Affordable winter trips to Mallorca: Which cross-border airports are really worth it

Why consider a cross-border airport?

I know the feeling: looking at the price can make you nervous. Direct flights from your home airport are convenient but often expensive. If you're willing to drive a bit, you can save a lot in winter. That's what this is about — not secret tips, but practical ways to get to the island more cheaply from the region.

Who should travel where?

Southern Germany: For people from southern Baden, Basel-Mulhouse and Zurich are real alternatives. From Basel there are regular connections in the low season, and Zurich is often served daily in winter. I often see travelers who set off early in the morning and enjoy a strong coffee in the terminal before departure.

Bavaria and the Alpine region: If you live in eastern Bavaria, you don't necessarily have to go to Munich. Salzburg is often cheaper — frequencies are stable in winter, sometimes even daily. Innsbruck is an option for last-minute travelers; there are brisk connections in the colder season, but fewer slots than in Salzburg.

West, Belgium and the Benelux region: For people from Saarland or Rhineland-Palatinate, Luxembourg is worthwhile. And those who live in the Ruhr area sometimes prefer to drive to Charleroi — Ryanair flies there almost daily. Eindhoven is a tip for travelers from the Lower Rhine; two connections per week are not uncommon.

East and central Germany: Dresden and Leipzig remain candidates, but Prague also has its advantages. Smartwings and other providers offer several flights per week to Palma in the winter season — convenient if you can combine the route with a train to the Czech capital.

Small extras that make a difference

Important: factor in parking fees at the departure airport and driving time. Sometimes low fares compensate for an extra bit of driving; sometimes the parking garage eats up the discount. Practical tip: book early but stay flexible. Adding an extra weekday often saves 20-40 euros per leg.

I've seen people who, instead of rushing through the night, prefer to travel to the airport the evening before, stay in a small inn and check in relaxed the next day. Sounds old-fashioned, but it works.

Conclusion: It's worth checking the surrounding options. A bit of planning — and the coffee in Basel tastes just as good as in Palma.