Europe hosts some of the cheapest airlines with about 62 low cost carriers serving the region thanks to the European Open-Skies Treat signed in 1992 that changed things for the better.
Before the treaty, the national governments restricted access within their airspaces allowing only the major, expensive flag-carriers like Lufthansa and British Airways. The treaty enabled airlines whether major or small to fly anywhere in the European Union region without needing to have government approval.
Cheap or Discounted European Airlines
Ryanair became the first European airline to adopt the low fares flight model and many other airlines have offered their services using this model. While the fares can be generally low, some routes attract low costs as low as 10 Euros one way inclusive of tax or probably much lower prices when there are special sale promotions. On popular routes, the fare prices can rise heavily and the same may apply on days close to the flights’ departure. While the cheap airlines can save you a lot of money, on the other hand, travelers shouldn’t overlook other European airlines. Depending on the date, time, and destination you may find that the normally expensive airlines like Swiss airline may be cheaper compared to the discount airlines when you factor in the times and costs from the departure point to the destination.
The pricing structure of the discounted European airlines is a bit complex. Fares can fluctuate heavily based on demand and time of travel or purchase of the tickets. You can have fluctuations of the fares on hourly basis, but there is no rigid rule to get the cheapest fares. An important point to mention is that the same principle of charging as much to passengers as they can pay applied just like in the traditional carriers. Sometimes, you can have fares amounting to as little as 1 or 2 Euros on special promos, while at other times, the fares can be as high as 700 Euros for example on the London-Geneva route for return ticket during half-term weekend in February when most schools break for winter holidays.
To increase the chances of getting an inexpensive fare, you can try the following tips:
- Fly late at night or early in the morning
- Fly mid-week and avoid weekend or peak time rush
- Fly during low season, which is mainly in Autumn and Spring
- Avoid flying during public holidays
- Check for sales, which can happen about 3 to 5 weeks before departure
- Avoid booking the tickets less than two week before your date of travel
- Consider purchasing return tickets, they tend to be cheaper compared to one-way tickets. However, remember that many airlines charge fees if you change the time and date of travel. Be certain about the time and date you are traveling.
Low Cost Carriers in Europe
Ryanair
It’s considered the granddaddy of cheap airlines in Europe. Ryanair is based in Ireland and was founded in 1985. The airline takes the version of Southwest Airlines based in Dallas, Texas. Ryanair is the largest low-cost carrier and the third largest European airline in terms of the number of passengers and the largest globally based on international passenger numbers. The airline transports more international travelers than any other airline. The fares are structured as a single segment, single-way trip. If a passenger wishes to switch planes at the hubs of Ryanair, they need to get two segments separately. Also, you need to realize that luggage isn’t transferred so, it should be collected then checked in again if you are connecting another Ryanair flight. It is possible to book a return ticket, however, there may be no discount. In the event that you miss a second flight as a result of delay of the earlier Ryanair flight, there is no refund for missing the next flight so you will have to get another ticket based on the current price that could be higher than what you originally paid.
Compared to many other discount airlines, Ryanair offers limited compensation when you make flight cancellation. In general, Ryanair only provides replacement seat that is typically on a Ryanair flight on a later date. However, the airline can offer full refund of the price of a single journey. The airline doesn’t provide arrangements for accommodation or alternative travel. If a passenger wishes to travel back the same day, they have to purchase a non-advance ticket offered by a different airline. This can cost far much more than the original prices. It is important that you have insurance against cancellation of flight when you travel with Ryanair.
Norwegian Air
Founded in 1993, the Fornebu, Norway-based carrier is the third largest discount airline in Europe. The airline flies over 400 routes in excess of 130 destinations within Europe, Middle East, North Africa, Caribbean, Thailand, and the US. Norwegian Air has a low-fare calendar to allow you get the best prices when booking a flight.
EasyJet
EasyJet is based in London Luton Airport and was founded in 1995. The airline was established to offer an alternative carrier to British Airways among other Europe flag carriers. Operating on over 800 routes and serving over 31 countries, it has a fleet of over 250 Airbus jets. Yearly, the carrier carries over 75 million passengers with 60 percent of the passengers coming outside the UK and 20 percent accounting for business travelers.
The pricing of the fares is one on a single segment, single-way trip. You can exchange a flight you purchased for another flight you prefer but you will get partial refund for example, when you change a flight schedule on a different date or which has a different name of the passenger. In case you change a flight within the EasyJet hub, then you have to collect your luggage meaning you have to check it in again. Although you can have a return ticket when purchasing the outbound ticket, you usually will not get discount for it. There is no free weight allowance offered for luggage. Besides, there is charge for all luggages that is checked. Passengers can now have seat allocation and they pay to choose a particular seat they prefer.
Wow Air
The Iceland-based discount airline is founded by Skuli Mogensen. It started operating in 2011 and serves over 30 destinations in Europe as well as North America including Toronto, Montreal, Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, and Baltimore-Washington. Passengers travelling to Europe from the US can schedule a no-charge stopover in Reykjavik.
Wizz Air
The Budapest, Hungary based airline was founded in 2003 and its first flight happened almost one year later. Among its founders is a former CEO of Malev Hungarian Airlines, now a defunct flag carrier. Wizz Air has flights serving more than 500 routes. The carrier flies to secondary and smaller airports to provide low fares serving more than 20 million passengers every year. The Air Transport Word magazine named Wizz Air the 2016 Value Airline of the Year.
Vueling
The Barcelona, Spain-based discounted carrier was founded in 2004 having a flight that took travelers to the Ibiza vacation destination. The carrier serves destinations in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a rival to the Spanish flag airline Iberia. Vueling serves about 20 million passengers every year. The International Airlines Group that also owns Iberia, Aer Lingus, and British Airways also owns Vueling.
FlyBe
Based in Exeter in Devon, England, the airline was founded in 1985 having the name Jersey European Airways. It was renamed in 2000 and given the name FlyBe as part of its rebranding effort. It’s considered to be among the largest regional airlines in Europe serving over 232 routes and over 15 countries. The carrier offers varying levels of service among its flights. The passengers that purchase the so-called “All In” tickets receive free snacks and drinks and have access to a fine lounge in addition to priority check-ins and free prebooked seating.
AirBaltic
The Latvian airline was formed in 1995 with its ownership under the Latvian state. The airline regards itself as a mixture of legacy airlines and LCCs with flights covering areas like Europe, Russia, Scandinavia, and Middle East. It’s a small carrier with a fleet of about 25 jets and turboprops. The carrier transports about 3 million passengers every year.
Essentially, there are so many discount flights in Europe and you have to check their travel policy including connection of flights, departure times, routes they serve and other important things so that you are not inconvenienced during your travel. Realize that carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet don’t provide connecting tickets, so they tend to discourage passengers wishing to fly with them in case they have to connect. Also, check on the luggage charges and policy when flying with the various low-cost carriers in Europe. Some airlines won’t accept liability if a passenger misses connecting flight, so it is paramount that you calculate sufficient time for connecting and make the arrangements properly. FlyBe offers connecting tickets and in case of a missed connection, they try to re-accommodate the travelers onto the closest available flight.
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