Top 5 Budget Airlines in Europe: Comparison & Booking Tips

For Indian travelers booking Europe packages from Chennai, knowing about these airlines can help you extend your trip or add extra cities without breaking the bank. Combine your tour package with a few budget flights, and you’re all set for a complete European adventure.

But not all budget airlines are created equal. Some offer incredible value with decent comfort, while others may surprise you with hidden fees or restrictive baggage policies. To help you navigate the skies smartly, here’s a detailed look at the top 5 budget airlines in Europe, plus booking tips to get the best deals.

🏆 1. Ryanair – The King of Cheap Flights

Base: Ireland
Best For: Ultra-low fares and extensive network

Why Fly Ryanair?
Ryanair is the most well-known budget airline in Europe, offering flights to over 200 destinations in 40+ countries. With flash sales offering fares as low as €10, it’s unbeatable in terms of price.

Pros:

• Extremely low base fares

• Wide route network, especially in Western and Eastern Europe

• Frequent promotions and seasonal discounts

Cons:

• Strict baggage limits (only a small personal item included in base fare)

• Extra fees for seat selection, priority boarding, or carry-on bags

• Some secondary airports can be far from city centers

Tip: Always double-check the airport name—Ryanair sometimes flies into smaller airports (e.g., Paris Beauvais instead of Charles de Gaulle).

🛫 2. easyJet – Great Balance of Price and Comfort

Base: United Kingdom
Best For: Travelers seeking low fares with a bit more comfort

Why Fly easyJet?
Operating across Europe and North Africa, easyJet is known for its punctuality and cleaner fleet. It’s often slightly pricier than Ryanair but offers a better customer experience.

Pros:

• Reasonable pricing and frequent deals

• Operates from major airports (unlike Ryanair)

• Good mobile app and booking interface

Cons:

• No free carry-on beyond one small bag

• Add-ons like checked luggage can increase total price

Tip: If you're taking short trips (e.g., Prague to Barcelona), easyJet offers a more central airport experience and less travel time overall.

🛩️ 3. Wizz Air – Best for Eastern Europe Routes

Base: Hungary
Best For: Affordable flights to and from Eastern Europe

Why Fly Wizz Air?
Wizz Air has rapidly grown as a top option for travelers heading to Eastern European cities like Budapest, Bucharest, Sofia, and even Prague Castle tours. It’s a favorite for budget travelers and digital nomads alike.

Pros:

• Very cheap fares for routes that are less served by other airlines

• Wizz Discount Club for additional savings

• Newer aircrafts with decent onboard comfort

Cons:

• Baggage restrictions are tight (personal item only in base fare)

• Fees can add up if you don’t pre-book add-ons

Tip: Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance and consider joining the Wizz Discount Club if you plan multiple flights.

🧳 4. Vueling – Ideal for Spain & Mediterranean Routes

Base: Spain
Best For: Travelers exploring Spain, France, and Italy

Why Fly Vueling?
As Iberia’s low-cost arm, Vueling is a solid option if you're traveling around Spain or Southern Europe. With bases in Barcelona and Rome, it’s great for Mediterranean getaways.

Pros:

• Access to major airports (Barcelona, Rome, Paris Orly)

• Codeshare options with Iberia and British Airways

• More flexible ticket options than competitors

Cons:

• Delays are more common during peak travel months

• Customer service can be hit or miss

Tip: Vueling is perfect for travelers combining shopping in Prague with beach stops in Spain or Italy.

✈️ 5. Norwegian Air – Best for Nordic Countries & Budget Long-Haul

Base: Norway
Best For: Affordable flights to Scandinavia and limited long-haul routes

Why Fly Norwegian Air?
Though not as "ultra-low-cost" as Ryanair or Wizz Air, Norwegian is praised for comfort and value—especially for flights to and from Nordic countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.

Pros:

• Free Wi-Fi on most flights

• Generous baggage policy compared to others

• Comfortable seating and modern aircrafts

Cons:

• Fewer routes than other budget airlines

• Limited ultra-low fares; better booked in advance

Tip: Ideal for travelers heading to Northern Europe in spring, when cities like Oslo and Copenhagen are at their scenic best.

💡 Booking Tips to Score the Cheapest Flights

1. Book Early: The earlier you book, the better the price—especially for summer travel.

2. Use Aggregator Sites: Tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Hopper compare fares across airlines.

3. Go Incognito: Use private browsing to avoid dynamic pricing based on repeated searches.

4. Check Baggage Rules: Budget airlines often charge extra for cabin luggage. Factor that into your cost.

5. Fly Midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays usually have the lowest fares.

6. Subscribe to Alerts: Get notified about flash sales from airlines and travel apps.

✈️ Final Thoughts

Budget airlines in Europe can save you hundreds of euros—if you know how to use them smartly. Whether you’re flying to visit Prague Castle, explore charming villages in Spain, or do some spring shopping in Prague, these airlines open up the continent at a fraction of traditional airfare.