Your Key to Affordable and Efficient European Travel
Planning a trip to Europe? One of the best ways to stretch your budget is by leveraging Europe’s top budget airlines. This guide, is part of “Planning Your Trip to Europe: How to Choose the Best Time and Stick to Your Budget”, will help you navigate the world of low-cost carriers, ensuring you save money without sacrificing safety or convenience. Let’s dive in!
Why Use Budget Airlines in Europe?
Europe’s budget airlines have revolutionized travel, offering fares as low as €10–€50 for short-haul flights.
These carriers enable you to hop between iconic cities, hidden gems, and sunny Mediterranean coasts while keeping your transportation costs minimal.
However, navigating their fees and policies requires savvy planning—here’s how to master it.
Top 10 Budget Airlines in Europe for 2025
Ranked by affordability, network, and traveler reviews
1. Ryanair
- Key Features: Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, with flights starting at €10. Operates 609 aircraft across 235 destinations, including secondary airports like London Stansted and Frankfurt Hahn 89.
- Perks: Frequent sales, extensive route network.
- Drawbacks: Strict baggage policies (€40+ for checked bags) and extra fees for seat selection 38.
- Safety: Ranked #3 safest low-cost airline globally, with no fatal accidents in its 40-year history.
2. EasyJet
- Key Features: Serves 157 destinations with a focus on major cities like Paris and Amsterdam. Offers a balance of affordability and reliability.
- Perks: Free carry-on (56x45x25cm), better customer service than most budget carriers.
- Drawbacks: No free seat selection; fees start at £1.99 38.
- Safety: #4 safest low-cost airline globally, with a strong safety record.
3. Wizz Air
- Key Features: Hungarian airline flying to 194 airports, including North Africa and the Middle East. Offers a Wizz Discount Club for members (saves up to £40 per flight) 89.
- Perks: Young fleet (average age: 4.7 years), competitive prices.
- Drawbacks: High system surcharge fees.
- Safety: #7 safest low-cost airline globally.
4. Vueling
- Key Features: Spanish airline with hubs in Barcelona and Rome. Known for punctuality and Vueling Club loyalty program (earn Avios points).
- Perks: Free seat selection for loyalty members, good on-time performance.
- Drawbacks: Limited long-haul routes.
5. Eurowings
- Key Features: Part of the Lufthansa Group, offering 210+ global destinations. Ideal for connecting flights via Lufthansa or Swiss Air.
- Perks: Flexible fare classes (Basic, Smart, Best).
- Drawbacks: Fees for checked bags and seat upgrades.
6. Norwegian Air Shuttle
- Key Features: Focuses on Scandinavia and Western Europe. Offers in-flight Wi-Fi and meal pre-orders 8.
- Perks: Award-winning customer service, newer fleet.
- Drawbacks: No long-haul flights post-2023.
7. Transavia
- Key Features: Dutch airline with seasonal routes to Mediterranean hotspots. Partners with Air France/KLM’s Flying Blue loyalty program.
- Perks: Affordable checked bags (from €10 online).
- Drawbacks: Limited in-flight amenities.
8. Jet2.com
- Key Features: UK-based carrier praised for customer service. Focuses on leisure destinations like Spain and Greece.
- Perks: Free 22kg checked bag on some fares.
- Drawbacks: Smaller network compared to giants like Ryanair.
9. AirBaltic
- Key Features: Connects the Baltics with 70+ European cities. Offers airBaltic Club for points redemption.
- Perks: Eco-friendly Airbus A220-300 fleet.
- Drawbacks: Limited routes outside Europe.
10. Pegasus Airlines
- Key Features: Turkish airline with routes to 26 European countries. Ideal for exploring Türkiye and beyond 8.
- Perks: Cheap intra-Türkiye flights, extensive Asian/African network.
- Drawbacks: Extra fees for meals and baggage.
Tips for Booking Cheap Flights in Europe
1. Book Early (3–6 Months in Advance)
- The cheapest fares sell out quickly. Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track prices.
2. Avoid Hidden Fees
- Baggage: Pay for checked bags during booking (Ryanair charges €60+ at the airport).
- Seats: Skip seat selection unless necessary.
3. Use Nearby Airports
- Ryanair’s “Frankfurt” flights land in Hahn (75 miles away). Factor in transit costs.
4. Leverage Loyalty Programs
- Join Wizz Discount Club or Vueling Club for exclusive deals.
5. Prioritize Safety
- Top-rated safe airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air.
Tools to Find the Cheapest Flights
- Skyscanner: Compares prices across airlines and dates.
- Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights): Sends error-fare alerts (saved users $7k in 2024).
- Kiwi: Combines flights with train/bus options.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right budget airline can make or break your European adventure. By prioritizing carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air, you’ll maximize savings while exploring iconic destinations.
For more tips on planning your trip, check out the Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Europe.
Bon voyage! ✈️🌍
Explore our guide to: Traveling Europe on $50 a Day: Budget Hacks for Thrifty Adventurers – Nomadics Age
