Transatlantic flights are soaring to new lows, offering incredible deals for budget-conscious travelers dreaming of a European adventure – prices not seen since the depths of the pandemic.
Even during the traditionally quiet late fall and winter months, airfare to Europe is incredibly affordable, a welcome change from last year.
“Airlines are struggling to fill seats during this time,” reveals Brett Snyder, the mastermind behind the Cranky Flier travel industry website.
Flight-tracking company Hopper reports that ”good deal” fares across the Atlantic to Europe are averaging a tempting $578 for November, a significant drop from $619 last year. This marks the lowest ”deal fare” for November since 2021 when pandemic-era travel slump drove prices down to $479.
January 2025 paints a similar picture, with fares dipping even lower to $558, compared to $578 for the same month in 2024. While higher than the bargain-basement prices of $488 seen in January 2022, the current offerings still present a fantastic opportunity for savvy travelers.
Domestic U.S. airfare, however, tells a different story. Prices are surging compared to last year for every month from November through March.
A contributing factor is the turbulence within the airline industry. Financially challenged carriers like Spirit Airlines, alongside even profitable giants like Southwest Airlines, have cut flights or scaled back expansion plans for next year. This, coupled with a scarcity of aircraft, is limiting airlines’ ability to ramp up flights and meet the growing demand.
Furthermore, periods of weaker demand, noted by executives at major U.S. carriers like Delta, United, and American Airlines, create competitive pricing pressure, particularly the week before and after the U.S. presidential election.
This current state of affairs has roots in the post-pandemic travel boom. Airlines eagerly added seats to transatlantic routes, anticipating a surge in demand. As travelers embraced “shoulder seasons” – escaping scorching summers and overwhelming crowds – airlines responded by adding more flights outside peak periods.
Cirium data reveals that airline capacity between the U.S. and Europe in the fourth quarter is marginally lower this year compared to last, but still robust compared to 2019 and nearly double the capacity seen in the same period of 2021.
“Expect airfares to Europe to remain favorably low into next year,” predicts Hayley Berg, Hopper’s lead economist.
However, after two consecutive years of European escapades, many travelers have already ticked off popular destinations like Spain and Italy. This means fewer potential passengers eager for transatlantic flights during the off-season, leading airlines to slash prices even further.
“Those compelling discounts are a clear sign that airlines are struggling to generate demand,” observes travel expert Keyes.
To avoid predictability and fatigue, airlines are exploring exciting new destinations. United Airlines, for example, is expanding its schedule to captivating off-the-beaten-path locations such as Greenland and Mongolia to entice travelers seeking fresh adventures.
“We’re financially viable outside our traditional hubs,” explains Andrew Nocella, United’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We’re constantly seeking new, alluring, and profitable destinations across the globe.”
The combination of decreased demand, fierce competition, and a focus on innovative routes promises to keep transatlantic flights affordable for the foreseeable future, making now the perfect time to plan that dream European getaway.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Travel Expert Brett Snyder
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Brett! It’s always great to have you on the show. Let’s dive right into it—what’s driving the incredible drop in transatlantic flight prices this year?
Brett Snyder: Thanks for having me! The primary reason right now is that airlines are struggling to fill seats. During what is typically a quieter time of year—late fall and winter—many carriers are seeing less demand. This has led to some significant price reductions as they try to entice budget-conscious travelers.
Editor: So, if we’re seeing airfare to Europe averaging around $578 for November, how does that compare to previous years?
Snyder: The $578 figure is a welcome change from last year, where prices averaged $619. In fact, it marks the lowest “good deal” fare for November since 2021, when we saw prices dip to around $479 due to the pandemic. So, it’s definitely a fantastic time for travelers eager to explore Europe again.
Editor: That’s promising news for anyone dreaming of a European adventure! What about the outlook for early 2025?
Snyder: Looking ahead to January 2025, fares are expected to dip even lower, averaging around $558. While that’s slightly higher than the lowest points during the pandemic, it still presents a great opportunity for value-seeking travelers compared to last year.
Editor: Interesting! Now, while transatlantic flights are getting cheaper, domestic U.S. airfare is apparently on the rise. What’s causing this disparity?
Snyder: It’s a fascinating contrast, indeed. Domestic airfare is surging due to a combination of factors— airlines like Spirit and even profitable giants like Southwest have been cutting flights to cope with financial challenges. Plus, there’s a scarcity of aircraft, which is limiting their capacity to scale up services, especially during peak travel times.
Editor: That makes sense. We’ve heard that airline executives have noted unusual pricing pressure due to fluctuating demand. Can you shed more light on that?
Snyder: Absolutely! The week before and after the U.S. presidential election typically sees a dip in demand, which creates a competitive atmosphere among airlines. They often adjust prices to fill those planes, leading to fluctuations in airfare. This year’s trends are also influenced by the overall post-pandemic recovery, where airlines eagerly added more transatlantic routes but now find themselves navigating an unpredictable market.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a delicate balancing act going on. What should travelers keep in mind when planning their trips with all this in flux?
Snyder: I’d advise travelers to be flexible with their travel dates and destinations if possible. Being strategic—whether it’s opting for off-peak times or keeping an eye on fare alerts—can lead to significant savings. This is a moment for savvy consumers to take advantage of low fares on transatlantic flights while being mindful of the higher prices domestically.
Editor: Great advice! Thank you for sharing your insights, Brett. It seems like there’s a window of opportunity for travelers to snag some incredible deals while they last.
Snyder: My pleasure! Safe travels to everyone planning their adventures!
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Until next time, keep dreaming and planning your next getaway!