Best Low-Cost Airlines for Cheap Flights from the UK

Best Low-Cost Airlines for Cheap Flights from the UK

Looking for the cheap flights from the UK to Europe and beyond? Budget airlines make it possible to travel for less, regardless of what kind of trip you're planning: a cheap city break, a last-minute holiday, or a backpacking adventure.

Our guide gives you the pros and cons for the best low-cost airlines flying from the UK, including Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air and more, helping you find the cheapest travel deals.

1. Ryanair – The King of Cheap Flights

Why Choose Ryanair?

✅ Often the cheapest airline for flights from many UK airports 
✅ Huge network covering over 200 destinations
✅ Frequent flash sales with flights from £10 to various locations

Downsides:

❌ Strict baggage policies
❌ Charges for extras (seat selection, priority boarding, etc.)

Best Destinations with Ryanair:

  • Dublin, Ireland – Frequent cheap flights from London, Manchester, and Edinburgh

  • Budapest, Hungary – One of the cheapest European city breaks

  • Marrakech, Morocco – Affordable flights for a cheap and sunny escape

2. easyJet – Affordable & Reliable

Why Choose easyJet?

✅ Competitive fares with no hidden fees
✅ Better legroom compared to Ryanair flights 
✅ More customer-friendly policies on luggage and seating

Downsides:

❌ Prices rise fast closer to departure
❌ Fewer ultra-low fares compared to Ryanair

Best Destinations with easyJet:

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands – Popular short-haul route from multiple UK airports

  • Santorini, Greece – Budget-friendly way to visit a dream destination

  • Berlin, Germany – Ideal for cheap weekend city breaks

3. Wizz Air – Best for Eastern Europe

Why Choose Wizz Air?

✅ Often cheapest for flights to Poland, Hungary, and the Balkans
✅ Discounted fares for Wizz Air Club members
✅ Newer fleet with modern aircraft

Downsides:

❌ Limited UK departure points (mainly London Luton)
❌ Extra fees for cabin bags and seat selection

Best Destinations with Wizz Air:

  • Warsaw, Poland – Perfect for an affordable cultural getaway

  • Sofia, Bulgaria – One of Europe’s cheapest capitals to visit

  • Tirana, Albania – A rising budget travel hotspot

4. Jet2 – Great for Package Holidays

Why Choose Jet2?

✅ Higher baggage allowances included in ticket price
✅ Better customer service than Ryanair and Wizz Air
✅ Fantastic for cheap beach holidays

Downsides:

❌ Not always the absolute cheapest
❌ Fewer routes compared to Ryanair and easyJet

Best Destinations with Jet2:

  • Tenerife, Spain – Cheap all-inclusive beach holiday packages

  • Prague, Czech Republic – A classic budget city break

  • Paphos, Cyprus – Affordable winter sun destination

5. Vueling – Budget-Friendly Spanish Travel

Why Choose Vueling?

✅ Best cheap flights to Spain from the UK
✅ More comfortable than Ryanair
✅ Flexible ticket options available

Downsides:

❌ Fewer routes outside of Spain
❌ Luggage fees can be pricey

Best Destinations with Vueling:

  • Barcelona, Spain – One of the cheapest ways to fly to Spain

  • Seville, Spain – A budget-friendly cultural escape

  • Lisbon, Portugal – Low-cost flights to a stunning European capital

How to Find the Cheapest Budget Flights

  • Book in advance – Flights are usually cheapest 4-8 weeks before departure.
  • Fly midweek – Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have the lowest fares.
  • Use flight comparison sites – Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo help find the best deals.
  • Avoid peak season – Travel in spring or autumn for lower prices.
  • Check luggage rules – Budget airlines charge extra for cabin bags, so compare total costs.

Which Low-Cost Airline is Best?

  • For the absolute cheapest flights → Ryanair

  • For a balance of price and comfort → easyJet

  • For Eastern Europe & Balkans → Wizz Air

  • For package holiday deals → Jet2

  • For Spain & Portugal → Vueling

By choosing the right budget airline, you can save hundreds on your next trip while still exploring the best European destinations on a budget. Don't forget, our Travel Backpacks are exactly the right size for all cabin baggage restrictions on budget airlines, so you won't get stung with baggage fees! Make sure you grab one of our "I want a ticket to anywhere" hoodies before you go, to keep you nice and toasty on the journey! 

 

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