Quick Answer

Ryanair and Wizz Air consistently post the lowest headline fares, with one-way tickets often between 10 and 20 euros on popular routes. Your real cost depends on baggage, so the cheapest fare is only cheap if you travel light.

Read the full guide: Best Budget Airlines in Europe 2026: Ranked and Compared

Do budget airline fares include a checked bag?

Almost never. On Ryanair, Wizz Air, Vueling, Transavia and Eurowings basic fares a checked bag costs roughly 20 to 45 euros each way. Norwegian and some easyJet bundles include hold luggage, so always compare the total price. The good news is that low headline fares don’t come at the cost of safety — budget airlines in Europe are safe , regulated to the same EU and UK standards as legacy carriers.

How do I find the cheapest budget flights in Europe?

Compare every low-cost carrier on one route at once, stay flexible on airports and dates, fly midweek and book six to eight weeks ahead. A flight comparison search reveals the cheapest airline for your exact dates in seconds. Paying with a card that skips foreign transaction fees keeps more of that saving in your pocket, and our answers guide covers plenty more of these quick money questions.