We would like to plan a November trip to Germany, Switzerland and Northern Italy flying open jaw from the US. Can anyone advise which cities in the mentioned countries might provide best opportunity for lowest fare? Also considering Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands. Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
I would suggest you go on Kayak.com and sign into the multi city flights. Many prefer to fly into one city and fly out of another to avoid having to back track to the original city you flew into. Amsterdam, Frankfort and Munich are less expensive (than some) airports. Northern Italy's only really international airport is Milan. Flights from Venice or Florence will often go through Munich, Frankfort, Amsterdam or Paris to get back to the U.S.
We traveled by car from Amsterdam to Munich a couple of times. Once, we visited Salzburg and Vienna. The next year, we went to Innsbruck and down to Venice. With $9 gasoline, covering these routes by train is possible.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Fares depend as much on supply and demand as anything else. All else being equal, however, you can often find good fares to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London and Ireland. Those make sense because on a great circle route (which is what airlines fly) they're a good third shorter flight than continuing on to other airports - so require less fuel. Taxes can make a difference too. Some connections will save money - maybe as much as $100 on a round trip flight - simply because one airport doesn't levy as much as others for a flight to use a gate. I start at Kayak, try lots of options (airports, dates, times of day), set up multiple fare alerts, and watch for awhile to decide what a decent fare is. I usually purchase when I know it's a good fare and the flight works well or when there is a great deal that I can take advantage of.