Greece offers incredible travel experiences, from historical ruins to vibrant beaches. To enjoy it on a budget, start with an affordable flight. Here’s how to find low-cost flights to Greece, which airlines to choose, and how to book smart.
Low-Cost Airlines to Greece
Many budget airlines fly to Greece, especially from Europe. Some key options:
- Ryanair: Known for low prices and extensive routes to Greece, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and several islands.
- EasyJet: Frequent routes from the UK and other major European cities to Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and more.
- Wizz Air: An Eastern European low-cost airline offering affordable flights to Greece from Poland, Hungary, and other locations.
Be aware of baggage restrictions on these carriers. Adding checked baggage later increases costs, so book carefully to keep fares low.
Best Days and Times to Book for Discounts
Timing your booking can save you money. Here’s what to know:
- Book Flights Midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often offer lower prices than weekends, as airlines adjust fares based on demand.
- Avoid High-Season Bookings: Flights to Greece are pricier in summer (June to August) and during Greek holidays. Plan for off-peak times, such as early spring (April-May) or fall (September-October).
- Time of Day: Early morning or late-night flights are generally cheaper, especially on low-cost airlines.
Studies suggest that booking 6-9 months in advance offers the best prices for international routes, particularly if you plan to travel during peak months.
Promo Codes and Frequent Flyer Programs
Promo codes and frequent flyer programs provide additional savings. Here’s how to leverage them:
- Promo Codes: Airlines periodically offer promo codes for certain routes. Sign up for airline newsletters or follow them on social media to receive alerts. Travel sites like Skyscanner and Kayak sometimes feature promo codes for specific bookings.
- Frequent Flyer Programs: For airlines with loyalty programs (such as Aegean Airlines’ Miles+Bonus program), sign up to earn miles on each flight. Use accumulated miles for discounts or even free flights.
- Credit Card Partnerships: Certain credit cards offer rewards or points that transfer to frequent flyer programs, so using these cards for flights may lower costs.
While budget airlines don’t always offer traditional loyalty points, they occasionally have discounts for frequent flyers or newsletter subscribers.
Websites Consistently Offering Discounted Flights
Some platforms are reliable for finding discounted flights to Greece:
- Google Flights: Offers an easy comparison of flights across airlines, lets you track prices, and notifies you of drops.
- Skyscanner: Known for flexibility with date and route comparisons. The “Everywhere” option also finds the cheapest flights to Greece from your location.
- Kayak: Features a “Price Forecast” tool that predicts fare changes, helping you decide when to book.
- Momondo: Shows flights from a wide range of providers, including budget and charter airlines.
- Hopper: Predicts the best times to buy flights, based on past price data.
Set up alerts on these sites for your preferred travel dates and destination to avoid missing any sudden drops in fares.
Booking in Advance vs. Last-Minute Deals
Booking strategies differ for those who plan ahead vs. those open to last-minute trips:
- Advance Bookings: For peak travel times (summer, Greek holidays), book 3-6 months in advance. This provides the widest selection of flights and seating options, often at lower prices.
- Last-Minute Deals: If your dates are flexible, last-minute bookings can work. However, they’re riskier, especially during busy months. Sites like Lastminute.com and Priceline may offer last-minute deals, and airlines sometimes discount remaining seats close to the departure date.
- Flash Sales: Many budget airlines offer flash sales with significant discounts. Sign up for notifications from Ryanair, EasyJet, or Wizz Air to catch these limited-time offers.
Consider whether a low price or a guaranteed seat matters more to you, and choose your strategy accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Affordable flights to Greece require planning but are achievable with the right approach. Use budget airlines, book at optimal times, and set alerts on reliable travel sites. Explore promo codes and loyalty programs to maximize savings, and choose your booking timeline based on your travel flexibility. With these tips, you’re set to reach Greece without overspending on airfare.