Best Airlines for Budget Air Travel to Europe
Whether you're planning to visit bustling cities, beautiful countryside, or historic landmarks, here’s a guide to the best airlines for budget air travel to Europe.
#1. Ryanair
Ryanair is one of Europe’s most popular low-cost carriers. It flies to over 200 destinations, covering major cities like London, Paris, and Barcelona, as well as smaller regional airports. Ryanair is known for its no-frills service, which helps keep ticket prices low.
While extra services, like seat selection or checked baggage, come with a fee, the base fare is often hard to beat.
Pro Tip: Ryanair regularly offers flash sales, so it’s worth checking for deals regularly.
#2. easyJet
easyJet is another major player in the European budget airline scene. With a large network covering over 30 countries, it offers flights to all the top European hotspots. easyJet is a great choice for budget-conscious travellers looking for flexibility.
They have a reputation for offering great customer service compared to other low-cost carriers. You can book seats in advance, and the check-in process is relatively straightforward.
Pro Tip: easyJet has an app that often offers discounts and exclusive deals to users. It’s worth downloading!
#3. Wizz Air
For those flying to Eastern Europe, Wizz Air is a great choice. This Hungarian airline operates an extensive network of cities across Eastern and Central Europe, including destinations in Poland, Romania, and Ukraine. Wizz Air often has very competitive prices, especially when you book early.
Like other budget carriers, they charge for extras like seat selection and luggage, so it’s important to factor these into the overall cost.
Pro Tip: Wizz Air offers a Wizz Discount Club, which gives members access to discounted fares. If you plan on flying more than once, it could save you quite a bit.
#4. Norwegian Air
Norwegian Air is a fantastic option for those travelling from the US or UK to Europe. Known for its affordable long-haul flights, it offers routes to major European cities like Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen.
Norwegian often has great deals, especially if you book well in advance. Although it’s a budget airline, it offers a more comfortable flying experience than many others. It even provides free Wi-Fi on some flights!
Pro Tip: Norwegian’s low-cost tickets often include a basic package with hand luggage, but if you need checked baggage, you’ll need to pay extra.
#5. Vueling
Vueling, a Spanish budget airline, operates flights to over 160 destinations across Europe. It’s known for being reliable and affordable, with routes to popular cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Rome.
While the base fares are low, additional costs for seat selection, food, and baggage can add up. However, with a little planning, you can keep costs down and still enjoy an affordable flight.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for Vueling’s “Super Prêt” fares, which sometimes offer the best value when booking both flights and extra services together.
#6. Transavia
Transavia, a subsidiary of Air France-KLM, is another budget airline worth considering. Operating out of France and the Netherlands, Transavia serves a wide range of destinations across Europe, including Italy, Spain, and Greece.
Their flights are known for being reliable and budget-friendly. With a straightforward booking process, Transavia offers decent service without the added luxury of full-service airlines.
Pro Tip: Check for special deals and offers, as Transavia often runs promotions, especially during the off-peak travel season.
#7. Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus may not always be the first airline that comes to mind for budget travel, but it’s a great choice for those flying between Europe and North America. It offers competitive prices for flights to destinations like Dublin, London, and Edinburgh.
While it’s not a low-cost carrier like Ryanair or easyJet, it often offers affordable fares, especially on routes between the US and Europe.
Pro Tip: If you're flying from the US, Aer Lingus is a great option for direct flights to Ireland and beyond, often with lower prices than larger US carriers.
#8. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
Scandinavian Airlines, or SAS, is the largest airline in the Nordic region. While not strictly a budget airline, it offers reasonable fares, especially if you’re flying to or from Scandinavia. SAS provides a more comfortable experience than other budget airlines, including more spacious seats and complimentary snacks on some flights. It’s ideal for those who want to enjoy low fares without compromising on comfort.
Pro Tip: SAS has a frequent flyer programme, so if you travel often in Scandinavia, you can earn points for future flights.
Final Thoughts
Flying to Europe doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air, you can find affordable flights to nearly every corner of Europe. Remember to factor in additional fees for luggage and seat selection, and try to book early for the best deals. With these budget-friendly airlines, you’ll have more money to spend exploring Europe’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and amazing cuisine.