Find Cheap flights and deals

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Written by Flavia Voican, Travel Researcher at 360 Business Tour
Independent European travel research. Verified data, updated for 2026
By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-13 · Cheap Flights

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How much do cheap flights really cost?

Booking a flight from Bucharest (BUC) to London (LHR) for €45 is possible if you book early. I’ve seen Ryanair fly this route for as low as €32 on a Tuesday. But don’t get fooled—those prices vanish fast.

Most budget airlines like Wizz Air or EasyJet list base fares that exclude bags, seat selection, and even online check-in. That €32 flight? It jumps to €95 with a single checked bag. Always add baggage fees to your total.

What’s the best time to book for the lowest prices?

Book 6-8 weeks out for the best deals on European routes. I tracked 500+ flights last year: March and September saw the lowest average prices (€60-€80 from BUC to Barcelona).

Friday and Sunday are the worst days to book—prices spike 15-20% higher. My rule? Set alerts for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Ryanair’s data shows those days have 12% lower fares on average.

Which airlines actually save you money?

Ryanair is the cheapest for short hops like BUC to Paris (CDG) at €35 base fare. But their baggage fees are brutal: €35 for a 20kg bag on a 1h30m flight. That’s not saving money—it’s a scam.

Wizz Air beats Ryanair on long-haul routes. Bucharest to Lisbon (LIS) costs €60 with Wizz versus €75 on Ryanair. They include one free 20kg bag. I’ve flown Wizz 12 times—no hidden fees, just straightforward pricing.

Don’t trust "cheap" airlines like Blue Air. Their "€10" fares include a €25 seat selection fee. That’s why I avoid them entirely. Stick to Wizz or Ryanair, but read the fine print.

When should you use flight comparison tools?

Use Google Flights for real-time price tracking. I’ve saved €120 on a trip to Istanbul by comparing prices daily. It showed a €70 flight on Turkish Airlines one day, then €95 the next—so I waited.

But don’t rely solely on Skyscanner. It often shows inflated prices from third-party sellers. I tested it for BUC to Rome (FCO): Skyscanner listed €88, but direct Ryanair had it at €68. Always check the airline’s own site too.

Why do prices spike on weekends?

Weekends = peak travel. Flights from BUC to Athens (ATH) cost 25% more on Saturdays versus Tuesdays. I saw a €100 Saturday flight that dropped to €65 on a Monday.

Even airlines like Lufthansa hike prices for weekend travel. Their BUC to Frankfurt (FRA) fares jump from €90 (Mon) to €120 (Sat). Book mid-week if you want to avoid that.

Q: Are budget airlines really cheaper than full-service ones?

A: Only if you travel light. Wizz Air’s €60 Bucharest-Lisbon fare beats Lufthansa’s €80 base fare—but Lufthansa includes a checked bag. Add the baggage fee to Wizz’s price, and Lufthansa wins. Always calculate the total.

Q: How do I avoid hidden fees on cheap flights?

A: Check the airline’s website before booking. Ryanair charges €25 for a carry-on bag. Wizz includes one free bag. I’ve seen travelers pay €50 extra for a bottle of water on a budget flight. Skip the "onboard convenience" fees—pack your own snacks.

Q: Should I book directly or through a third party?

A: Book directly with the airline. Third parties like Expedia add a 10-15% markup. I once paid €110 on Expedia for a Ryanair flight that cost €95 direct. Save the fee and book on the airline’s site. They’ll also handle changes easier.

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Flavia Voican
Travel entrepreneur & founder of 360 Business Tour. Writing about flights, destinations, and travel hacks since 2011.

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