Lots of Options for European Flights this Summer, but Affordable Airfare is Scarce

Summer travel to Europe is set to see a significant increase in flight availability, with airlines scheduling nearly 51,000 flights from the US to Europe between June and August, according to airline data firm Cirium. This marks the highest number of scheduled seats since 2018.

Despite the increased capacity across the Atlantic, airfare prices have risen sharply as airlines test the demand for international travel. The average cost of roundtrip flights from the US to Europe now stands at $1,032, a 35% increase from last year and 24% higher than in 2019. In contrast, average domestic airfare within the US has decreased by 15% to $286 for a round trip, roughly in line with pre-pandemic levels.

Leading airlines such as Delta, JetBlue, Norse Atlantic Airways, and Play are betting on travelers’ willingness to pay for international trips now that the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions appear to be receding. These airlines are adding more flights and routes to European destinations, banking on a resurgence in travel demand.

To fill the positions needed for the anticipated surge in summer travel, airlines and airports have been actively hiring, aiming to avoid the chaotic scenes witnessed during the previous summer.

JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes explained that European travel was still in the early stages of recovery last summer, and he believes that many people who refrained from flying then are now looking to travel this year. JetBlue is introducing flights to London and plans to launch service to Paris and Amsterdam.

Delta is planning to offer a record number of seats from the US to Europe, a 20% increase compared to last summer. The airline will serve 69 markets across Europe.

Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper, advises travelers to book their flights now if they plan to travel during the peak summer months. To avoid the highest fares, it’s recommended to avoid national holidays and consider flying on weekdays.

Although some airlines have observed a return to traditional booking patterns, resulting in higher fares on peak travel days, there may still be opportunities for more affordable prices during less popular periods. Airlines’ schedules from late March to the end of October indicate record seat availability, suggesting expectations of robust demand throughout the shoulder season.

Berg also suggests considering connecting flights instead of solely focusing on nonstop options. Low-cost airlines like Play and Norse Atlantic Airways offer connecting flights through their respective hub airports, providing more route options for travelers. These airlines are expanding their services between the US and Europe, with Play serving 39 destinations and Norse Atlantic Airways operating Boeing 787 Dreamliners to various European cities.

According to Philip Allport, Senior Vice President of Communications at Norse Atlantic Airways, while fares for US-Europe routes have been higher than usual, the airline remains relatively affordable compared to its competitors. For example, a round trip from New York to Paris on Norse Atlantic Airways is priced at around $1,300, lower than Delta’s standard economy fare of $1,804 for the same itinerary departing on July 1 and returning a week later.