This year is shaping up to be the most expensive ever to get across the Pond. I know a lot of Flyertalkers love chasing the business class seats but most times I'm flying to Europe I'm just looking for affordable transportation. There are usually some good deals, even during the better weather, if you look around. Last year, for example, I was able to fly to both the UK and Spain from the East Coast of the US on "real" airlines for about $300 in spring and summer.

This year, that's so far looking completely impossible. The only sub-$400 deals I see are the ultra low cost carriers like Norse and Play that have bad routings and will charge you an arm and a leg for a carry-on. While I suppose it's possible to take a transatlantic trip without a carry-on, it's certainly very undesirable. The traditional "real" airlines that traditionally offer discount transatlantic airfares -- airlines like SAS and Air Portugal -- don't seem to be playing at all. I guess demand is massively exceeding supply.

From the US West Coast, I guess a reasonable alternative is to redeem for coach award tickets. But from the East Coast, paying 30,000 miles ot more for a one way coach ticket to Europe.is traditionally a bad deal. Unlike some bloggers, I don't have unlimited frequent flyer miles, and paying 60,000 miles plus tax for a ticket I can buy for $400 is unattractive.

The only program I've recently redeemed for East Coast-Europe award tickets is Flying Blue. Last year, there were summer award tickets to Europe for less than 15,000 miles.So far this year they seem to start at 20,000 miles one way (scarce inventory) plus about $200 in taxes. Not a terrible deal, but not a good deal either.

Has anyone found better options? I've been doing broad searches on Skyscanner, but I've not been finding any attractive fares.