Budget Airline Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Flying Ryanair, easyJet & More

The Budget Airline Revolution

Budget airlines transformed European travel. Routes that once cost hundreds of euros now sell for the price of a nice dinner. But the ultra-low-cost model comes with rules, restrictions, and potential pitfalls. Understanding how these airlines work helps you enjoy the savings without the stress.

This guide covers everything you need to know about flying Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling, and other European budget carriers.

How Budget Airlines Make Money

Understanding the business model explains the rules. Budget airlines profit through several key mechanisms.

Unbundled pricing means the base fare covers only the seat. Everything else—checked bags, seat selection, priority boarding, food—costs extra. This lets price-sensitive travelers buy only what they need.

Ancillary revenue represents where budget airlines make significant profits. Those "optional" extras often generate more revenue than the flights themselves.

High aircraft utilization keeps planes in the air constantly. Quick turnarounds mean more flights per day. This efficiency allows lower per-seat costs.

Secondary airports offer lower fees than major airports, savings that translate to lower fares. The trade-off is longer transfers to city centers.

Baggage Rules: The Most Important Thing to Understand

Baggage generates the most complaints and unexpected costs. Know the rules before booking.

Ryanair allows a small personal bag of 40x20x25 cm for free. Priority boarding adds a 10kg cabin bag. Checked bags from 15-20kg can be purchased.

EasyJet includes one cabin bag of 56x45x25 cm for free with no weight limit but must fit in the sizer. Checked bags up to 23kg are available for purchase.

Wizz Air includes a small personal bag of 40x30x20 cm for free. Priority adds cabin bag privileges. Checked bags up to 32kg can be purchased.

Critical tips for managing baggage start with measuring your bag before flying—don't assume it fits. Buy baggage during booking since airport fees are dramatically higher, often double or more. Check allowances for each airline when mixing carriers on a multi-city trip. Consider whether you really need a checked bag at all for trips under 2 weeks.

Seat Selection: Worth It or Not?

Seat selection fees range from €5-30 depending on the seat and flight. Here's when they make sense and when to skip them.

Skip seat selection for solo travelers with no strong preferences. You'll get assigned a seat—just not your chosen one. Airlines often assign middle seats to non-payers, but on a 2-hour flight, it's manageable.

Consider paying when traveling with companions you want to sit with, when you have specific needs like extra legroom or window for sleeping, or on longer flights over 3 hours where comfort matters more.

The couples compromise is that many airlines seat companions together even without paid selection. If separated, ask nicely at the gate—staff often help families and couples.

Booking and Check-In Tips

Smart booking saves money and prevents problems. Follow these strategies for best results.

Clear your cookies or use incognito mode when searching. Some evidence suggests prices rise with repeated searches, though airlines deny this. Better safe than sorry.

Check the total price, not just the headline fare. Add realistic baggage costs before comparing. A €30 fare with €20 bag fees beats a €60 fare with included bags.

Online check-in is essential—not optional. Budget airlines charge significant fees for airport check-in, often as much as €55 with Ryanair. Set reminders to check in during the allowed window.

Download the airline app, as boarding passes work best through official apps. Screenshots can fail. Apps also make rebooking easier if issues arise.

At the Airport: Avoiding Surprises

Airport experiences differ with budget carriers. Know what to expect.

Arrive early but not too early. Budget airline check-in desks often open just 2 hours before departure. Arriving earlier means waiting without access to your gate area.

Bag checks happen at the gate. If your cabin bag looks oversized, staff may ask you to test it in the sizer. Oversize bags get checked at the gate—and charged the highest fees.

Boarding is often chaotic with general boarding rather than zones. If you haven't paid for priority, expect to wait while priority passengers board first.

Secondary airports require planning. Budget carriers often use airports far from city centers. Research transfer options and costs in advance. A €50 taxi can erase your savings on a €30 flight.

Onboard Expectations

In-flight experience on budget carriers is basic but functional. Manage your expectations and come prepared.

Seats don't recline on most budget carriers. The upside is that the person in front won't recline into your space either.

No free food or drinks is standard. Bringing your own snacks is allowed and recommended. Airport prices are high but still cheaper than onboard purchases.

Entertainment means bring your own. No screens, no WiFi on most flights. Download shows, books, or music before your journey.

Seat pitch is tight at around 28-30 inches between rows. Comfortable for short flights, less so for longer routes. Extra legroom seats cost more but can be worth it on 3+ hour flights.

Handling Delays and Disruptions

Budget airlines face the same delays as legacy carriers. Knowing your rights helps when things go wrong.

EU regulations protect you regardless of airline type. For delays over 3 hours on flights within or departing the EU, you may be entitled to compensation of €250-600 depending on distance.

Rebooking works differently than with legacy carriers. Budget airlines typically only rebook on their own flights, which may mean longer waits than carriers with more frequent service.

Travel insurance matters more precisely because budget airlines offer less support during disruptions. Good insurance covers accommodation, meals, and rebooking costs.

Keep records of everything including boarding passes, receipts, and communications. Document delays with timestamps and photos of departure boards.

Maximizing Value on Budget Airlines

Strategic use of budget carriers delivers incredible value. Follow these principles to get the best experiences.

Book early for the best prices. Budget airline prices generally rise closer to departure. The 4-8 week sweet spot offers the best balance of good prices and schedule certainty.

Be flexible with dates, as midweek flights cost significantly less than weekend departures. Shifting by 1-2 days can save 30% or more.

Mix and match airlines since loyalty makes less sense with budget carriers than traditional airlines. Use whichever carrier offers the best price for each leg of your journey.

Consider package deals carefully. Sometimes bundled fare plus bag plus seat selection costs less than buying separately. Run the numbers both ways.

The Airlines Compared

Each budget carrier has strengths and quirks worth understanding.

Ryanair offers the largest network and often the cheapest fares, but the strictest baggage rules and most aggressive upselling. Best for experienced budget travelers who know the game.

EasyJet provides a more relaxed experience with more generous cabin bag allowance, assigned seating, and generally better customer service. Slightly higher fares but fewer gotchas.

Wizz Air specializes in Eastern European routes with very competitive prices. Their WIZZ Discount Club offers savings for frequent flyers. Service standards vary.

Vueling focuses on Spain and provides a good middle-ground experience with reasonable prices and decent service. Their business class offers excellent value for longer flights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' expensive errors. These mistakes cost budget travelers the most.

Not checking in online results in €55 fees at the airport that can exceed your fare cost.

Oversize cabin bags trigger gate-checked baggage fees that are the highest possible rates.

Missing flights on separate bookings means that unlike traditional tickets, budget airline bookings don't protect connections. Miss one flight, lose your money.

Ignoring the fine print creates surprises. Every airline has specific rules. 5 minutes reading saves hours of frustration.

Final Thoughts

Budget airlines democratized European travel. Destinations that once required expensive tickets now cost less than a tank of gas. The trade-offs—basic service, à la carte pricing, strict rules—are manageable once you understand the system.

Fly smart and you'll enjoy the savings. Fly unprepared and you'll fund the airline's profits through fees and penalties.

Use our multi-city search to find the best budget airline combinations for your next trip. We factor in realistic baggage costs and show you true total prices—not just the teaser fares.