Best + Worst Budget Airlines for Europe: A Traveler's Guide!

If it seems like new budget airlines are popping up left and right, it's because they've had a massive uprise recently.

In fact, according to the IMARC report, the global budget airlines market size is expected to reach US$ 315.4 Billion by 2028.

But just because there are lots of options doesn't mean they're all good.

Which are the best budget airlines? Which are the worst ones? Are any of them reliable and safe? Those are all valid questions travelers like you go through almost every time they're planning a trip.

What's The Actual Cost of Budget Airlines?

Sure, you'll save money for flight tickets, but what are the actual costs of booking with a low-cost airline?

To find that balance, you must ask the most crucial question: What are you willing to sacrifice for cheaper airfare? The answer to this question is different for everyone, meaning the list of airlines you find acceptable will likely also be different.

Not all cheap flights in Europe have the same airline operating model, so what's available on one might not be available (for free at least) on other airlines.

In this guide, I'm taking a deep dive into the budget airline scene in Europe and making it easy to uncover the info you're looking for by separating these low-cost carriers.

And because we've all heard those airline horror stories, I'm also pointing out the ones you might want to avoid. After all, being savvy about your choices in the sky can make all the difference between a trip to remember and a travel nightmare.

Ready to find out which affordable low-cost airlines in Europe to book with? Let's dive in!

10 Best Budget Airlines in Europe [2023]

1. Jet2

Jet2, the 3rd largest airline in the UK, has been serving customers with low-cost flights since 2003. With a diverse array of destinations, including France, Greece, Iceland, and Croatia, Jet2 offers travelers an expansive route network from 10 UK airports to over 65 locations across Europe. 

But based on reviews, is Jet2 a good airline? Surprisingly, customers' Jet2 reviews are primarily positive and discuss excellent customer service and easy booking process, aside from the obvious—that its prices are super affordable.

That's almost unheard of with airlines, especially low-cost budget airlines. That's why Jet2's among one of the top budget airlines to fly with. 

In the past, Jet2 has overcome challenges like staff shortages and maintains its strong presence in the competitive budget airline market in Europe.

Basic Information

• Origin Country: United Kingdom
• Airplanes: Boeing 737, Airbus A321
• Where It Flies: Over 65 European countries, including Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain

Pros & Cons

Jet2 has garnered a reputation for offering excellent deals on flights and providing exemplary customer service, as evidenced by thousands of positive reviews. 

As I mentioned before, customers often commend the ease of the booking process. The airline's user-friendly app further enhances this experience, contributing to a seamless travel journey from start to finish.

On the flip side, Jet2's operations are geographically limited, focusing solely on routes within the UK and Europe. As far as a European budget airline goes, it has many routes.

Another issue you could run into is its strict no-refund policy. Travelers should be mindful of this when booking flights.

Look out for the additional charges incurred for onboard luggage, which, if overlooked, could potentially offset the savings from the budget-friendly fares. Although there are few reviews about exorbitant baggage fees, you should remember it's still a downside to budget flying!

Our Rating

Based on our own Jet2 review, we've given the airline a 4.2/5. This is quite a high ranking for budget airlines and is the highest among European budget airlines.

It's a great sign that you should consider Jet2 if you're looking for the best budget airlines in Europe.

2. Pegasus Airlines

Pegasus Airlines is a prominent low-cost carrier based in Turkey. The thing it's most well-known for? Its crazy extensive network spans across Europe, Russia, Asia, Caucasia, North Africa, and the Middle East!

Established in 1990, the airline rebranded in 2005, shifting from a charter company to a low-cost model. It offers a variety of packages and extra services so that no matter your budget and needs, you'll be able to find that option with Pegasus.

Pegasus flies from destinations like Rome, Budapest, Amsterdam, and Istanbul.

One thing that I feel puts Pegasus above many of the world's best budget airlines is that it holds a codeshare agreement with several airlines, expanding its reach worldwide.

Basic Information

• Origin Country: Turkey
• Airplanes: Primarily fleets of Boeing B737 - 800, Airbus A320 - 200neo, Airbus A321 - 200neo, and Airbus A320 - 200ceo.
• Where It Flies: Europe, Russia, Asia, Caucasia, North Africa, and the Middle East—it flies to about 125 destinations in 47 countries

Pros & Cons

On the positive side, Pegasus Airlines reviews paint a picture of friendly staff and well-maintained, clean aircraft. Passengers appreciate the easy online checking system and the airline's quality of ground services. 

These features contribute to a pleasant travel experience and distinguish the airline in the competitive low-cost market.

However, Pegasus Airlines has faced criticism for several aspects of its service. 

Some passengers have experienced delayed flights, which can cause inconvenience and disrupt travel plans. Additionally, reports of an unreliable booking system have made the reservation process challenging for some users. 

The refund process has also been described as complicated, which can be frustrating if you run into an issue and want a reimbursement for cancellations or alterations.

Our Rating

After researching Pegasus and scouring through multiple experiences, we rated the company a 3.8/5 in our in-depth review of Pegasus. 

Despite some drawbacks, Pegasus Airlines is considered a reliable option for budget-conscious travelers seeking a low-cost airline with access to loads of destinations.

3. Volotea

Volotea Airlines is a renowned name in the aviation industry. Its high quality of service led to the airline being awarded Europe's Best Low-Cost Airline in 2021. 

With a focus on providing cost-effective prices on direct flights, the airline connects over 100 cities, focusing on safety and high-quality services.

Read more about our Volotea review if you want to learn more about them before you book!

Basic Information

• Origin Country: Spain
• Airplanes: Airbus A319, Airbus 8320
• Where It Flies: Algeria, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain

Pros & Cons

One of the biggest advantages of Volotea is that it offers extensive connectivity across Europe and even beyond! And if you fly with Volotea, you'll get access to a variety of in-flight entertainment options and the unique loyalty rewards program, Megavolotea.

In terms of customer reviews of Volotea, it generally receives favorable feedback regarding onboard service and seat comfort.

Did you know it also has a very noteworthy feature that makes it stand out from other low-cost airlines in Europe? It offers the "Best Price Guarantee" that ensures additional savings for travelers! 

The airline also offers flexibility in booking options and includes hand baggage, which adds to the convenience of travelers.

Unfortunately, there are always lackluster aspects to a company and service. And Volotea Airlines is no different, receiving mixed reviews in certain areas. 

For instance, some passengers have reported issues with the boarding organization and punctuality, leading to delays and cancellations. One review mentioned that the delay was substantial enough that they warned against getting someone to pick you up at the airport.

Another drawback is the airline's strict baggage policy, which may incur expensive additional fees for those exceeding the weight limits.

Our Rating

Based on a mix of reviews and our writers' firsthand experience, we rate flying with Volotea a 3.8/5. It's still a solid rating, considering it's a budget airline!

4. Norse Atlantic Airways

A newer competitor in the budget airline industry, Norse Atlantic, is making waves. It was only founded in 2021, began operations in June 2022, and already has positive feedback from flyers. 

Norse Atlantic Airways is a Norwegian budget-friendly airline, mainly focusing on long-haul flights, specifically transatlantic routes. Like many other European low-cost carriers, this airline offers various economy seating options.

Norse prides itself on comfort, good service, and affordable fares.

Basic Information

• Origin Country: Norway
• Airplanes: Boeing 787 Dreamliners, dubbed "longships"
• Where It Flies: Flies from Oslo, Norway, and London, Gatwick to various destinations in the US, Europe, the Caribbean, Bangkok, and Thailand.

Pros & Cons

After sifting through the Norse Atlantic Airways reviews, it's obvious that the airline offers budget-friendly long-haul flights with decent service. Especially considering how new it is to the scene.

The airline features a modern fleet, providing a sense of reliability and freshness to travelers. Passengers have the option to choose between different classes, allowing them to go basic or upgrade in Economy according to their preferences. This flexibility is excellent for a low-cost carrier.

The food, service, and seats have generally received positive feedback, with adjustable headrests in the seats being a notable feature.

But being new and shiny also means Norse Airlines has its challenges. For instance, people have complained about its limited routes and flight delays. 

Others describe the customer service as lackluster, with passengers finding it difficult to get assistance when they run into problems. 

I feel like I'll be saying this a lot, but extra charges, especially for baggage, can escalate. It's important that you're aware that this is a big issue when flying low-cost carriers. You don't want to end up paying almost as much, if not more, than you would flying a traditional carrier.

Some reviews also mention that the in-flight entertainment options could be improved.

Our Rating

With a 3.7/5 from our writer, you should feel comfortable booking and flying with Norse Airways.

When should you book with this low-cost carrier? If you're looking for a budget airline that flies from Oslo to the US or vice versa. 

Based on firsthand experience from another writer, Norse was neither a letdown nor was it comfortable. The experience was completely expected from the quality of a budget airline.

5. easyJet

Established in 1995, easyJet is one of Europe's leading low-cost airlines, headquartered at London Luton Airport. Did you know it's carried over 65 million passengers annually!?

Renowned for offering budget-friendly flights across a vast network of destinations, easyJet has become a popular choice among travelers seeking affordability and convenience. 

The airline operates a mix of short-haul and medium-haul routes, connecting various European countries and even reaching parts of Asia and Africa. They fly and connect from major destinations like Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Berlin to lesser-known cities like Porto or Bordeaux.

But what helps make easyJet's flights so affordable? It's that the planes are arranged in a single-class layout, allowing as many passengers as possible but without class distinction. 

Basically, those at the back vs. the front are no different—barring some additional costs, you can pay for extra legroom or a ticket, including an extra bag.

The airline also doesn't serve free food or drinks on flights. Nor is there in-flight entertainment.

Basic Information

• Origin Country: United Kingdom
• Airplanes: Primarily Airbus A320 family
• Where It Flies: Serves over 30 countries, with a focus on Europe, but also extending to parts of Asia and Africa (covers more than 1,000 routes)

Pros & Cons

easyJet stands out for its extensive route network and affordable ticket prices, making it a go-to option for travelers on a budget. Many easyJet reviews say good things about the airline's user-friendly online booking system and straightforward boarding process. 

Now you may not be able to buy different classes based on your travel preferences. Still, there are extra add-ons you can purchase to level up your experience.

For example, if you go with easyJet Plus, you'll get added conveniences like fast-track security and additional baggage allowance for frequent flyers.

Like many low-cost carriers, easyJet has garnered criticism for its extra fees, including charges for checked baggage and in-flight refreshments. 

Other complaints by customers have reported inconsistent customer service. During peak travel times, the airline has experienced delays and crowded flights. 

Our Rating

After researching the general public and user reviews, we gave this airline a 3.7/5. But remember that ratings can vary depending on individual experiences and expectations.

Generally, easyJet gives good value to customers who are willing to sacrifice factors like always being on time and top-tier customer service.

6. Vueling Airlines

You may have come across this airline in your search for low-cost carriers and wondered is Vueling a good airline? Well, I've included it on this list for a reason!

Established in 2004, Vueling Airlines is a Spanish low-cost airline that is popular because of its competitive fares and very diverse route network. Even though it's considered to be a budget air company, it's the largest one in Spain—at least in terms of fleet and destinations covered.

What makes it most impressive to me? In the past 18 years, Vueling has never come across an accident except for very few bird strikes and on-ground engine problems. Vueling Airlines follows the high safety standards set for European airlines, which means you can feel peace of mind.

What also makes Vueling Airlines special is the ability for you to use its frequent flyer program, Avios, which is shared with other European airlines as well, such as Aer Lingus, Iberia, British Aiways, and more. Avios can also be used towards Oneworld Alliance partnered airlines, including airlines like Cathay Pacific and Qatar Aiways, which as a global reach.

For me, since I'm a registered member, I try to fly Vueling so I can use the points on other airlines when travel to other regions.

Basic Information

• Origin Country: Spain
• Airplanes: Primarily Airbus A320 family
• Where It Flies: Operates on more than 340 routes across Europe, Asia, and Africa, connecting over 160 destinations

Pros & Cons

Vueling is widely recognized for its affordable prices, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious travelers. 

Other pros to Vueling is that the airline boasts a user-friendly website and mobile app and has a very extensive route network. That means easier booking and check-in processes to get to more destinations, both major cities and lesser-known getaway destinations. 

More and more low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers are creating programs these days. Vueling is on board and offers a loyalty program, Vueling Club, allowing passengers to earn and redeem Avios for flights and other services.

What about the bad? Some passengers have reported inconsistencies in customer service and flight punctuality. 

Additional fees for services such as seat selection, baggage, and onboard refreshments are a common concern among travelers, as they can increase the overall cost of the journey.

And, while it's a very useful European budget airline for those traveling closer to home, Vueling doesn't yet fly to destinations in North or South America, Asia, or Oceania countries. This can put a dent in your plans!

Our Rating

Overall, we awarded Vueling a 3.2/5. While it's a worthwhile competitor, there are better choices than this one. Simply put, it'll get you where you need to go for cheap, and you need to hope you don't run into complications like delays or cancellations.

7. Norwegian Air

It's easy to get confused, but Norse and Norwegian Air are different companies—both budget carriers coming out of Norway.

Norwegian Air is the older of the 2 competitors, founded back in 1993. I'd consider it the most notable low-cost carrier based in Norway. In fact, it's known for pioneering low-cost long-haul flights across the continent.

The airline offers a variety of routes connecting Europe, North America, Asia, and South America. They focus on providing value-for-money services; Norwegian Air has gained popularity among travelers seeking budget-friendly options without compromising on comfort.

Basic Information

• Origin Country: Norway
• Airplanes: Primarily fleet consists of Boeing 737 and 787 Dreamliner
• Where It Flies: Extensive network covering over 150 destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, and South America

Pros & Cons

Norwegian Air is most known for its competitive pricing, almost always outcompeting many budget carriers in the region. They're also known for offering affordable longer-haul flights across the Atlantic. Norwegian Air's "LowFare" system offers increased flexibility, allowing passengers to pick and choose the services they want.

As with all low-cost carriers, delays and cancellations have been reported, which, while not uncommon as a budget airline, they're still a hassle. While the "LowFare" system may be flexible, sometimes the basic fares lack basic amenities. Once you upgrade, the price starts becoming more similar to its competitors.

Our Rating

Overall, I'd give Norwegian Air a rating of 3.4/5. The airline offers great pricing and modern aircraft for comfort, alongside perks like free WiFi. 

However, operational challenges and a potential lack of amenities in their basic fare can detract from the overall experience.

8. TUI Airlines

TUI Airlines is a big group of several airlines that operates under the TUI Group, a big global travel and tourism company. Based in Germany, TUI operates internationally, from regions of Europe to Asia, the Americas, and Africa.

I personally like TUI because they offer several great deals for holiday travel, especially for round-trip packages, which sometimes also include accommodations and other services.

Depending on which region you're flying in, TUI offers flights to many places around the world. TUI Airways operates in the UK and flies to many global destinations, while TUI fly Deutschland, Belgium, Netherlands, and Nordic offers specific vacation-based destinations, which often come with packages.

Basic Information

• Origin Country: Multiple (HQ located in Germany with regional branches in the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Nordic countries)
• Airplanes: Predominantly Boeing 737 & 787 Dreamliner, among others.
• Where It Flies: Destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas from various European-origin countries.

Pros & Cons

I'd say this is a harder one because TUI Airlines operates differently through its subsidiaries across different regions. With that being said, here are some pros and cons:

A big pro that many people like about TUI Airlines is their tendency to offer vacation deals packages, which involve flights with accommodations and other related services. If you're someone who enjoys buying package deals, be on the lookout for TUI deals!

TUI is also committed to renewing its fleets to more modern ones, which means comfortable seats and cleaner rides. This is a general blanket statement, though, as different regions will have different fleets they're operating on, and experiences may vary.

With TUI's focus on holiday travel, it's also a nightmare for travelers who enjoy flexibility in their booked trips. A lot of times, TUI only flies to popular destinations and won't offer flights to places that have fewer tourists. This also means frequent delays and cancellations during times of travel.

The biggest con is that since TUI operates in many different countries, the service might feel different depending on where you fly.

Our Rating

I've personally found value in their affordable deals and pricing and the convenience of their holiday package deals. Flying on their modern fleet, particularly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on longer trips, has been quite comfortable. 

However, there have been times when I've heard or encountered issues with customer service, occasional flight delays, and changes in their seasonal routes. 

Overall, I would give it a 3.2/5 stars. That said, everyone's experience can differ, and it might be worth checking recent reviews on trusted platforms for the most up-to-date feedback.

9. Eurowings

Eurowings is a German low-cost airline and a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group. 

Serving both domestic and European destinations, the airline is known for its affordable fares and a range of booking options to cater to various passenger needs. 

While they offer basic services in their standard fare, passengers can opt for add-ons or higher-tier packages for added convenience and comfort during their journey.

Eurowings fly to European countries, specifically Germany. They also fly to select tourist destinations in the rest of the world, like the Caribbean and Turkey.

While they're on the list of the best budget carriers to pick from, their rating is not far from the ones to avoid. I clarified a lot more in our Eurowings review, but I've summarized the findings below.

Basic Information

• Origin Country: Germany
• Airplanes: Eurowings operates a fleet primarily consisting of the Airbus A320 family (A319, A320, and A321) and also includes the larger Airbus A330 for some of its longer routes.
• Where It Flies: Eurowings primarily serves destinations within Europe but has expanded its operations to include some long-haul flights to destinations in North America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa.

Pros and Cons

Based on my personal experience, I have mixed experiences flying with Eurowings.

On the plus side, their competitive and affordable fares were tempting, especially when I was on a tight budget. The option to customize my booking with various add-ons was also appreciated, as it allowed me to tailor my flight experience based on my needs.

However, there were several factors that made me hesitant about choosing them again. Firstly, the basic services felt a bit too bare-bones for my liking. I felt nickel-and-dimed when opting for conveniences that some other airlines include as standard. 

Additionally, I experienced a few delays, which, though not uncommon in the industry, seemed more frequent than with other carriers I've used. The legroom in economy was quite tight, making longer European routes a bit uncomfortable. 

Considering these experiences, I might explore other airline options for my future travels, especially for longer journeys.

Our Rating

Based on my experiences, I'd rate Eurowings a 3.0/5. While their fares are competitive and the ability to customize the travel experience is commendable, the frequent delays, tight legroom, and feeling of being charged for every added convenience dampened the overall experience for me. The airline does offer value for its price point, but there's room for improvement in terms of passenger comfort and service reliability.

10. Transavia

Transavia Airlines, headquartered at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, operates as a low-cost airline. While I haven't personally taken one of their flights before, I've heard about the experiences of a Transavia flight.

Transavia covers over 100 destinations in Europe and some non-European regions like Jordan, the UAE, and Morocco. Transavia is a subsidiary of KLM Airlines, part of the Air France - KLM Airline Group, and also operates Transavia France as its French subsidiary. 

Overall, Transavia is a carrier with ultra-low-cost tickets but tons of add-ons and ancillary upgrades.

We've covered more in-depth on Transavia review - check it out!

Basic Information

• Origin Country: Netherlands
• Airplanes: Boeing 737 aircraft, which includes both 737-700 and 737-800 variants.
• Where It Flies: From its primary bases in Amsterdam (Schiphol Airport) and Rotterdam in the Netherlands, as well as from France (as Transavia France), the airline serves destinations across Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Popular spots like Spain, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, and many more are covered through Transavia.

Pros & Cons

Flights with Transavia are known to be relatively clean and budget-friendly. The fact that the airlines cover such a comprehensive list of destinations is great for looking up flights around the European region.

However, they definitely try to get you on the onboard refreshments, as the prices caught a lot of my friends off guard. 

The main feedback that I heard was the add-ons that come with Transavia, which, if you add them up, can quickly climb up to be comparable with other budget or normal airlines.

Our Rating

My colleagues rated Transavia a solid 3.0/5, which seems reasonable given its reputation. 

One of the great things about Transavia is its direct route to many vacation destinations, making it a go-to choice for holiday getaways from the Netherlands and France. 

However, the in-flight experience is very mediocre at best, falling short of even the niceties of what a budget airline should carry.

On some occasions, Transavia flights experienced delays, which affected the overall travel experience. 

While Transavia does a decent job for those seeking affordable flights to popular European destinations, there's certainly space for improvement in terms of service consistency and overall value.

Low-Cost Airlines in Europe You Should Avoid!

1. Ryanair

Ryanair is one of the OGs in terms of Europe's affordable airline space. Established in 1984, Ryanair has quickly grown to become the most affordable travel across the continent.

If you're from Europe, you've definitely heard of or been on a Ryanair flight. If you're not, you've probably seen Ryanair's meme-y social media posts, namely teasing some of the unreasonable complaints travelers have flying with the airlines.

The airline, under CEO Michael O'Leary's stewardship, really pivoted to the low-cost model, significantly reducing fares compared to competitors. It connects over 40 countries with more than 2,400 daily flights, although its operations are confined within Europe. Ryanair's first flight route was between Waterford in Ireland and London Gatwick in the United Kingdom, and it has maintained a strong presence in the European market since.

However, you can't judge an airline entirely by how it meme-posts on Instagram or by its tenure as an airline. Read our Ryanair review to find out why they might not be for you.

Basic Information

• Origin Country: Ireland
• Airplanes: Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with plans to incorporate Boeing 737 MAX 8-200s.
• Where It Flies: Destinations, primarily in Europe but also includes some routes in North Africa and the Middle East.

Why I Wouldn't Fly With Ryanair

Throughout my experience flying with Ryanair, I'd say Ryanair is only for those who are light packers or those who are flexible with their schedule.

When you book through Ryanair, just like any ultra-low-cost carrier, pretty much everything is an added upgrade that costs you money. If you're able to negate all of the costs, the deals are actually good.

Other than the booking process, the flight is very barebone. There's no inflight entertainment or in-flight WiFi on any of Ryanair's planes.

Additionally, Ryanair is notorious for canceling flights out of issues that are within the airline's control. From mismatching pilot's time-off schedule to dramatic overbooking flights, Ryanair has experienced it all.

The worst thing is when flights are delayed, non-EU citizens will need to get their boarding passes stamped prior to security, which means extra fees since you cannot use their app for check-in.

This just sounds like they did not think things through for all of their customers, especially since tons of Americans and Canadians, amongst other popular non-EU tourists, fly to Europe each year to travel.

Our Rating

Honestly, I'd give Ryanair a 2.9/5.

While finding Ryanair flights across Europe is easy and affordable, the experience has always been subpar. I've booked with them several times now, and I sometimes still accidentally almost paid more for something I wouldn't need.

The seating on their Boeing 737-800s felt cramped, making longer journeys a tad uncomfortable. Additionally, I've faced a couple of unexpected delays and even a last-minute cancellation. While some weren't really Ryanair's fault, it was nevertheless frustrating.

Their ultra-low-cost model means fantastic ticket prices, but be ready for additional charges for many amenities. The airline gets you from point A to B affordably, but there's a noticeable trade-off in terms of comfort and reliability.

2. Wizz Air

Wizz Air is another well-known budget airline in Europe. 

Being a leading low-cost carrier based in Budapest, Wizz Air is recognized as Europe's greenest airline due to its eco-friendly initiatives like operating an efficient fleet, banning single-use plastics in the cabin, having a carbon offsetting program, and employing paperless flight decks. 

The airline boasts a wide range of destinations, with over 600 routes across many countries in Europe and North Africa, extending to the Middle East and even Sri Lanka. 

This extensive network, combined with its commitment to environmental sustainability, makes Wizz Air a notable choice for budget and eco-conscious travelers.

As for its in-flight experience, I would say it's exactly what you'd expect from an ultra-low-cost carrier, with just basic amenities provided and everything else available for purchase.

The seating is uncomfortable, and the legroom is limited. The airline offers a variety of snacks and beverages for purchase on board, catering to the needs of travelers while maintaining affordable fare options.

While I try to maintain a neutral stance for all airlines covered here, our experience was, to say the least, terrible. Read our Wizz Air review to find out what we went through.

Basic Information

• Origin Country: Hungary
• Airplanes: Primarily an Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.
• Where It Flies: Wizz Air serves a wide range of destinations, primarily in Europe but also extending to some cities in Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Why I Wouldn't Fly With Wizz Air

My experience with Wizz Air, while not representative of the majority of all experiences flying with them, is horrible.

To start off, the same issues that I mentioned about Ryanair apply to Wizz Air as well. Delays can cause you to not be able to check in online, so I had to pay out of pocket. When I booked with Wizz Air, there were tons of upgrades that were hidden, so if you're not aware, you might end up paying a lot more than the price displayed.

When I got to the airport, flight times were also messed up due to delays, and I did not receive any information on when my next available flight would be or any status update for the flight.

In my opinion, Wizz Air had one of the strictest baggage policies in all European airlines. When I got to the gate, everyone had to stuff their bags into their cages, and all who failed to do so had to pay a huge fee.

There was no resemblance of customer service with both the grounds crew and the flight attendant.

Our Rating

The rating I gave for Wizz Air is 2.3/5, which I think was very generous.

The benefits of flying Wizz Air is primarily the price and availability of flights across Europe, but with the amount of upgrades they subtly force you to apply, you might just end up with a flight ticket that's not budget-friendly.

What's more, I've talked to several of my friends who've flown Wizz Air, and everyone I talked to has said that they've never experienced staff who had a good attitude towards customers.

Add on the fact that there are frequent delays and cancellations, which would lead you to pay more for in-person check-in; Wizz Air is honestly not really worth it at any price.

Save on Airline Tickets: 5 Tips & Tricks!

Now that you're in the know on all the budget airlines to fly and avoid, here are some quick tips and tricks to apply when you're buying tickets to save more!

1. Compare Best Budget Flight Websites

Look out for platforms like Google Flights, Momondo, Hopper, or subscription services like Going to help you find the best prices at the date, time, and convenience you'd like.

2. Book your flight in advance

In general, book your flights 1-4 months in advance, if possible, for the cheapest fares. For international flights, you'll want to book your flights at least 6 to 8 months in advance.

3. Last Minutes Deals

Just because it's best practice to book in advance doesn't mean you can't travel last minute! Sometimes, airlines reduce prices to fill unsold seats closer to the departure date, so I'd say be on the lookout for those, especially if you're traveling in off-peak season.

4. Fly out of a larger airport

There are definitely perks to flying out of smaller domestic airports, but in general, it'll save you money to fly out of larger international airports.

5. Check for additional costs before purchase

A lot of the time, especially on budget airlines, they try to deceive you to upgrades. Things like seat selection, priority boarding, checking bags, and insurance are things that airlines try to sell to you. 

Sometimes, they even automatically select them by default, so make sure you look out for those before you press by.

Plan your travels in advance!

Similar to how it's best practice to book your flights in advance, it definitely doesn't hurt to plan your trip in advance, especially if you're traveling in groups.

In comes Pilot!