Are European budget airlines safe?

Yes. Airlines operating in the EU meet the same strict EASA safety standards as full-service carriers. The difference is service and fees, not safety.

Do budget airlines fly to main airports?

Sometimes, but many low-cost carriers use secondary airports further from the city to cut costs. Factor the transfer time and price into your comparison, because a cheaper fare to a distant airport is not always cheaper overall.

Best Budget Airlines in Europe Compared

Q: Which is the cheapest airline in Europe?

There is no single cheapest airline — the lowest fare depends entirely on the route, date and how much you pack. Ryanair and Wizz Air often post the lowest headline fares, but easyJet or Vueling can win once bags and seats are added. Compare the all-in total on a metasearch for your specific trip.

Q: Do budget airlines include cabin baggage?

Most include a small under-seat bag for free, but a larger cabin bag or overhead trolley usually costs extra or requires a priority fare. Always check each airline's exact dimensions and weight before booking, as they differ.

Reviewed by the ScanFlyGo team · Last updated: July 2026. Fees, routes and baggage rules change often — confirm details with the airline before booking.

Quick answer

Europe's leading budget airlines — Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, Vueling and Eurowings among them — all use the same model: a low base fare, then paid extras for bags, seats and priority. No single one is always cheapest; the winner depends on your route, dates and how much you carry. Compare the all-in price for the way you actually travel rather than the headline fare.

Compare budget airline fares on ScanFlyGo →

How to compare low-cost carriers fairly

Budget airlines advertise a stripped-back base fare and sell everything else separately. That makes headline prices almost meaningless until you add the extras you need. The fair comparison is total cost: base fare plus the cabin or checked bag you require, seat selection if you want it, and any transfer to a secondary airport.

The main players at a glance

Airline	Known for	Watch out for
Ryanair	Vast network, very low base fares	Strict bag sizing; often secondary airports
Wizz Air	Strong Central & Eastern Europe network	Bag fees; add-on upsells at checkout
easyJet	Many primary airports, generous free cabin bag	Base fares can be higher than rivals
Vueling	Good Spain and Mediterranean coverage	Variable punctuality on busy days
Eurowings	Germany-centric, some longer routes	Fare bundles can be confusing

Networks and policies shift each season, so treat this as a guide to character rather than a fixed ranking. The right airline is the one that flies your route at the best all-in price on your dates.

The fees that catch people out

Cabin bags — a large trolley usually costs extra; only a small under-seat bag tends to be free.
Checked bags — always cheaper added online in advance than at the airport.
Seat selection — optional, but families are sometimes split unless they pay.
Airport check-in — some carriers charge if you do not check in online and print or download your pass.
Payment and admin fees — can appear at the final step; read the total before you confirm.

Primary vs secondary airports

A big reason budget fares are low is that some airlines fly to smaller, cheaper airports well outside the city. A €20 fare that lands an hour away by paid bus may cost more, and take longer, than a slightly pricier flight to the main airport. Always price the whole journey door to door.

How to fly budget airlines cheaply

Book in the right window, stay flexible on dates, and travel with only the free under-seat bag where you can. Add any checked bag online rather than at the airport, check in online well ahead, and read the final price screen carefully for add-ons that slip in. Above all, compare across airlines on a metasearch rather than loyalty to one brand.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the cheapest airline in Europe?

It depends on the route, date and your baggage. Ryanair and Wizz Air often show the lowest base fares, but easyJet or Vueling can win once extras are added. Compare the all-in total.

Do budget airlines include cabin baggage?

Usually a small under-seat bag only; a larger trolley costs extra or needs a priority fare. Check each airline's exact dimensions before booking.

Are they safe?

Yes — EU carriers meet the same EASA safety standards as full-service airlines. The difference is service and fees, not safety.

Do they fly to main airports?

Sometimes, but many use secondary airports further out. Factor transfer time and cost in, since a cheaper fare far from the city is not always cheaper overall.

The bottom line

Europe's budget airlines are safe and genuinely cheap when you play by their rules: travel light, add bags online, watch for secondary airports, and compare the total price rather than the teaser fare. Start by searching live fares on ScanFlyGo, scan the popular routes for your trip, and once booked, track your flight live so any delay never catches you off guard.

Some links on ScanFlyGo are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Airline names are used descriptively; fares, fees and routes are confirmed at the airline's checkout.