It used to be the case that taking a flight cost a small fortune. However, with the evolution of new, low cost airlines, it’s actually pretty easy to get to a lot of places whilst you’re on a budget. Europe, in particular, has many of these low cost airlines, and knowing the ins and outs of each one can help you prepare the European trip of a lifetime. Here, we take you through the top budget-friendly airlines in Europe.
1. Ryanair
Ryanair is a budget carrier from Ireland which has been around since 1984 and is one of the busiest low-cost airlines servicing Europe today. With seventy bases across Europe, they are the number one airline for travellers who want to save a buck. In fact, Ryanair air tickets can save you hundreds of dollars on the European leg of your vacation, with fares as low as seven British pounds if you’re not travelling with luggage. Once booked, you will have to pay for any extras that you want, such as seat preference, food and baggage allowance, but with the savings you’ll be getting on the fare, this is just chunk change.
2. EasyJet
Made famous by a reality television show that documents the daily lives of the airline employees, EasyJet is one of Europe’s best known budget airlines. Flying to more than thirty countries over 820 routes, EasyJet is a European favorite thanks to the more flexible baggage weight policy and super low fares. Again, all of the extras are going to cost you, but if you’re working within a budget, it’s easy to forgo a lot of them.
3. Norwegian
Whilst being one of the cheapest European carriers, it is one of the only ones that will take you to North America too. With its free wifi on the continental flights and Dreamliner fleets to service the trans-Atlantic, Norwegian is a comfortable, low cost solution to long haul travel. As with the Europe-only low cost carriers, Norwegian requires you to pay for all of your extras, but the fact that you’re getting such a good deal on the flight means that this is almost a non-issue.
4. Wizz Air
Wizz Air is a Hungarian low-cost airline that offers some of the best deals you’ll find within Europe. With its fleet of shockingly pink aircraft, Wizz Air used to make you choose a seat when you board the plane rather than during check-in, but things have come a long way in recent years. The booking process is relatively easy, and while they will try to upsell you on everything just like all the other low cost carriers do, you can easily get by with just clicking “no.” You can also manage everything about your booking using an app.
Taking a European trip doesn’t mean that you need to spend an arm and a leg. By utilizing the many low cost airline options that operate throughout Europe, you’ll be able to save money on the transport and spend it on having the best time of your life at your destination. Use our list to decide on the right budget European airline that suits you.
