing stronger demand in spring and fall, leading to additional flights outside the traditional peak season.
Despite a slight decrease in U.S.-to-Europe flight capacity in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to last year, this capacity is still well above pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and nearly double that of 2021, according to Cirium. The result has been a significant boost in availability, putting downward pressure on prices.
As Hayley Berg, Hopper’s lead economist, explains, the increased availability is expected to keep transatlantic airfare low well into 2025. Following two strong years of European travel, many Americans have already visited popular spots like Italy and Spain, reducing the pool of travelers for the offseason and further contributing to cheaper fares.
Airline Strategies for Off-Season Demand
Traditionally, airlines lower fares in the offseason to fill seats, but this year, prices are even more competitive as carriers seek to stimulate demand. Scott Keyes, founder of the travel app Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), notes that airlines are increasingly discounting fares to attract travelers outside of peak periods, indicating a need to “juice the demand.”
To maintain interest in European travel, airlines are also diversifying their destination offerings. United Airlines, for instance, has seen high demand for classic European cities and is expanding its summer schedule for 2025 to include unique destinations like Greenland and Mongolia. United’s Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella highlighted that the airline’s focus is now on finding “hot destinations” where it can operate profitably, even beyond its partner hubs.
With airlines offering both lower fares and new destination options, now is a prime time for travelers to consider booking a trip to Europe. For those flexible on travel dates, the offseason discounts on transatlantic flights are a chance to explore Europe’s iconic cities and lesser-known regions at a fraction of peak-season prices.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com
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