Top Budget Airlines for Affordable Travel

Budget airlines have reshaped the way we travel—making weekend escapes, multi-country itineraries, and spontaneous adventures more accessible than ever.

While they come with trade-offs, knowing how each carrier operates helps you stretch your budget without sacrificing experience. Below are top picks across Europe and beyond, plus trusted platforms for bundling flights and hotels.

Ryanair

Ryanair is Europe’s largest low-cost airline, flying to over 229 destinations across 37 countries. It’s known for ultra-cheap base fares, often under £20, and a massive route network that covers both major cities and secondary airports.

Travellers should be prepared for a no-frills experience and a pricing model that charges for nearly every add-on.

• Pros: Extremely low fares, frequent flash sales, wide coverage.

• Cons: Charges for bags, seats, and boarding; remote airports can add transfer costs.

• Tip: Use Ryanair’s Fare Finder to browse deals by region and date.

EasyJet

Offering over 1,000 routes in 35+ countries, EasyJet balances affordability with convenience. Unlike Ryanair, it flies into major airports, making it easier to reach city centres without extra transfers.

The airline is popular for European city breaks and Mediterranean escapes, with seasonal deals and flexible ticket options.

• Pros: Reliable service, central airports, clean aircraft.

• Cons: Add-ons like luggage and seat selection can increase costs.

• Tip: Explore destinations with EasyJet’s Inspire Me tool for budget-friendly ideas.

Wizz Air

Focused on Central and Eastern Europe, Wizz Air connects over 190 destinations in 50+ countries, including emerging travel hotspots like Tirana and Kutaisi.

Its base fare includes only a small personal item, but prices are often unbeatable for flexible, light-pack travellers. The airline also offers a loyalty program and unlimited flight pass for frequent flyers.

• Pros: Deep regional coverage, ultra-low fares, frequent promotions.

• Cons: Strict baggage rules; fees for cabin bags, seats, and priority boarding.

• Tip: Join the Wizz Discount Club for reduced fares and exclusive offers.

Vueling

Barcelona-based Vueling serves Western and Southern Europe with a modern booking system and loyalty integration via Avios. It’s a strong choice for travellers heading to Spain, Italy, or France, with flexible fare types and seasonal routes.

While extras cost more, the airline’s digital tools make customizing your trip straightforward.

• Pros: Good coverage of southern Europe, Avios points, flexible booking.

• Cons: Limited free baggage; some routes operate only seasonally.

• Tip: Use Mix & Match to tailor your fare and avoid surprise fees.

Volotea

Volotea specializes in connecting smaller cities across Europe, often flying routes underserved by larger carriers. It’s ideal for travellers seeking quieter destinations like Verona, Nantes, or Asturias.

The airline has won awards for service and offers seasonal routes perfect for summer escapes.

• Pros: Unique destinations, quieter airports, strong customer ratings.

• Cons: Limited flight frequency; fewer major hubs.

• Tip: Watch for flash sales and book early for peak-season routes.

Pegasus Airlines

Based in Turkey, Pegasus links Europe to the Middle East and Asia with competitive pricing and a hub at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

It’s a strategic choice for travellers heading to destinations like Dubai, Baku, or Tbilisi. Pegasus offers tiered fare options, allowing you to choose based on baggage and flexibility needs.

• Pros: Strong regional reach, customizable fares, good value for long-haul.

• Cons: Basic onboard experience unless upgraded.

• Tip: Select “Essentials” or “Advantage” fares for better baggage and seat value.

Norwegian Air Shuttle

Norwegian offers low-cost flights across Europe and select long-haul routes, including Bangkok and New York. It’s a hybrid carrier—affordable but with a more premium feel, offering clean aircraft and flexible ticket options.

Norwegian is especially strong for Scandinavian travel and transatlantic deals.

• Pros: Comfortable cabins, flexible tickets, solid service.

• Cons: Reduced long-haul network post-pandemic.

• Tip: Use the Low Fare Calendar to find the cheapest travel dates.

Flight & Hotel Deal Providers

Pairing flights with accommodation can unlock deeper discounts and simplify planning. These platforms offer bundled deals, fare alerts, and smart routing—ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

• Skyscanner: Compares flights, hotels, and car rentals across hundreds of providers. Great for flexible date searches and package holidays.

• Kiwi.com: Combines budget carriers with automatic check-in and missed connection protection.

• Hopper: Predicts price drops and lets you freeze fares before booking.

• Google Flights: Tracks price trends and highlights nearby airports.

• Kayak: Offers bundles and filters for budget airlines and flexible itineraries.

• Lastminute.com: Specializes in flash deals and spontaneous getaways.

• TravelSupermarket: UK-based site for city breaks and beach holidays with bundled pricing.

Final Thoughts

Budget airlines make travel more accessible—but they reward smart planning. Book early, travel light, and use fare tools to stretch your budget further. Whether you're chasing fjords in Norway, tapas in Seville, or castles in Slovakia, affordable travel is just a few clicks away.