Fly To Europe Without The Frills

Fares from budget airlines may not be such a deal after you add in extra fees.

- Miriam Cross

FOR AS LITTLE AS $200 TO $400 round-trip, a handful of budget airlines will carry you from the U.S. to Europe and beyond.

The new breed of low cost airlines is undercutting legacy carriers by flying newer, fuel-efficient aircraft, reducing frills and, in some cases, using smaller, less-convenient airports. Norwegian Air Shuttle, Iceland-based Wow Air and Level (a new long-haul carrier based in Spain) connect cities across the U.S. to locations across Europe. Norwegian is also increasing service to the French Caribbean, and Wow begins flying to Israel in September. AirAsia X carries passengers from Honolulu to Osaka and Kuala Lumpur.

But your excitement at nabbing a steal for your next vacation abroad may take a nosedive when you realize that these fares only buy you a seat—and not one you can choose, either.