The partners who study in the UK may have heard that the UK’s low-cost airlines are the first choice for short-distance travel. After all, the European countries are very close to each other. What are the cheap airlines in the UK? Today to give you a detailed introduction.
Ryanair
Advantage: Ryanair is the originator of low-cost airlines and is the largest low-cost airline in Europe. It is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with 17 airports in the UK and Ireland region. Ryanair operates 1,600 routes to over 180 cities in nearly 30 countries in the European region and offers flights between many inland European towns. Ryanair has a large fleet of aircraft, a secret route and low prices. Their tickets are said to be the most affordable. Purchasing them is typically accessible. Frequent promotional discounts are available. Even occasional flight cancellations pose minimal issues.
Cons: Ryanair is notorious for having a lot of surcharges in Europe. However, the ticket is cheap, and transporting you safely to your destination is enough. Ryanair is the first airline in the industry to introduce in-flight food and drink charges, checked baggage charges, seat selection charges, priority boarding charges, and the ability to book airport bus tickets. Passengers are allowed two pieces of checked baggage, each at most 32kg. For a seamless travel experience, consider purchasing your checked baggage allowance online during the booking process. This proactive step saves you from additional fees at the airport and paves the way for a more organized and stress-free journey. In addition, we strongly advise passengers to check in online and print their boarding passes before departure. Doing so at the airport will incur additional charges.
Easyjet
Pros: Easyjet Airways is a British low-cost airline based at Luton Airport, north of London, England. Operating over 600 routes, it is smaller and less numerous than Ryanair but links major cities in most European countries. Compared to Ryanair, Easyjet operates out of major airports in Europe, so there’s no Frankfurt Hahn, which is 140km away from Frankfurt. It was voted “Best Low Cost” by Business Traveller Magazine in 2012 and 2013 because of its ultra-low prices. Easyjet was voted “Best Low-Cost Airline” by Business Traveller Magazine in 2012 and 2013 for its low prices.
Cons: The fleet is relatively small compared to Ryanair and is often subject to severe delays. We do not recommend business trips to avoid delays in meetings or negotiations, but for unrelated travel, it proves highly convenient to travel in and out of major cities. This approach can save you a substantial amount of money on intra-city transport when travelling to other countries. Easyjet also allows passengers to carry up to three pieces of checked baggage, similar to what Ryanair charges. Additional charges are identical to Ryanair. Print your boarding pass before boarding; otherwise, airport charges will be more expensive and inconvenient.
Flybe
Flybe Airways, a reputable British low-cost regional airline, offers domestic flights and proudly stands as one of Europe’s largest regional airlines. It has even had the honour of Prince William as a passenger, as captured in photos. Formerly known as British European, the airline calls Exeter, Devon, UK, its home base. It operates from over 20 airports across the UK and Ireland, with an impressive network of over 200 routes. These routes connect to over 100 cities in 23 European countries, highlighting the airline’s expansive reach and commitment to connecting people across borders.
Vueling
Vueling is an airline based in Barcelona, Spain. The airline’s cheap flights are popular among many Europeans. Currently flying to Barcelona, Lisbon, Milan, Paris and Rome, it is Europe’s third-largest low-cost airline. They operate routes between major cities in Spain and major cities in Europe and the Western Mediterranean. Prices are alright, and there are special offers occasionally. Vueling can carry one free under-seat bag. The size requirement is 40cm x 20cm x 30cm.
Jet2
Jet2 is based at Leeds Bradford Airport in England and is a low-cost airline from the UK mainland. It is the fourth most popular airline in the UK and is an excellent choice for travelling between cities within the UK as routes are very cheap. Jet2 allows one free carry-on baggage up to 10kg in weight, with a size requirement of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Of course, Jet2 can also check in baggage at an additional cost.
Notes on Low-cost Tickets
1. To save costs, cheap airlines try to make their tickets as low as possible, and their services are bound to be reduced to a certain extent. Many of the services we take for granted, such as baggage check-in, printing boarding passes, and in-flight catering, are not included, all of which require additional payment. Travellers accustomed to traditional big airlines can especially easily overlook this. Therefore, knowing the rules of each airline’s fees when purchasing a ticket is best to avoid being mistakenly cheated when you arrive at the airport.
2. The airports where low-cost airlines take off and land are generally more remote. For example, in London, they usually use Luton Airport to the north of London or Stanstead Airport to the south of London instead of Heathrow Airport, which is close to the city. These airports are farther away from the city. They are not easily accessible, so when planning your trip, you have to calculate whether it is worthwhile to save money on air tickets but add the cost and time of travelling from the airport to your destination.
3. If you plan on bringing checked baggage, we recommend purchasing the necessary allowance when booking your flight online. You will also have to pay extra fees for temporary handling at the airport. In many cases, the tax is higher than the ticket price.
4. Cheap airlines usually only provide meals. If the ride is shorter, you can bring some simple dry food yourself.
5. About flight delays. The delay of cheap airlines is widespread. If you are planning a business trip, it is best to avoid purchasing cheap airline tickets to prevent potential delays.
6. Book in advance and compare prices. The eternal truth, especially during the peak travelling season, such as May or October, is that booking air tickets two to three months in advance is best. If you travel to a destination within the operating range of several airlines, you can compare several prices, but the difference is still huge. In addition, it is best to choose to book on the airline’s official website to avoid looking for travel agents to book tickets; the price will also be cheaper.
FAQ
What is the difference between a low-cost airline and a regular airline?
One of the main differences between budget airlines and regular ones is the fare structure. Budget airlines typically offer no-frills or basic fares, with additional charges for services such as checked baggage, in-flight meals, and seat selection. On the other hand, regular airlines usually include these services in their ticket prices.
Can I expect the same level of comfort on a low-cost airline?
While some low-cost airlines do offer comfortable seating options, such as extra legroom seats for an additional fee, others may have more basic seats with less legroom. It’s essential to research the amenities and services offered by each low-cost airline before booking your flight. You may also want to consider bringing your comfort items, such as a neck pillow or blanket, for a more comfortable flight experience.
Are low-cost airlines safe?
Yes, low-cost airlines are just as safe as traditional airlines. In fact, many low-cost airlines have modern fleets and prioritize safety measures to ensure their passengers’ well-being. Before booking your flight, be sure to check the airline’s safety ratings and reviews.
