Pros: Rock-bottom fares that are sometimes less than the tax bills on the ticket, substantial time savings on longer trips
Cons: Budget carriers use less convenient airports, destinations tough to experience at 30,000 feet, tickets usually available only over the Internet or by phone
It's hard to believe airfares are lower than train tickets for some European trips, but it has happened amid a growth spurt in the budget airline business.
For example, it is usually cheaper to fly between Paris and London than it is to take the long-awaited, much publicized Eurostar trains through the "Chunnel" under the English Channel.
Airlines such as easyJet make it possible to fly between major cities within a few hours instead of spending eight hours on a train and suffering through scores of stops along the way.
But is this really the best way to see Europe? Not really. You want to experience the countryside, see the cities and meet the people from your destination. That becomes much more difficult five miles above the ground. Do most of your travel amid the scenery, but discover the budgetary benefits of an air leg or two on your itinerary.
Intra-European flights are almost always purchased on a one-way basis with budget carriers. A few well-placed one-way air legs in your itinerary can save you precious vacation time.
Want to go from Riga, Latvia to Berlin? It can take 12 hours on a motor coach and even longer making rail connections. But easyJet makes the trip for less money. You can eat breakfast overlooking the Daugava River and lunch along the Spree.
Keeping up with the budget airlines that are flourishing and those that are perishing is tough business. For a list of the more-established budget carriers, consult Euroflights.info for a list of airlines and cities served.
These bookings usually involve an Internet interface, which can be dangerous when non-refundable tickets are involved. Some offer telephone sales, but few are available through a conventional travel agency. The day of the week and the length of time in advance of purchase often make a difference in prices, just as is the case with conventional tickets.
Warning: transportation to-and-from the more remote airports these airlines often use can kill a lot of the savings. Look for discounts, then calculate your savings with the ground transportation included in the equation.
You'll also pay hefty penalties for overweight baggage and food service is limited or non-existent.
More information: Consider how a low priced car rental could change the outcome of your trip.
