Best Budget Airlines in Europe: Compared

Europe has some of the most competitive short-haul aviation markets in the world. Budget carriers operate thousands of routes between hundreds of airports, driving prices down to levels unimaginable twenty years ago. But they are not interchangeable. Understanding the differences helps you pick the right one — and avoid unexpected fees.

Ryanair

Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers operates an ultra-low-cost model with one of the strictest fee structures on the continent.

• Route network: 230+ airports across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Strongest in Ireland, UK (Stansted, Bristol, Birmingham), Spain, Italy, and Poland.
• Baggage policy: cabin bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm, fits under the seat) is free. A larger carry-on requires a Priority boarding add-on (typically £6–12). Checked bags are priced per flight segment and can easily double the base fare if not pre-booked.
• Strengths: lowest base fares on many routes, extensive network, reliable on-time performance.
• Weaknesses: secondary airports, strict bag dimensions, expensive change fees.

easyJet

A slightly more passenger-friendly model than Ryanair, with a large presence at primary airports.

• Route network: Gatwick, Luton, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Amsterdam Schiphol as key bases. Strong on Western European leisure routes.
• Baggage policy: one underseat cabin bag free. A standard overhead-sized cabin bag requires a fee. Hold luggage priced per segment.
• Strengths: primary airports, slightly more generous seat pitch than Ryanair on many aircraft, better customer service reputation.
• Weaknesses: fares often slightly higher than Ryanair on competing routes once extras are added.

Wizz Air

The dominant budget carrier in Central and Eastern Europe, expanding rapidly into Western markets.

• Route network: based in Budapest, Warsaw, Bucharest, and several other Central/Eastern European cities. Growing presence at Luton and Gatwick.
• Baggage policy: one small bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) free. Larger bags and hold luggage priced per flight. Wizz Discount Club membership reduces base fares and baggage fees significantly.
• Strengths: very low fares on Eastern European routes, Wizz Discount Club saves regular travellers meaningful amounts.
• Weaknesses: less reliable on-time performance historically, limited routes from primary UK airports.

Vueling

The dominant budget carrier in Spain, operated as part of the IAG group (same parent as British Airways and Iberia).

• Route network: Barcelona El Prat as main hub. Extensive domestic Spanish network plus European routes. Good for Spain-specific itineraries.
• Baggage policy: one underseat bag free at the basic fare. Overhead bag and hold luggage priced separately.
• Strengths: strong Spanish domestic and intra-Iberian routes, connecting itineraries with Iberia.
• Weaknesses: less competitive on routes where Ryanair or easyJet also operate.

Transavia

KLM's budget subsidiary, strong in the Netherlands and France.

• Route network: Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Orly as main bases. Good for travellers near those hubs.
• Baggage policy: one small bag free. Hold luggage priced per flight.
• Strengths: Amsterdam and Paris are major connection points, generally good punctuality.
• Weaknesses: limited UK departure points.

Which one should you choose?

The honest answer: whichever is cheapest for your specific route, with extras added in. Base fares can be misleading. Always calculate:

1. Base fare
2. Cabin bag fee (if needed)
3. Seat selection (if you care where you sit)
4. Hold luggage (if needed)

FairFares compares prices across carriers for each route and shows you the total including standard fees, so you are always comparing like with like.