The best budget airlines for UK travellers are Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air, which between them cover most short-haul routes across Europe. Ryanair often posts the lowest headline fares, Wizz Air has a strong network across Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans, and easyJet has a big presence at Gatwick and Luton and gives you the largest free bag of the three. But the cheapest ticket on screen is rarely the cheapest trip once bags and seats are added, so here’s how the best budget airlines really compare.
The best budget airlines compared
Ryanair runs the widest European network of the three and often has the lowest headline fares, but its free allowance is a small under-seat bag only, up to 40 x 30 x 20cm. Wizz Air follows a similar pricing model with the same free bag size, and stands out on routes into Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans that the other two don’t serve as widely. easyJet’s free under-seat bag is the largest of the three at 45 x 36 x 20cm and up to 15kg, which can make it the simpler, lower-hassle choice even when its headline fare isn’t the cheapest on paper.
Why the cheapest airline isn’t always cheapest
Budget airline pricing is built around optional extras: a larger cabin bag, a checked bag, seat selection, priority boarding. Comparing the full cost with everything you actually need added, rather than just the headline one-way fare, is the only way to know which airline is genuinely cheaper for your trip. Consumer group Which? makes the same point in its guide to airline cabin bag allowances: Ryanair often isn’t the cheapest option once you add a cabin bag.
Baggage rules to check before choosing the best budget airlines
On all three airlines, the only bag included in a standard fare is a small one that fits under the seat in front of you. A larger overhead cabin bag costs extra: through Priority on Ryanair and Wizz Air, or as an add-on on easyJet. Getting caught at the gate with a bag that’s too big costs significantly more than adding the right allowance online when you book, and the size checkers at the gate are used regularly.
These rules also change more often than most people expect. Ryanair, for example, widened its free bag in September 2025, so a guide written a year or two ago can already be out of date. Always check the airline’s own page for your exact fare before you fly, and measure your bag rather than trusting the label.
London’s budget airline landscape
All three major budget airlines serve London, but from different airports. Ryanair and Wizz Air operate heavily from Stansted and Luton, while easyJet has a stronger presence at Gatwick and Luton. Factoring in the cost and time of getting to a specific London airport can change which “cheap” flight is actually cheapest once you account for the journey there, particularly for early morning departures when public transport options are limited.
Other budget options worth checking
Vueling, Jet2 and TUI all run competitive routes on specific corridors, alongside the best budget airlines: Vueling for Spain, and Jet2 and TUI for package-style holiday routes where baggage is often included in the price. It’s worth comparing these rather than assuming Ryanair, easyJet or Wizz Air automatically wins on every route, especially if you’re travelling with more than hand luggage.
Seat selection: worth paying for or skipping?
All three budget airlines charge extra for seat selection, and all three will still seat you somewhere if you decline, usually together if you’re travelling with children, less reliably otherwise. For a short flight under two hours, skipping seat selection and accepting a random seat is a reasonable way to save a few pounds without real downside for most travellers.
Priority boarding: when it’s really a bag upgrade
On Ryanair and Wizz Air, priority is how you bring a larger cabin bag onboard rather than just a way to board earlier. That makes it worth paying for only if you actually need the extra space, and it’s worth comparing its price against adding a checked bag, since the cheaper option varies by route and date. If you can fit everything into the free under-seat bag, you can skip it entirely.
How refunds and changes typically work
Budget airline tickets are generally non-refundable, though most allow date changes for a fee plus any fare difference. Booking a flexible fare tier, where offered, costs more upfront but can be worth it if your travel dates are genuinely uncertain. Compare the extra cost against the standard change fee to see which makes sense for your trip.
Which of the best budget airlines suits your trip?
If you’re travelling light to a city in Central or Eastern Europe, Wizz Air and Ryanair are often hard to beat on price. If you want a little more room in your free bag for a short break, easyJet is usually the easier choice. Whichever you pick, price the whole journey rather than the headline fare, and read our guide on how to find cheap flights to time your booking well. If you’re still choosing where to go, our list of the cheapest countries to visit pairs well with these airlines, and our wider budget travel tips cover the rest of the trip.
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