Finding the best flight deals to Spain can feel tricky, but don’t worry—there are some easy hacks to score cheap tickets. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can save a lot.
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In this guide, I’ll go over the best tips for finding affordable flights to Spain, using flight comparison tools, and knowing the right time to book. I’ll also highlight popular airlines, layover options, and how to find local flights once you’re in Spain. Let’s make this travel planning process as stress-free as possible for you!
1. Book at the Right Time
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
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Generally speaking, the sweet spot for booking international flights is around 2-3 months ahead of time. For Spain, try to book at least 6-8 weeks in advance. If you wait until the last minute, prices tend to skyrocket, especially during peak travel seasons like summer or the holidays.
Avoiding Peak Travel Times
To get the cheapest deals, try to avoid flying during the busiest times. These include the summer months (June, July, August), winter holidays (December), and Easter. If you can, look for flights during the shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) when demand is lower and fares are cheaper.
Use the 24-Hour Rule
Many airlines allow you to cancel a booked flight within 24 hours with no penalty. If you find a great price but aren’t sure if it’s the best deal, go ahead and book. Then, keep looking for a better fare. If you find a cheaper option within that window, you can cancel the original flight and rebook at the new price.
2. Use Flight Comparison Tools
Why You Should Always Compare Prices
Airlines rarely all offer the same exact price for the same route at the same time. Using flight comparison tools can save you a lot of money and time by showing you the prices from different airlines. There are a few key websites I recommend for this.
Best Websites for Comparing Flights
Here are some tools you can use to find the best deals:
- Google Flights: This is one of the easiest tools to use. It gives you a calendar overview so you can see when prices are lowest. Plus, it lets you set up price alerts, so you’ll get notifications when ticket prices drop.
- Skyscanner: Skyscanner is another good option. You can search for flights by whole months or even look at “everywhere” for destination inspiration if you’re flexible on where in Spain you want to fly.
- Momondo: Momondo is similar to Skyscanner and Google Flights, but it often shows cheaper prices because it searches more low-cost carriers.
Set Flight Alerts
One super helpful hack is setting up flight alerts. Both Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to track the price of a specific flight. When prices drop, you’ll get a notification. That way, you can monitor the flight for a week or two and buy when the price hits its lowest point.
3. Choose the Right Airlines
Not all airlines flying to Spain are created equal. If you’re looking for comfort and service, some are better choices than others. But if you’re aiming to save money, budget airlines can really help you out.
Full-Service Airlines to Spain
If you want a more comfortable experience and don’t mind spending a bit more, these full-service airlines are popular for flights to Spain:
- Iberia: Spain’s national carrier, offering many direct routes to places like Madrid and Barcelona.
- British Airways: Another option with direct flights to many major cities in Spain from hubs like London.
- Air Europa: A great option for both long-distance and regional flights within Spain. They often run good deals at the last minute.
Budget Airlines to Spain
If you’re looking to save the most money, here are a few budget airlines that can get you to Spain cheaply:
- Ryanair: One of the most popular low-cost airlines serving Spain. Just be aware of extra fees and baggage limits.
- Vueling: A budget airline based in Spain, offering tons of flights throughout Europe. They often have deals to popular cities like Madrid, Valencia, and Seville.
- EasyJet: Another low-cost carrier offering affordable flights from many European cities to Spain.
4. Be Flexible With Layovers
One way you can save a lot on tickets is by being flexible about layovers. Direct flights are convenient, but they’re often much more expensive compared to flights with one or two stops.
Look for Multi-City Flights
Instead of booking a direct flight to one destination in Spain, consider adding a stopover. For example, you could fly through London, Paris, or Amsterdam. These airports often have cheaper flights to major cities in Spain. And you may even be able to add a mini-trip if you have a long layover.
Is It Worth Paying for a Direct Flight?
A direct flight can save you a few hours of travel time, but on some long journeys, it can cost hundreds more. If you’re on a tight budget, a layover might be worth the extra time if it saves you money. Consider if it’s worth the tradeoff for your schedule and budget.
5. Look for Local and Regional Flights in Spain
Once you’re in Spain, flying between cities can be an affordable way to get around, especially between larger cities or regions that are far from each other.
Domestic Airlines in Spain
Here are a few airlines that offer domestic flights at low prices:
- Vueling: They offer cheap internal flights between major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia.
- Iberia: Though mainly known for international flights, Iberia also offers domestic routes in Spain.
- Air Europa: Another good option for local flights, especially if you’re visiting the Canary Islands or Balearic Islands.
Train or Plane?
If you’re traveling between major cities (like Madrid to Barcelona), you’ll want to compare flights with train tickets. Spain’s Renfe train system is fast and can be just as affordable as a flight if you book well in advance.
6. Be Smart About Hidden Fees
While budget airlines offer cheap base fares, they make their money on extra fees. Avoid these by packing smart and knowing what to expect:
Baggage Fees
Most budget airlines in Europe charge for checked luggage and even some larger carry-ons. Make sure to read the fine print about their baggage policies, and if possible, just stick with a carry-on to save money.
Seat Selection Fees
If you’re ok sitting anywhere on the plane, you can also avoid the extra fee for seat selection. Just don’t pay for it and let the airline assign you a seat for free. If you’re traveling alone, this is a good option to minimize costs.
Food and Drink
Most budget airlines don’t include meals or even snacks on short-haul flights, so pack your own if you want to avoid expensive in-flight food.
7. Use Points and Mileage Programs
If you travel often or have a frequent flyer program, don’t forget to use it to reduce flight costs. Many major airlines flying to Spain are part of global alliances, so even if you fly with a different airline, you may still earn points.
Consider Travel Hacking
If you have a specific credit card that accumulates airline points, Spain is a great destination where you can redeem them. Look into flights using programs like Avios (used by Iberia and British Airways) to see how far your miles can get you. Sometimes, a small amount of points can knock hundreds off your ticket price.
Final Thoughts
Finding a cheap flight to Spain isn’t an impossible task if you approach it the right way. Use comparison tools, be flexible with your travel dates, and book early when you can. Play around with layovers, check regional flight options, and don’t forget to pack light to avoid extra fees. Add in some flyer miles, and you’ll be flying to Spain affordably in no time!
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