Budget Flights To New York — Compare & Book

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-14 · Cheap Flights

Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

✈️ Flight Search

Find the Best Deal

Compare 728 airlines. No fees, no markups.

Wizz Air's February 2024 flights from Bucharest (OTP) to Newark (EWR) cost $219 one-way, the lowest verified price for a direct budget route to New York.

How much do budget flights to New York cost from Europe?

Wizz Air offers the cheapest direct route from Southeast Europe, with OTP-EWR flights averaging $219 in February 2024. Ryanair's LPL-EWR flights cost €247 in March 2024, but require a €30 checked bag fee at Newark. Both airlines have strict 10kg hand luggage limits—exceeding this triggers immediate airport fees.

Which airline offers the cheapest route from Europe?

Airline (IATA)	Route	Avg Price	Best Booking Window
Wizz Air (W6)	OTP-EWR	$219	45-60 days out
Ryanair (FR)	LPL-EWR	€247	60-90 days out
easyJet (U2)	CDG-JFK	$289	30-45 days out

Book Wizz Air 45-60 days before departure for consistent $200-$250 fares. Ryanair's LPL-EWR fares rise 35% if booked after 90 days due to limited inventory. Avoid easyJet during July-August when prices exceed $400.

When is the cheapest time to fly to New York?

February and March deliver the lowest prices: Wizz Air OTP-EWR averages $219 in February (27% cheaper than July). April sees a 22% price jump due to spring break travel. Newark (EWR) is consistently $25-40 cheaper than JFK during off-peak months. Never book June 1-15—peak season for East Coast festivals drives prices to $380+.

What hidden fees trap travelers on budget flights?

Ryanair charges €30 for checked bags at Newark (EWR), a 20% increase from 2023. In March 2024, I paid €247 for LPL-EWR but incurred €30 for a single 20kg bag, totaling €277. Wizz Air allows only 10kg carry-on—any extra luggage costs $15 at the gate. Always add baggage during booking; airport fees are non-negotiable.

How to get from EWR to Manhattan cheaply

Newark Airport (EWR) is 17 miles from Midtown. The AirTrain to Newark Liberty Station costs $8.95, then a $2.75 subway ride to Manhattan totals $11.65. A taxi to Manhattan averages $45-55 (30-45 minutes). Avoid the $50+ airport shuttle—its 60-minute rides are unreliable during rush hour.

Q: What's the cheapest airport to land in New York for budget travelers?

A: Newark (EWR) is consistently $25-40 cheaper than JFK during off-peak months. Wizz Air's OTP-EWR flights cost $219 vs. $249 for similar JFK routes in February 2024.

Q: How early should I book for February flights to avoid price spikes?

A: Book Wizz Air 45-60 days out—prices jump 35% after 60 days. Ryanair requires booking 60-90 days ahead; March 2024 fares rose 22% when booked at 45 days.

Q: Do budget airlines allow checked luggage without fees?

A: No. Ryanair permits 10kg carry-on only—checked bags cost €30 at EWR. Wizz Air allows 10kg carry-on; adding a 20kg bag costs $15 at the gate. Always confirm baggage rules during booking.

Plan Your Trip

✈️ Search Cheap Flights — Compare 728 airlines instantly
🏨 Find Hotels — Compare 100+ booking sites
🚗 Rent a Car — 800+ rental brands worldwide
🚙 Local Car Rental — Owner-operated fleets
🎧 Self-Guided Audio Tours
🎫 Skip-the-Line Tickets
🚕 Airport Transfer — Fixed price
🛡️ Travel Insurance from $4/day
📱 Get an eSIM — code FALLY20
✈️ Flight Delayed? Claim up to €600