Finding the best deal on a flight to Finland doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right strategy, you can save a lot of money on airfare while making sure your dates and preferences are met. Here’s how you can find cheap flights to Finland.
1. Book at the right time
You’ll want to keep an eye on the timing when booking your flight to Finland. Prices generally fluctuate, but there are a few patterns to keep in mind:
- For international flights, booking 2-3 months in advance usually gives you the best prices.
- If you can, avoid booking less than two weeks before departure—prices tend to skyrocket.
- Midweek departures (like a Tuesday or Wednesday) often cost less than flights on Fridays or around weekends.
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Also, early morning or late-night flights tend to be cheaper because they’re less convenient. If your schedule is flexible, consider looking at those options.
2. Use flight comparison tools
There are dozens of online platforms that can help you compare flight prices. Some of the best ones I recommend include:
- Google Flights
- Momondo
- Skyscanner
- Kayak
Use these tools to compare prices across different dates, airlines, and booking sites. What’s great about Google Flights is that you can set alerts for price drops, so you’ll be notified if your airfare goes down.
Momondo and Skyscanner also let you search for flights and then link you to the best third-party websites to book them. Make sure you’re paying attention to the total price, including taxes and fees, as these can vary depending on the platform you use.
3. Check for nearby airports
When flying to Finland, consider airports other than Helsinki. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is the main gateway, but Finland also has other airports you could fly into, especially if you’re headed north. For example:
- Rovaniemi (for northern Finland or Lapland)
- Tampere
- Oulu
- Turku
Sometimes, it’s cheaper to fly into one of these regional airports and then take a short train or bus ride to your final destination. You’ll broaden your options and might find lower prices this way.
4. Look for layovers
Direct flights to Finland can be pricey. If you’re flexible, you might want to look at flights that have one or two layovers. This can help you save a significant amount of money. Remember, though, long layovers might mean more travel time, but sometimes that’s worth the savings.
Airlines like KLM, Lufthansa, and Finnair offer connecting flights with layovers in their hub cities (like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or London). Not only do you save, but you might get a short bonus trip in another country.
5. Consider budget airlines
If you’re already in Europe, budget airlines can be a fantastic way to get to Finland cheaply. Here are some budget airlines that fly into Finland:
- Ryanair
- Norwegian Air
- Wizz Air
They might not offer the same amenities as full-service airlines, but the savings are often worth it if you’re just looking for a quick, cheap flight. Be cautious of extra baggage fees—budget airlines often charge for basic services like carry-on luggage, food, or even seating assignments. Make sure to read the fine print before booking.
6. Be flexible with your travel dates
One of the most effective ways to save on flights is to stay flexible with your dates. If you’re willing to fly a day or two earlier or later than your preferred dates, you can sometimes find much cheaper flights.
Almost all search engines (Google Flights, Skyscanner, etc.) have calendar features that show you when the cheapest days to fly are. Use those and adjust your travel plans accordingly if you have the flexibility.
7. Sign up for fare alerts
A good tip for scoring cheap flights to Finland is using fare alert services. Websites like Airfarewatchdog or Google Flights allow you to track flights and notify you when prices drop.
Entering your destination and preferred flight dates into the tracker is easy, and you won’t need to keep checking—they’ll notify you through email or a push notification. This can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re waiting for a good deal and don’t have time to check prices constantly.
8. Check airlines directly
It’s common to search for flights using third-party websites, but sometimes airlines offer direct discounts or exclusive fares that aren’t listed elsewhere. Make sure to check the official websites of Finnair, Norwegian Air, and other carriers flying to Finland.
If you find a flight on a search engine that you like but want to confirm it’s the best deal, head straight to the airline’s website and compare the prices. You might find a fare that’s slightly cheaper or offers extra perks, like free checked baggage.
9. Use miles or points
If you’ve got frequent flyer miles or credit card points, this could be the time to use them. Many airlines and travel credit cards have partnerships that offer great ways to redeem points for flights to Finland.
Check if Finnair or other airlines in the Oneworld alliance accept your points, as these can help cover or reduce the cost of your airfare. Even if you don’t have enough to cover the entire flight, you might be able to use them toward a discount.
10. Look for open-jaw tickets
If you’re planning to explore multiple parts of the Nordic region, consider booking an open-jaw ticket. An open-jaw ticket lets you fly into one city and out of another city. For instance, fly into Helsinki and head out from Stockholm or Tallinn.
Sometimes adding this regional flexibility will give you access to better deals. You get the extra benefit of experiencing more cities, and you won’t have to pay for a round-trip ticket to and from the same location.
11. Avoid peak travel seasons
Finland has distinct high and low seasons. The high season tends to be in July and December to February, when lots of travelers come to experience Lapland and the Northern Lights. Summer months also bring higher prices due to the popularity of the Midnight Sun and outdoor festivals.
If you’re looking for cheaper flights, try visiting in the shoulder seasons: April-May or September-October. The weather is still pleasant, but there will be fewer tourists, and flight prices tend to drop during these periods.
12. Look for sales and discount codes
Many airlines have seasonal sales or special promotions that can help you save hundreds on flights. Keep your eyes peeled for Black Friday sales, Cyber Monday sales, or other seasonal promotions around holidays.
You can also sign up for airline newsletters to get exclusive discount codes or sale notifications. Sometimes, simply using a code can knock down the price considerably.
Popular airlines flying to Finland
When flying to Finland, you have plenty of airline options. Here are some of the most popular ones that offer international flights to the country:
- Finnair (the country’s national carrier, often offers direct flights)
- Lufthansa
- KLM
- British Airways
- SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
- Iberia
- Norwegian Air (for budget options)
These are just a few popular options, but always double-check routes and connections from your departure city.
Final thoughts
Finding cheap flights to Finland is all about being strategic. Use the tools available, adjust your dates if possible, and keep an eye out for deals. By taking just a few extra steps, you can save money and make your trip to Finland both affordable and enjoyable!
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