Ultimate Guide to European Budget Airlines: Ryanair vs Wizz Air vs easyJet

Budget airlines have revolutionized European travel, making it possible to fly between countries for less than a train ticket. But not all low-cost carriers are created equal. Let's break down Europe's big three budget airlines.

Ryanair: The Market Leader

Pros

• Unbeatable prices: Often the cheapest option, with fares starting at €9.99
• Extensive network: 200+ destinations across Europe and North Africa
• High frequency: Multiple daily flights on popular routes

Cons

• Strict baggage policies: Only small personal items free (40x20x25cm)
• Secondary airports: Often flies to airports far from city centers
• Extra fees: Everything from seat selection to printing boarding passes costs extra

Best For

Travelers who pack ultra-light and don't mind inconvenient airports in exchange for rock-bottom prices.

Wizz Air: Eastern Europe's Champion

Pros

• Strong Eastern European network: Best coverage of Poland, Hungary, Romania, and the Balkans
• Wizz Discount Club: Frequent travelers can save 10€ per ticket with membership
• Modern fleet: Newer aircraft with better comfort than competitors

Cons

• Smaller network: Fewer destinations than Ryanair
• Unpredictable customer service: More complaints about handling delays and cancellations
• Baggage costs: Can be expensive for checked bags

Best For

Travelers exploring Central and Eastern Europe who value a slightly better flying experience.

easyJet: The Premium Budget Option

Pros

• More central airports: Flies to main airports like Gatwick, CDG, and Barcelona El Prat
• Better customer service: More reliable and passenger-friendly policies
• Flexible booking: Easier to change flights compared to Ryanair
• Free small cabin bag: Slightly more generous than Ryanair

Cons

• Higher prices: Typically 20-30% more expensive than Ryanair
• Limited Eastern Europe coverage: Focused on Western European routes
• Still charges for luggage: Large cabin bags and checked bags cost extra

Best For

Travelers who want budget prices without sacrificing too much convenience or flying into secondary airports.

Baggage Policy Comparison

Airline	Free Carry-On	Personal Item	Checked Bag (Starting Price)
Ryanair	40x20x25cm only	Free	€25-60
Wizz Air	40x30x20cm only	Free	€10-80
easyJet	45x36x20cm	Free	€15-45

Hidden Fees to Watch Out For

1. Seat Selection: €5-€30 per flight segment
2. Priority Boarding: €5-€20 (includes larger cabin bag on Ryanair)
3. Airport Check-in: €30-€55 if you don't check in online
4. Printing Boarding Pass: €20 at Ryanair airports
5. Change Fees: €35-€70 plus fare difference
6. Credit Card Fees: Some still charge 1-3% for certain cards

Money-Saving Tips

• Join loyalty programs: All three airlines offer membership programs with discounts
• Book direct: Always check airline websites directly—third parties can't offer better prices
• Travel with personal item only: Master the art of one-bag travel to avoid all baggage fees
• Check in online: Never, ever show up without a mobile or printed boarding pass
• Bring your own food: Airport and in-flight food is vastly overpriced

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Ryanair if: You want the absolute cheapest fares and don't mind secondary airports or spartan service.

Choose Wizz Air if: You're traveling in Central or Eastern Europe and want decent prices with a slightly newer fleet.

Choose easyJet if: You're willing to pay a bit more for central airports, better customer service, and a more pleasant travel experience.

The Verdict

All three airlines offer excellent value for budget-conscious travelers. The key is understanding their fee structures and planning accordingly. Check all three when booking—prices vary dramatically by route and date.

Pro tip: Use FrogSky's comparison tool to search all budget carriers simultaneously and find the best deal for your specific route and travel dates.

Happy flying!