Cheapest fares: Ryanair (largest network, most routes). Best reliability: easyJet (fewer cancellations, better customer service). Best for Eastern Europe: Wizz Air (cheapest fares to Poland, Hungary, Romania, Balkans). Best for Scandinavia: Norwegian. For most European travellers, flying Ryanair and easyJet interchangeably by route and price gives the best results.
Europe’s budget airline market in 2026 is dominated by Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air — three carriers that together account for the majority of intra-European budget flights. Understanding what each does well (and poorly) is the difference between a smooth £30 flight and a stressful experience involving extra charges and delays.
Europe’s Top Budget Airlines Compared
1. Ryanair — Cheapest Fares, Largest European Network
Ryanair operates more European routes than any other airline and consistently offers the lowest base fares. Routes from London Stansted, Dublin, Glasgow Prestwick, and Frankfurt Hahn to 200+ European destinations. Fares as low as £9.99 on promotional routes.
What to watch for: Ryanair’s base price is misleading — most passengers pay significantly more once luggage, seat selection, and priority boarding are added. A £20 base fare often becomes £50–£70 once checked luggage is included. Always calculate the total fare including your actual requirements before comparing to other airlines.
Reliability: Ryanair’s on-time performance has improved significantly since their 2017 rostering crisis. Their aggressive punctuality targets now rank among the best in Europe for on-time departure percentages. Customer service for disruptions remains poor — expect difficulty getting compensation when things go wrong.
2. easyJet — Best Reliability Among Budget Carriers
easyJet flies from major airports (Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Bristol) rather than secondary airports — a significant practical advantage. Reaching London Gatwick by train is much easier than reaching Stansted or Luton. easyJet’s customer service is notably better than Ryanair for delay/cancellation handling, and their baggage policy is more transparent.
Fares are typically slightly higher than Ryanair’s base prices but closer to the real total cost once bags are included. easyJet’s Hands-Free baggage option (large cabin bag included) and reserved seating are reasonably priced compared to Ryanair’s equivalent add-ons. For families or groups who will need luggage regardless, the total cost difference between easyJet and Ryanair is often minimal.
3. Wizz Air — Best for Eastern Europe Destinations
Wizz Air is the dominant carrier for flights to Central and Eastern Europe — Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Georgia, and the Western Balkans are all well-served from UK and Western European cities. Their fares to destinations like Warsaw, Bucharest, Tirana, and Belgrade consistently undercut Ryanair and easyJet on these routes.
Wizz Air Discount Club (~£30/year) offers reduced base fares and cheaper bag fees — worth it if you fly Wizz Air 3+ times per year. Their Wizz Air Priority pass (cabin bag included) is often the most cost-effective way to include a carry-on bag. Reliability has improved in recent years though customer service for disruptions remains inconsistent.
4. Vueling — Best for Spanish and Mediterranean Routes
Vueling (owned by IAG, the same group as British Airways and Iberia) dominates domestic Spanish routes and connects Spain to the rest of Europe with competitive pricing. For flights to Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Bilbao, and the Canary Islands, Vueling is consistently the lowest-cost option from UK and Northern European cities. Their basic fare includes a small cabin bag; luggage pricing is more transparent than Ryanair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my rights if a budget European flight is cancelled?
Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (which still applies to UK-departing flights via the UK’s retained version of the regulation), you’re entitled to a full refund or rerouting for cancellations within the airline’s control, plus compensation of €250–€600 depending on distance if cancelled less than 14 days before departure. Budget airlines are subject to the same rules as legacy carriers — claiming compensation is your right, though the process requires persistence.
Is it cheaper to book directly with the airline or use comparison sites?
For budget airlines, booking directly on the airline’s website is usually cheapest — comparison sites sometimes add booking fees. Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the cheapest airline for your route and date, then book directly on that airline’s site. Exception: Booking.com Flights and Expedia occasionally offer promotional prices below the airline’s own direct price.
Final Thoughts: Use Skyscanner to compare all carriers for your specific route and date, then book direct. For Western European routes: pick between Ryanair (cheapest base) and easyJet (better reliability + airport locations). For Eastern Europe: Wizz Air is almost always cheapest. For Spain: Vueling. Factor in total fare including your actual luggage needs before making a decision on cheapest price.
Compare All European Airline Prices
Skyscanner searches all budget and legacy carriers simultaneously.
Flight prices and airline policies change frequently. Always verify current fares, baggage fees, and terms on the airline’s own website before booking.
