Low-Cost Traveling in Europe: Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet Compared

#budgetairlines Traveling across Europe on a budget has never been easier thanks to low-cost airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet. These carriers connect even smaller cities and offer incredibly cheap tickets — sometimes for less than a coffee. But flying with them also comes with a few important caveats to keep in mind. Ryanair is often the cheapest option and flies to the widest range of destinations, especially in Spain, Italy, and Eastern Europe. However, their baggage policy is strict — only a small personal item is included in the base fare. You’ll need to pay extra for priority boarding or cabin luggage. Ryanair also tends to use secondary airports, which may require longer ground transfers (like “Paris” Beauvais or “Frankfurt” Hahn). Wizz Air focuses heavily on Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and increasingly the Middle East. They’re great for reaching lesser-known destinations like Tirana, Kutaisi, or Skopje. Similar to Ryanair, baggage rules are tight, and their base fares often don’t include even hand luggage unless you buy the Wizz Priority. easyJet generally offers a more “premium” low-cost experience. Their seats are often more spacious, and they fly to many primary airports (like Amsterdam or Berlin Brandenburg). Prices are slightly higher, but cabin baggage is more flexible depending on your fare. Their network is strongest in the UK, France, and Italy. Tips to Keep in Mind: Always check baggage allowances. A cheap flight can become expensive if you need a cabin bag. Print or download your boarding pass in advance to avoid airport fees. Verify the airport’s location — some low-cost airports are 1–2 hours away from the city. Check total travel time, including transfers and early check-ins. Flight changes and cancellations are often harder to resolve compared to legacy airlines. Where Can You Go? You can fly to major cities like Rome, London, Copenhagen, and Budapest — but also to hidden gems like Cagliari, Tirana, Ohrid, or Madeira. With a bit of flexibility, low-cost flying is a great way to explore Europe for under €50 per flight. Low-cost airlines can unlock amazing travel opportunities — just be prepared, read the fine print, and enjoy the freedom of spontaneous travel.