What makes a budget airline cheap
Low-cost carriers strip out what you may not need: checked bags, seat selection, food and sometimes a gate agent. The fare is real, but the total depends on your choices. A traveller with one small bag can pay very little; a family with four suitcases may pay more than on a full-service airline.
Before booking, add the bag, the seat and the airport transfer to the fare. Then compare the arrival time and the airport distance. A cheap ticket to a remote airport can cost more in the end. Our budget travel section explains the method.
Ryanair in Europe
Ryanair has the widest network and the most aggressive pricing. We flew a two-hour route for 24 dollars with a small personal bag. The cabin was clean, the crew was efficient and the plane left on time.
The catch is the fee structure. A cabin bag, a seat and a printed boarding pass can add up fast, and the airports are often far from the city. Download the app before you travel. It is the pick for travellers with one small bag and flexible plans, not for a family with luggage.
easyJet in Europe
easyJet sits between budget and full service. Our fare was 58 dollars, the seat had a little more room and the cabin bag allowance was clearer. The airline uses main airports more often than Ryanair, which saved us a long transfer.
Prices rise quickly close to departure, and the app is the easiest place to manage bags. It is a good middle ground for a city break with a carry-on. Check the fare class before you pay, because the cheapest option may not include a cabin bag.
The budget airline that suits you is the one whose fee structure matches how you actually pack and travel.
AirAsia in Southeast Asia
AirAsia connects a huge number of cities at low fares. We paid 41 dollars for a regional flight and found the app easy to use. The plane was on time and the cabin was comfortable for a short hop.
Bags and meals cost extra, and the cheapest fare does not include a cabin bag. Check the route carefully, because some connections involve a long bus transfer. It is the pick for flexible travellers who pack light and book early.
Scoot in Asia and beyond
Scoot flies long-haul low-cost routes with a reasonable seat and a clear bag policy. Our overnight flight cost 96 dollars, and we paid extra for a cabin bag and a meal. The crew was helpful and the cabin stayed quiet.
The trade-off is comfort on longer routes. A reclining seat and a blanket are worth the extra if you plan to sleep. For a daytime flight under six hours, the base fare is fine. Compare the total with a full-service sale fare before you decide.
Wizz Air in Europe
Wizz Air often has the lowest fare on secondary routes. We paid 19 dollars for a short flight and 32 dollars for a cabin bag. The app worked well and boarding was orderly.
Customer service is slow if something goes wrong, and delays are not uncommon. Build in a buffer if you have a connection. It is the pick for a cheap weekend trip with hand luggage and no tight schedule. Read the fee table before you book.
Fees, bags and when to pay more
Add the bag, the seat and the transfer before you compare. If the total is within 20 percent of a full-service fare, the full-service option is often better because it includes luggage and a more reliable schedule. If you travel with only a small bag, the budget carrier usually wins.
Know your rights when a flight is delayed or cancelled. The US government travel pages publish consumer guidance for air travel that explains refunds and compensation. Then check our luggage guides to pack within the limit.