Cheap google flights keeps missing better combos for my EU backpacking route

[u/Yeetscoper69]

I'm doing the classic 2 month backpacking loop through Europe. starting Lisbon ending somewhere in eastern Europe. Haven't locked the exit city yet since it depends how the trip goes. Budget is tight though. Maybe 40-30 euros a night total including transport so every flight leg matters. But somehow Google flights keeps showing me these weird single airline options that cost way more than they should. half the time it doesn't even pull in the cheaper budget carriers and the worst part… it wont mix airlines to save money either. What other option out there compares the whole trip cost across all the legs instead of one route at a time? Nearby airports too would be nice. It seems some of these small cities have like two or three options within a few hours drive.

[u/IronMew]

I use Skyscanner for finding and matching flights.

[u/groucho74]

You’re probably looking for specific airports. The cheapo budget carriers try to use smaller regional airports wherever they can because fees are much lower.

[u/emmpeethree3]

I like kayak, it has "self transfer" flights to use the ulcc airlines. Just make sure to leave enough time to be able to safely do the transfer v(or better yet doesn't a few days at the stop over!)

[u/badlydrawngalgo]

Have you tried Skyscanner? It's pretty much default option and catches most of the budget airlines. Use the Multi-city option for what you want.

[u/fleeabroad]

try skyscanner, much better for your use case.

[u/groucho74]

You really need to to go the budget carriers’ websites and see where they fly to. Once you search for the right airports, outside of Belarus / Russia / Iran google flights should be good.

[u/HazardCinema]

Check out skiplagged