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Cheap Airlines: The Best Budget-Friendly Airlines for 2025

Booking cheap flights can save you a lot when planning a holiday, but finding the right airlines and avoiding extra fees can make all the difference. Whether you’re flying around Europe or looking for longer trips, there are plenty of cheap airlines that offer great prices.

In this guide, we’ll go over some of the best cheap airlines and share tips on how to save money by avoiding hidden fees, using travel sites, and spotting last-minute deals.

Key Takeaways

  • Top Budget Airlines: Learn about the most reliable cheap airlines, such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and Jet2, which offer affordable options across Europe and beyond.
  • Avoid Extra Fees: Look out for baggage, seat selection, and meal charges that can increase the total price of your flight.
  • Tips for Savings: Use fare comparison travel sites, sign up for discount clubs, and look out for last-minute deals to get the best prices.

Cheap Airlines

Ryanair

Destinations: Across Europe

Ryanair is often one of the first cheap airlines that comes to mind, thanks to its incredibly low-cost flights. You can fly to popular European destinations like Spain, Italy, and France for as little as £9.99 if you book at the right time. Ryanair’s cheap flights are no-frills, meaning you’ll likely pay for any extras like baggage or seat selection. They fly from most UK airports, so finding a convenient departure is easy.

Watch Out for Additional Costs

  • Bags: A 10kg cabin bag comes with an extra charge of £25 to £40 when you include priority boarding. Checked luggage can cost between £35 and £60.
  • Meals: In-flight meals are not included, and a sandwich, snack, and drink will set you back around £10.
  • Seats: If you want to sit together, reserving a seat costs between £8 and £30 depending on where you’d like to be seated.

cheap airlines

EasyJet

Destinations: Europe and beyond

EasyJet is another top choice for cheap flights, with fares starting around £33 for a return. They also offer a handy search tool on their website to help you find the cheapest dates to fly. EasyJet’s flight deals can cover destinations throughout Europe, with some longer routes connecting to New York through airline partnerships.

Additional Fees

  • Bags: For a cabin bag, expect to pay £29 or more for a return, depending on your destination. Checked luggage costs range from £45 to £85.
  • Meals: In-flight snacks, like a sandwich and drink, are priced around £8.
  • Seats: Standard seat selection starts at £7, while extra legroom seats cost between £25 and £45.

cheap airlines uk

Jet2

Destinations: 65+ locations across Europe

Jet2 has gained popularity for its low-cost flights to sunny holiday spots like Greece, Spain, and Portugal. They also fly from several UK airports, making it easy to find a departure that suits you. Jet2 offers a low-fare finder to help locate the best deal on your chosen dates.

Additional Fees

  • Bags: A cabin bag of up to 10kg is included in the ticket price. For checked bags, the fee is usually £35 to £60.
  • Meals: In-flight food costs around £7.60.
  • Seats: Standard seat reservations cost around £30 to £40, with extra legroom available for a little more.

how to find cheap flights

Wizz Air

Destinations: Europe and beyond

Wizz Air is known for its affordable flights to Eastern Europe, with destinations including Hungary, Poland, and further afield to Egypt and Abu Dhabi. With fares starting at £24, this airline is a great option for travellers on a budget. They also offer a Wizz Discount Club for frequent flyers to enjoy even more savings.

Additional Fees

  • Bags: Carry-on bags up to 10kg will cost between £40 and £75, while checked luggage starts at £45.
  • Meals: Food on board is priced around £9.50.
  • Seats: Basic seat reservations cost around £16, and extra legroom seats are £30.

how to find cheap flights

Norwegian

Destinations: Scandinavia and European islands

Norwegian offers cheap flights from the UK to destinations across Scandinavia and Europe, with prices as low as £14. They fly out of airports like Gatwick and Manchester, making it easy to find a flight that suits your dates. Norwegian is also known for having relatively low additional fees, making it one of the best cheap airlines if you want to avoid paying over the odds for extras.

Additional Fees

  • Bags: Cabin bags start at £20 for a return trip, and checked luggage costs between £20 and £30.
  • Meals: Expect to pay around £12.30 for an in-flight meal.
  • Seats: Standard seat selection costs around £28.

how to find cheap flights

TUI

Destinations: Over 70 countries.

TUI is one of the world’s largest travel companies, known for both cheap flights and holiday packages. They offer routes from the UK to over 70 destinations, including popular spots in the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Flight deals with TUI are particularly attractive if you book last-minute, as they often drop their prices to fill seats.

Additional Fees

  • Bags: A cabin bag up to 5kg is included, but checked luggage costs £45 to £70.
  • Meals: A full meal is included in the flight price.
  • Seats: Standard seat selection will cost around £76, while extra legroom comes in at £140 for a return flight.

ryanair cheap flights

Vueling

Destinations: Spain and Southern Europe

Vueling is a Spanish airline that offers cheap flights to cities in Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal. They fly from the UK to places like Barcelona and Amsterdam, often for less than £84 return. Vueling’s fares are competitive, and their fees are relatively low compared to other budget airlines.

Additional Fees

  • Bags: Cabin bags cost between £14 and £32, and checked bags are priced between £50 and £70.
  • Meals: In-flight snacks cost around £11.
  • Seats: Seat reservations range from £16 to £20, with extra legroom costing up to £60.

Overall

When it comes to finding cheap airlines, there are plenty of options to suit every budget. Whether you’re booking with Ryanair, EasyJet, or Wizz Air, always be mindful of the extra charges for baggage, seat selection, and meals. Using fare comparison travel sites, keeping an eye on last-minute deals, and avoiding unnecessary add-ons will help you get the best flight prices.

Remember to sign up for discount clubs where available, and use airline tools like fare finders to help identify the cheapest dates to travel. By being flexible and planning ahead, you can enjoy more holiday for less.

FAQs

What is the best way to find cheap flights?

The best way to find cheap flights is to use travel sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak, which aggregate prices from multiple airlines. Setting up price alerts and being flexible with your dates will help you get the best flight deals.

Do budget airlines charge for baggage?

Yes, most cheap airlines charge extra for baggage. While some include a small personal item or cabin bag in the ticket price, larger carry-on or checked bags often come with an additional fee.

How can I avoid extra charges on budget airlines?

To avoid extra charges, pack light to skip baggage fees, bring your own food to avoid buying in-flight meals, and don’t pay for seat selection if you’re not picky about where you sit.

Are there any hidden fees when booking cheap flights?

The main hidden fees to watch out for are related to baggage, seat selection, and sometimes priority boarding. Make sure to review the airline’s baggage policies before booking.

Do budget airlines offer non-stop flights?

Many budget airlines offer non-stop flights, especially on short-haul routes within Europe. Longer-haul routes may include layovers, depending on the destination.

Can I get cheap flights for long-haul destinations?

Yes, airlines like TUI and Norwegian offer cheap flights to long-haul destinations. Keep an eye on last-minute flight deals for the lowest prices.

What are the best cheap airlines in the UK?

The most popular cheap airlines in the UK include Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, and Wizz Air. Each of these offers cheap flights across Europe with plenty of flight deals to be found.

Do cheap airlines fly from regional airports?

Yes, many cheap airlines fly from regional airports across the UK. You can catch flights from places like Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham without needing to travel to London.

What factors should I consider when comparing cheap flights?

When comparing cheap flights, consider the total cost including baggage, seat selection, and meals. Also, check the number of layovers and total travel time to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

Can I get a refund on cheap airline tickets?

Refunds on cheap airline tickets are often not available, especially for the lowest fare types. Some airlines may offer credits for future flights, but it’s important to check their refund policies before booking.

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