If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering the cobblestone streets of Prague, sunbathing on a Greek island, or marveling at the art in Paris without breaking the bank,
Budget airlines to Europe are your ultimate ticket to adventure.
A few years ago, I still remember the thrill of booking my first budget trip ticket.
For just €10, I was on my way from Malta to spain—no frills, no fancy extras, just pure adventure.
That one flight kicked off a whirlwind trip where I visited 16 countries in Europe for under €300 in total airfare.
and yes, it was as crazy as it sounds.
How did I pull it off ?
Over the years, budget airlines in Europe have transformed how we travel to and across Europe, offering ridiculously low fares that make jet-setting across the continent a reality for everyone.
Let’s dive into the best budget airlines to Europe in 2024. I’ll share tips, pros, and cons for each, plus some sneaky hacks I’ve picked up along the way to help you make the most of your money—and your trip.
Top 7 Budget Airlines to Europe
Flying across Europe doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Budget airlines to Europe have made it possible to travel between countries for the price of a dinner out—sometimes even less.
While they aren’t exactly luxury experiences (let’s be honest, you won’t find lie-flat seats or free champagne),
they’re unbeatable for reaching amazing destinations on a tight budget.
1. ryanair
Ryanair is the poster child of budget airlines to Europe. Known for its shockingly low prices, it connects over 200 cities across Europe and beyond.
The prices are ridiculously low—during flash sales, you can grab tickets for under $10.
But, like with anything that seems too good to be true, there’s a catch. Ryanair is notorious for its strict policies.
If you don’t check in online ahead of time, expect a hefty fee at the airport.
And forget about bringing a big carry-on unless you pay extra; their free baggage allowance is tiny—basically just a backpack.
2. easyJet
EasyJet is another staple in the world of budget airlines to Europe.
It offers a slightly more polished experience compared to Ryanair, but it’s still all about no-frills travel. Prices are competitive, especially if you book early or snag a deal.
That said, it’s not perfect. The planes are often just as cramped, and the snacks onboard are pricey. I once forgot to check in online and had to pay $60 for that, which cost more than my flight ticket (15 dollar),
easyJet also has a habit of selling out its cheapest tickets quickly, so last-minute trips can cost significantly more.
It’s a solid choice for budget travelers who want something reliable but don’t mind sacrificing comfort for savings.
3. Wizz Air
Wizz Air was my secret weapon during my €300 adventurearoun d europe .
It’s not as well-known as Ryanair or easyJet, but it covers an incredible range of destinations, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. Flying with Wizz feels like finding a hidden gem—one minute, you’re in Budapest, and the next, you’re touching down in Sofia for less than the cost of lunch.
One thing that sets Wizz Air apart is their Wizz Discount Club.
you get unlimited discounts on flights, which is a game-changer if you’re traveling often.
However, like Ryanair, Wizz Air comes with a lot of extra fees if you’re not careful. Baggage policies are strict, and their “free” allowance is basically just a purse or small backpack.
4. Volotea
Volotea is one of those budget airlines to Europe that you might not hear about unless you’re looking for flights to smaller cities.
Based in Spain, it specializes in connecting regional airports across Europe, which is perfect if you want to avoid busy hubs like Madrid or Paris.
The fares are competitive, but Volotea can be unpredictable. Delays aren’t uncommon, and their online booking system can be a bit clunky. But if you’re after unique destinations that other budget airlines to Europe don’t serve, Volotea is worth considerin
5. PLAY Airlines
PLAY Airlines is a relative newcomer but has already made a splash with its ultra-low-cost transatlantic flights. Based in Iceland, PLAY is ideal if you’re open to a stopover in Reykjavik on your way to Europe.
While the prices are tempting, be ready to pay for everything, from snacks to carry-on bags. And Icelandic weather can lead to delays, so build in extra time if you’re connecting to another destination.
6. Norwegian Air
When it comes to long-haul flights on a budget, Norwegian Air is in a league of its own.
It’s one of the few airlines that offers affordable transatlantic routes alongside European connections.
Their planes are newer and more comfortable than most budget carriers, with decent legroom and even in-flight Wi-Fi on some routes.
That said, the costs can add up quickly if you’re not careful—meals, checked baggage, and even seat selection all come with extra fees. Still, for crossing the Atlantic or exploring Scandinavia
Pros and Cons of Flying Budget Airlines
Flying with budget airlines to Europe isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks if you’re prepared. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
Pros:
- Affordable Ticket Prices: Let’s be real—this is the number one reason we all flock to budget airlines. During one trip, I booked five flights for under €50 total. It’s the ultimate travel hack for seeing more of Europe.
- Extensive Route Coverage: Budget airlines have opened up routes to places you’d never expect. Smaller cities like Gdańsk or Porto are now just a quick, affordable flight away.
- Opportunities to Explore Less-Known Destinations: Flying into secondary airports can be a blessing in disguise. I once landed in Beauvais, outside Paris, and ended up discovering a charming little town I’d never planned to visit.
Cons:
- Strict Baggage and Seat Selection Fees: If you’re not careful, these airlines will nickel-and-dime you. I’ve learned to travel with just a backpack to avoid paying €60 for a checked bag.
- Limited Amenities: Don’t expect free snacks, movies, or even much legroom. One time, I sat next to a stranger who had to literally hug his knees to fit in his seat.
- Use of Secondary Airports: This can be a blessing or a curse. While it’s fun to discover smaller towns, the extra cost of getting into the city can sometimes cancel out your savings.
Tips to Avoid Paying More with Budget Airlines
Flying with budget airlines to Europe can feel like a treasure hunt. You start with a €15 ticket, and before you know it, baggage fees and add-ons have ballooned the price to €150.
Follow these tips, and you’ll avoid those sneaky fees while keeping your travels budget-friendly.
- Packing light isn’t just a suggestion : it’s a survival skill when flying with budget airlines. Most carriers allow only a small carry-on bag, and their size requirements are no joke.
If your bag doesn’t fit in The Box (you know, the little metal frame they wheel out at the gate), you’ll be stuck paying a hefty fee.
- Weigh your luggage at home: Many airlines charge for even half a kilo over the limit.
- Book Early (But Not Too Early)Timing is everything when booking budget flights. The sweet spot for the cheapest tickets is often 1-3 months in advance.
- Set price alerts: Tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights can help track fares for specific routes.
- Bring Your Own Food and Drinks Budget airlines make a fortune selling overpriced snacks and drinks onboard, but you don’t have to play along.
- Pack non-liquid snacks: Granola bars, sandwiches, or chips are perfect for flights.
- Bring an empty water bottle. Refill it after security to avoid paying €3 for a tiny bottle of water.
- Skip the coffee: Unless you want to pay €4 for a mediocre cup.
- Skip Add-Ons You Don’t Need Budget airlines to europe love to tempt you with extras like seat selection and priority boarding, but most of these are unnecessary.
- Decline seat selection: Unless you need a specific spot, save the €5-€10 fee.
- Skip priority boarding: If you’re traveling light, you’ll be off the plane quickly anyway.
- Ignore travel insurance from the airline: You can usually find cheaper options elsewhere.
- Research the airport location: Check how far it is from your destination and the cost of transport.
- Be Flexible with Travel Dates Flexibility is key to finding the best deals on budget airlines to Europe.
- Fly mid-week: Tuesday and Wednesday flights are often the cheapest.
- Travel during off-peak seasons: Avoid the summer rush and holidays when prices skyrocket.
Flying with budget airlines to Europe is an adventure in itself. It’s not always glamorous—there are cramped seats, hidden fees, and occasional delays—but the chance to explore so many destinations on a budget is priceless.
With a little planning, you can make the most of these airlines and create your own epic, low-cost European adventure.
Pingback: Day Trips From Milan |