Are there any cheaper ways to get from N. America to Western Europe and back than using commercial airlines?

Question

I'm hoping to get from California to France and back this summer for considerably less than the $1000 commercial airlines want. Any combination of bus/train to anywhere in North America, then boat/fly, then do something from whatever the European port might be to get to my final destination in southwest France, is great. Any ideas?

I am a 19 year old student, to whatever extent anyone knows that might affect costs.

Answer 1

You'd have better luck than couriering if you tried something like Airhitch or Airtech, and that's not saying much. Reason is that these "standby flight voucher programmes" rely on empty seats at the last minute, and flights are very full in summer (often overbooked, in fact). So not only do you not know until 3 days if you'll even have a seat, these programmes only work with a few airlines you've never heard of, meaning only 1 flight per day from most places. In the case of LAX, they work with Air Tahiti Nui for space-available seats to Paris. All in from LAX, you'd be looking at $600rt using one of these programmes. Couriering, if you can even get a seat, often charge for seats too.

The earlier in summer your flight departs, the more likely you will find a cheaper seat. Before June 1, you're even more likely to find a cheaper seat. Since you're 19, try student travel agencies (list below). Also watch Air Tahiti Nui's site, and German airline LTU, for sales to Europe, if you can go before July.

Answer 2

I actually believe flying is still the cheapest way to go... I travel to Europe at least twice a year and if you know where to look you can find pretty good deals from lets say LA to London. You just need to fly from and to major airports without any stops and you can get a decent rate. Check with expedia.com or travelocity.com they have great deals for round trips...
BTW: I have a friend who is afraid or flying and she did the Train, and boat ride from and to Europe...she was 3 1/2 weeks en route from Switzerland to Los Angeles... and they hit terrible weather over the Atlantic ocean... it was a terrible experience for her. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Have you looked at a Globe? Its not really feasible to get there without flying.

However, if you could get up to Vancouver Canada (bus, train) you could book on Zoom Airlines to Paris. And its only about $300.

www.flyzoom.com

Have fun!

Answer 4

It used to be that you could hire up with companies as a courier, you carry a package or papers for them, they buy the airfare. you might try looking for a courier job to europe. Once in Europe you could easily hope a plane or train to France if not going there directly.

Answer 5

Maxair $999 LAS>London

Answer 6

I have no idea if transport firms nonetheless enable individuals to paintings their far more than any longer, however it might be valued at watching into. You might cross in and observe for any activity that you're certified for. I might propose that you just expand your dates that you're inclined to go away it doesn't matter what you make a decision to do. Good good fortune!

Answer 7

Ship yourself in a container! Works for a lot of people apparently.

Answer 8

Only walking. And, walking on water is essential to this price-saving concept.

Answer 9

Strap yourself to the wing.

Answer 10

become a curiour
like in that simpsons episode when bart gets a fake i.d.