Is Europe Travel This Summer Still an Option?

Back in the winter we began tracking European summer rates, and since then have seen many peaks and valleys in fare fluctuations. Volatility has been significant on certain routes such as those affected by the volcanic ash. Absent of catastrophes though, it’s much less difficult to observe dramatic dips and gains on a route. 

For example, the Los Angeles/Paris route holds steady and hasn’t deviated more than 6 percent since we began running comparisons. Madrid flights went up just slightly in May and/or June but have settled back down to a nice pace with early spring rates. Yes, for the most part, you would have been better off purchasing peak summer rates during the winter, but rather than shoulda, coulda, woulda laments, it’s better to look at a second option.

During my airfare coverage, I’ve been noticing several Europe fall sales. Though its considered shoulder season, autumn rates have been coming down close to low-season prices. One such example is Icelandair’s fall Europe sale from $379 round-trip (not including taxes and fees) to popular destinations including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, and Paris, just to name a few. Look out for more fall Europe sales in the weeks to come as booking international fares at least one season in advance seems more prudent; or two seasons in advance for peak travel.

Regardless of price, however, there are just some factors that cannot be altered. Summer brings with it perfect vacationing weather, as well as the time most suited to take off from work or school. And because of that, here’s our most recent analysis of some of the summer rates we’ve tracking:

• New York City > London: increased by 9 percent
• New York City > Paris: increased by 3 percent
• New York City > Rome: decreased by 6 percent
• New York City > Madrid: decreased by 7 a percent
• New York City > Dublin: increased by 2 percent
• Los Angeles > London: increased by 2 percent
• Los Angeles > Paris: rates have remained static
• Los Angeles > Rome: increased by 10 percent
• Los Angeles > Madrid: decreased by 6 percent
• Los Angeles > Dublin: decreased by 4 percent
• Chicago > London: increased by 1 percent
• Chicago > Paris: increased by 7 percent
• Chicago > Rome: decreased by 14 percent
• Chicago > Madrid: decreased by 6 percent
• Chicago > Dublin: increased by 4 percent

Read the previous installments from this series on booking summer Europe airfares:

• When to Book Cheap Summer Flights to Europe
• Book Now or Wait: A Europe Summer Airfare Primer
• Still Dreaming of Europe This Summer
• Summer Europe Flights Holding Steady

Your Turn

Are you still shopping around for summer Europe travel? If the prices seem too high, are you contemplating an autumnal visit instead?