The big three ULCCs compared
Ryanair flies the most extensive European network with the lowest base fares, especially on leisure routes from the UK and Ireland. Expect strict carry-on policies, random seat assignment unless you pay, and airports like Beauvais (Paris), Charleroi (Brussels), and Bergamo (Milan) that require bus transfers.
Ryanair flies the most extensive European network with the lowest base fares, especially on leisure routes from the UK and Ireland. Expect strict carry-on policies, random seat assignment unless you pay, and airports like Beauvais (Paris), Charleroi (Brussels), and Bergamo (Milan) that require bus transfers.
easyJet uses primary airports more often — Gatwick, Geneva, Amsterdam — with slightly higher base fares but lower hassle. Wizz Air undercuts both on Eastern European routes with a modern Airbus fleet but nickel-and-dimes every add-on from cabin bags to water.
Hidden costs that erase the fare savings
Priority boarding with a full carry-on, seat selection, and checked bags transform a €25 fare into €80+ quickly. Always price the trip at your actual bag and seat needs before comparing against full-service carriers running sales.
Priority boarding with a full carry-on, seat selection, and checked bags transform a €25 fare into €80+ quickly. Always price the trip at your actual bag and seat needs before comparing against full-service carriers running sales.
Ground transport from secondary airports adds €15–€30 each way and 60–90 minutes. Ryanair into Beauvais plus Paris RER beats easyJet into CDG on fare alone but rarely on door-to-door time or total cost for business travelers.
When budget airlines beat legacy carriers
Short-haul leisure trips with a personal item only, flexible dates, and proximity to a budget airline hub are ideal. Weekend city breaks from London to Barcelona, Warsaw, or Dublin often price 50–70% below BA or Lufthansa when booked weeks ahead.
Short-haul leisure trips with a personal item only, flexible dates, and proximity to a budget airline hub are ideal. Weekend city breaks from London to Barcelona, Warsaw, or Dublin often price 50–70% below BA or Lufthansa when booked weeks ahead.
Budget airlines lose when you need checked bags, guaranteed seat assignments for families, flexible changes, or departure from a central airport on a tight schedule. Sales on legacy carriers during off-peak weeks can match ULCC pricing with better included benefits.
Long-haul budget: Norse and PLAY
Norse Atlantic connects London, Oslo, and other European cities to US East Coast airports with unbundled transatlantic economy at fares legacy carriers match only in sales. Expect paid meals, seat selection, and bag fees — similar math to short-haul ULCCs scaled to seven-hour flights.
Norse Atlantic connects London, Oslo, and other European cities to US East Coast airports with unbundled transatlantic economy at fares legacy carriers match only in sales. Expect paid meals, seat selection, and bag fees — similar math to short-haul ULCCs scaled to seven-hour flights.
Compare Norse against sale fares on BA, Virgin, and JetBlue Mint premium economy when pricing premium cabins — budget long-haul economy saves money but not comfort on overnight routes where sleep matters.