Best New Budget Flights to Europe

Flying to Europe does not have to drain your savings account. A new wave of budget airlines and expanded route networks is making it easier than ever to cross the Atlantic without spending a fortune. If you are looking for cheap, direct flights from the United States to major European cities, you have several excellent new options to choose from.

Norse Atlantic Airways: The King of Ultra-Low-Cost Direct Routes

If you want the absolute lowest base fare to cross the Atlantic, Norse Atlantic Airways is your best bet. This Norwegian airline launched in 2022 to fill the gap left by Norwegian Air’s transatlantic departure. They operate a modern fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which means you get larger windows and better cabin pressure for a more comfortable ride.

Norse has aggressively expanded its US footprint over the last year. You can now fly direct from New York (JFK) to London Gatwick (LGW), Paris (CDG), Berlin (BER), and Rome (FCO). One of their most exciting new routes is a direct flight from New York to Athens (ATH), which begins operations on May 30.

They also offer direct routes from Miami (MIA) to London and Paris, as well as Los Angeles (LAX) to London and Paris. If you book during a promotional period, you can often find one-way tickets starting as low as $159. Keep in mind that Norse operates on a strict unbundled fare model. That $159 ticket gets you a seat and a small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. You will pay extra for a full-size carry-on bag, checked luggage, and in-flight meals.

French Bee: Affordable Flights Straight to Paris

For travelers with their sights set on France, French Bee offers an incredibly affordable way to get there. This low-cost long-haul carrier is based in France and flies exclusively to Paris Orly Airport (ORY). Orly is actually closer to the center of Paris than the massive Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), making it a very convenient arrival point.

French Bee currently flies direct to Paris from Newark (EWR), Miami (MIA), San Francisco (SFO), and Los Angeles (LAX). They operate brand new Airbus A350 aircraft, which are quiet and fuel-efficient. Their basic “Basic Fares” often start around $190 one-way. Similar to Norse, this basic ticket only includes a small personal item. If you want a checked bag and an in-flight meal, you can upgrade to their “Smart Fare” tier, which usually costs about $70 to $90 more per flight.

JetBlue: Premium Economy Features at Budget Prices

While JetBlue is not traditionally classified as an ultra-low-cost carrier, their recent expansion into Europe has introduced highly competitive pricing that forces other airlines to drop their fares. JetBlue flies direct from New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS) to some of the most popular cities in Europe.

Their European route map now includes London (Heathrow and Gatwick), Paris (CDG), and Amsterdam (AMS). They recently added seasonal direct flights to Dublin (DUB) and Edinburgh (EDI) as well. What makes JetBlue special is the value you get for your money. Even on their cheapest basic economy tickets (which often price out around $400 to $500 round-trip during off-peak months), you get free unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi, seatback entertainment, and complimentary meals. You also get more legroom in standard economy than you will find on almost any other transatlantic airline.

Level Airlines: Nonstop to Spain

Level is a low-cost brand owned by the International Airlines Group (the same parent company that owns British Airways and Iberia). Level is specifically designed to offer cheap, direct flights from the Americas to Barcelona (BCN).

You can catch a direct Level flight out of New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO). During the shoulder seasons (typically October through March), it is very common to find round-trip fares dipping below $350. Like other budget carriers, standard tickets only cover your seat and a small personal item. Upgrading to a fare that includes a cabin bag, checked bag, and a meal is highly recommended for flights of this length, and the bundled price still routinely beats major legacy carriers like Delta or United by hundreds of dollars.

Condor: Upgraded Budget Travel to Germany

Condor is a German leisure airline that has recently revamped its entire long-haul fleet. They now fly striking, candy-striped Airbus A330neo aircraft direct from several US cities to Frankfurt (FRA).

You can fly Condor direct to Germany from Seattle (SEA), New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Boston (BOS). Fares often start around $250 one-way. While their basic economy is bare-bones, Condor is famous for offering a very affordable Premium Economy class. For just a few hundred dollars more, you get extra legroom, enhanced meals, and included baggage, making it one of the best value sweet spots for traveling to central Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are budget airlines to Europe safe? Yes. Budget airlines like Norse Atlantic, French Bee, and Level must pass the exact same rigorous safety regulations and maintenance standards as major airlines like United, American, or Delta. They save money by unbundling passenger amenities, not by cutting corners on safety.

Do budget airlines fly into main airports? It depends on the airline and the city. French Bee flies into Paris Orly (ORY), which is a major, convenient airport. Norse Atlantic flies into London Gatwick (LGW) instead of London Heathrow (LHR), but Gatwick has a direct express train that gets you to central London in just 30 minutes. Always check the exact airport code before you book.

What is the cheapest time of year to fly to Europe? The cheapest months to fly from the US to Europe are typically January, February, and March. You will find the highest availability of $150 to $200 one-way tickets during this winter window. Late fall (October and November) also offers excellent budget pricing compared to the peak summer travel season.