Pros and cons of the top 5 budget airlines in Europe

Everyone loves to travel, and as Europe is one of the most frequented continents, the options are practically endless! Today, there are more than 800 cities spread over 44 countries in Europe. With a limited amount of time and resources, choosing between so many destinations is undoubtedly difficult. Fortunately for you (and for the rest of us), low-cost airlines exist! A low-cost carrier also referred to as a low-cost or budget airline is an airline that prioritizes cutting operating costs and forgoes some of the standard services and amenities that are usually included in the fare. As a result, there are fewer luxuries and reduced prices.

There are numerous reputable and smaller-budget airlines that fly both into and out of Europe. To help guide you in selecting the best option for your next flight, we will now outline the top 5 most popular ones along with a brief overview of their advantages and disadvantages.

Ryanair

Pros:

• Fare Finder for cheapest available flights

• Partnerships with hotels and car rental companies

• No layovers, only direct flights

Cons:

• Only one personal item is free – any additional carry-on luggage has further separate costs

• Airline check-in costs an extra €55 (remember to check in online ahead of time!)

• “Boarding card reissue fee” (print your boarding pass ahead of time or have the Ryanair app downloaded with a digital boarding pass to avoid this)

• Almost only operates in secondary airports

• Extra fees for advanced seat assignments, checked luggage, and onboard refreshments

EasyJet

Pros:

• No weight limit for carry-on luggage – as long as it fits within their size restrictions

• Yearly membership subscription with added perks (easyJet Plus)

• Low-fare finder can be used for last-minute getaways

• Free changes to flight options as long as they are made online more than 14 days before departure

• Partnerships with hotels and car rental companies

Cons:

• One single carry-on bag with no additional personal item

• No in-flight entertainment systems or Wifi

• Extra fees for advanced seat assignments, checked luggage, and onboard refreshments

Wizz Air

Pros:

• Partnerships with hotels and car rental companies

• Wizz Discount Club for special benefits, which is a great option for frequent flyers

• Fare Finder for cheapest upcoming flights

Cons:

• One carry-on bag allowed with no additional personal item

• Often only flies into secondary airports

• “Call Center Transaction Fee” of €15 (if you have the time to wait, opt for the email support system instead)

• Extra fees for advanced seat assignments, checked luggage, and onboard refreshments

Norwegian Air Shuttle

Pros:

• Free Wifi on board

• A loyalty program that lets you use points toward not only flights but also hotels and car rentals

• Passengers receive SMS information on their departing flights

• Utilization of central airports

• Low-fare calendar

Cons:

• Only one bag that fits under the seat; costs for additional luggage differ

• Extra fees for advanced seat assignments, checked luggage, and onboard refreshments

Vueling

Pros:

• Wifi on-board for purchase

• Luggage allowance: one carry-on bag and a personal item + a separate shopping bag for airport purchases (given that the personal item and shopping bag can fit underneath the seat)

• Partnerships with hotels and car rental companies

• Can change the booking of your flight for free within 24 hours

Cons:

• No in-flight entertainment

• Poor customer service with many travellers stating that it can take months to receive replies about inquiries

• Extra fees for advanced seat assignments, checked luggage, and onboard refreshments

Did you experience a flight delay or cancellation by Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Norwegian Air Shuttle, or Vueling? Given the details of your delay or cancellation, we can assist you in obtaining either compensation, a complete monetary return, or perhaps both. Employ Flight-Delayed.com to quickly determine your eligibility!

=> Your flight was delayed or cancelled? Claiming with Flight-Delayed.com increases your chance of getting flight compensation and you can submit your claim in just a few minutes!

We hope that by giving you a greater understanding of the aforementioned airlines and their services, it has made it easier for you to make choices and plan arrangements for your future flights. As a general rule, while flying with low-cost airlines, print your boarding pass ahead of time or download a mobile version of it, pack only what you need, and double-check that you didn't unknowingly select any additional benefits when you checked your flight's details online. Safe travels!