What Budget Airlines Are Available In The UK?

Budget airlines are really useful, especially when it comes to short-haul flights. But there are also budget airlines that cater to long-haul flights as well. And what’s great, is that the UK has a range of budget airlines that operate from airports from all over the UK.

There are loads of budget airlines that fly into and out of the UK. We’ve put together a summary of the most important things you need to know when booking a flight – baggage allowance and check-in and boarding information. Check this out in the table, but if you want to know more, carry on reading and we’ve given a detailed summary of the requirements for each of the airlines.

Here’s a list of budget airlines that you can use to fly into and out of the UK:

1. easyJet
2. Ryanair
3. Jet2
4. Wizz Air
5. Vueling
6. Level
7. airBaltic
8. Blue Air
9. Eurowings
10. Norwegian Airlines

Each airline, of course, offers routes to various destinations and a lot of them are continuously growing and adding new destinations periodically. It’s fantastic to know that it’s not only a relatively short flight to get to anywhere within Europe, but that you also have a huge choice of budget airlines to choose from. And, I’m sure they will just continue to expand their range of destinations. We’re truly spoilt for choice!

All of the above airlines also offer in addition, a small bag to take on board, most will for free. Some airlines state size requirements for the small bag, however, it’s generally fine as long as it can fit underneath the seat.

What is a Budget Airline?

Definition: a low-cost air carrier offering reduced prices, often referred to as a ‘no-frills’ or ‘discount’ airline. This refers to the fact the price doesn’t generally include the following and you will have to pay additional fees to include these:

• Checked luggage
• Ability to reserve a seat
• Reduced amenities, such as no in-flight entertainment, no refreshments or food

Each budget airline has its own unique list of allowances, so it’s worth checking what is permitted and not permitted most importantly, based on baggage allowance, checking-in, and boarding requirements especially.

You don’t want to get hit by a charge at the airport before you’ve even started your holiday! That wouldn’t be the best start to your holiday.

We’d also recommend trying to stick to the requirements. In our experience, budget airlines tend to be stricter on these requirements compared to regular airlines. You’ll often see airline staff checking passenger’s bags before boarding the plane and handing out charges if these have been exceeded. It’s just not worth it guys!

So let’s get into it – we’ve summarised 10 budget airlines below, all of which fly into and out of the UK to various destinations, mostly within Europe but also some further afield destinations.

Although most of the budget airlines offer short-haul flights, some offer long-haul flights as well so they’re definitely worth considering, especially if you’re a person who packs light, you can definitely save some money there but not adding on hold baggage.

1. easyJet

Why choose easyJet?

• The choice of destinations – this airline includes 16 domestic and 145 international covering 38 countries in total.
• Three types of seating – standard, upfront (can put a laptop bag or handbag underneath the seat) and extra legroom seats.
• Very competitive prices – it’s easy to get flights that are cheaper than train fares!
• Check-in early – between 60 days and 2 hours before your departure.

Baggage requirements for easyJet

• Hand luggage – one item per person, no weight limit on hand luggage but must be able to lift into the overhead cabin storage. The maximum size for hand luggage is 56 x 45 x 25 cm (including handles and wheels).
• Small bag – one item permitted if you are a Flexi, Upfront, Extra Legroom customers or easyJet Plus cardholders, such as a laptop bag or handbag that fits underneath your seat. The maximum size allowed is 45 x 36 x 20 cm.
• Hold luggage – you can buy online (recommended as it’s cheaper). This can be either 15 kg, 23 kg or 32 kg. Price is depending on the size of the luggage you choose.

Check-in & boarding requirements for easyJet

• Gates close 30 minutes before departure.
• Boarding occurs according to priority in this order: those needing assistance, speedy boarding passengers, families with children under 5 years old, and finally the remaining passengers.

What to look out for with easyJet

• If your hold luggage is overweight at the airport, you will be charged so make sure you stick to the weight you have purchased.
• They’re strict on hand luggage requirements and will check if your hand luggage meets the requirements. If your baggage exceeds the requirements, it may be put in to hold luggage and you’ll be charged a fee.
• Avoid buying hold luggage at the airport as it’s a lot more expensive.
• If you want to choose a seat, there is a fee.
• Click here to check the fees on the easyJet website.

2. Ryanair

Why choose Ryanair?

• Competitive prices – definitely probably the cheapest airline we’ve come across, booking in advance helps too.
• Great reputation for on-time flights – whenever we have flown with Ryanair, we have fortunately never had a delay or cancellation. Punctuality is definitely one of their strengths.

Baggage requirements for Ryanair

• Ryanair offers either priority or non-priority traveling. The difference is the number of bags and type of bag.
• If you’re traveling as a priority passenger you can take two bags with you i.e one hand luggage e.g. wheelie suitcase and one small bag.
• If you’re non-priority, you can only take one small bag.
• Hand luggage – needs to be no larger than 55 x 40 x 20 cm and weighing no more than 10 kg.
• Small bag – needs to be no larger than 40 x 20 x 25 cm.
• If you’re non-priority and want to add 10kg, you’ll either need to purchase the priority option to include hand luggage and a small bag starting from £6 or check-in 10 kg luggage and drop this at the bag drop desk starting from £10.
• Hold luggage – you’re permitted to take hold luggage measuring no more than 55 x 20 x 40 cm, if you want to purchase a 20 kg bag, this will cost £25 when you make your booking. You can buy up to 3 x 20 kg per passenger. If you choose to alter this later either online or at the airport, this will cost you £40!

Check-in & boarding requirements for Ryanair

• If you book a seat when booking, you can check-in up to 60 days in advance of your flight.
• If you do not purchase a seat, you can check-in 48 hours before your scheduled flight.
• Gates close 20 minutes before the departure time.
• Priority passengers are boarded first.

What to look out for with Ryanair

• There are separate queues for priority and non-priority so it won’t be possible to sneak past with extra luggage. They will know!
• Ensure you meet the requirements for hand luggage, they will be checking.
• If you want to reserve your seats online, this is an additional cost and even more expensive if you do it at the airport.
• Ensure you have checked in online and have a copy of your boarding pass. Failing to do so will result in an expensive charge!
• Click here to check the fees on the Ryanair website.

3. Jet2

Why choose Jet2?

• 3rd largest airline in the UK – has well-established routes.
• Fly to over 60 destinations – across Europe and beyond.
• Winner of numerous awards – won over the years for their exceptional service.

Baggage requirements for Jet2

• Hand luggage – one item is permitted which does not exceed more than 10 kg and is no larger than 56 x 45 x 25 cm, including any wheels and handles.
• Small bag – one small, personal item is allowed onboard e.g. handbag, laptop bag or airport purchase, which can fit underneath the seat.
• Hold luggage – you can book up to three 22kg hold bags per person, per flight by paying the applicable fees. One item of hold luggage cannot exceed 32 kg.

Check-in & boarding requirements for Jet2

• You can check-in online any time from 28 days up to 5 hours before your departure via the website or mobile app.
• Gates close up to 30 minutes before your scheduled flight time.
• Boarding takes place by boarding group or seat row number, which is stated on your boarding pass. 

What to look for with Jet2

• If your hand luggage exceeds the requirements it will need to be checked in as hold luggage, which may incur an additional charge.
• If you have further luggage you want to check in on the day of travel, you’ll need to pay £45 (plus any extra if it weighs more than the total allowance).
• A fee of £12 per kg for baggage that exceeds the total weight allowance is charged.
• Click here to check the fees on the Jet2 website.

4. Wizz Air

Why choose Wizz Air?

• Range of destinations – covering Europe and beyond totaling 154 airports in 45 countries and offering 710 routes.
• Simple booking process – it has a user-friendly booking process and app.
• Option to check-in many bags – up to 6 per person to be precise!

Baggage requirements for Wizz Air

• Hand luggage – must fit into the overhead cabin and not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm (not including wheels and handles) and under 10 kg. This can be purchased with priority.
• Small bag – this is free, must fit underneath the seat not exceeding 40 x 30 x 20 cm (not including wheels and handles) and under 10 kg.
• Hold luggage – must not exceed 149 x 119 x 171 cm (not including wheels and handles) and be under 10, 20, or 32 kg depending on the option purchased. You can check-in up to 6 bags per person! 3 pieces of check-in luggage can be purchased online and 3 at the airport.

Check-in & boarding requirements for Wizz Air

• If you choose to buy a seat upon booking (or after) you can check-in 30 days before your flight.
• If you don’t reserve your seat, you can check-in 48 hours before your outbound flight.
• Gate closes 30 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time.
• You are permitted to take any items purchased after check-in onboard.

What to look out for with Wizz Air

• If you decide to check-in at the airport, there will be a fee, whereas online check-in is free. However, please note that some airports do not have the online check-in option, so you will be able to check-in at the airport for free in these cases.
• Wheels and handles must not exceed more than 5 cm in addition to the sizes given above.
• Click here to check the fees on the Wizz Air website.

5. Vueling

Why choose Vueling?

Long haul flight options – you can grab a great deal with flights further beyond Europe, such as Russia.

Baggage requirements for Vueling

• Hand luggage – you can take one item weighing no more than 10 kg and no larger than 55 x 40 x 20 cm.
• Small bag – you can also carry a small bag not exceeding 35 x 20 x 20 cm and one additional bag containing any purchases made at the airport. They must both fit underneath the seat.
• Hold luggage – there are 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, and 30kg options available for purchase.

Check-in & boarding requirements for Vueling

• You can check-in up to 4 hours before your scheduled flight.
• If your flight is in less than 7 days, checking-in is free.
• Priority boarding is available – you’ll be able to always take on board your hand luggage, will be one of the first to board and no queuing will be required.

What to look out for with Vueling

• Try to check-in online as doing it at the airport will be expensive.
• Click here to check the fees on the Vueling website.

6. Level

Why choose Level?

• Check-in online or the airport – there is no additional charge checking-in at the airport, unlike many other budget airlines.
• Long haul flight options – you can grab a great deal with flights further beyond Europe, including North America, and Latin America.

Baggage requirements for Level

• Hand luggage – for Europe, one item is allowed which must not exceed 55 x 40 x 20cm and no more than 10kg.
• Small bag – you can also take a small personal item, such as a handbag or briefcase, which must fit underneath the seat.
• Hand luggage – for long haul flights, one item is allowed which must not exceed 56 x 45 x 25cm, no more than 10kg.
• Hold luggage – for Europe, the Optima fare includes 25 kg bag, Basic fare, you can buy 23kg bag, if it’s over you need to pay per kilo up to 32kg.
• Hold luggage – the Premium fare includes two items of checked baggage.
• Economy fare doesn’t include baggage. 23 kg if it’s over you pay per kilo up to 32kg.

Check-in & boarding requirements for Level

• Check-in online or at the airport.
• Check-in for free from 7 days to 1 hour before your flight if you didn’t book a seat on booking.
• Automatic check-in if you purchased Optima fare free of charge.
• If you choose airport check-in, ensure you’re at the airport before 40 minutes before your scheduled flight.
• Priority boarding available with Premium tickets.

What to look for with Level?

• Buy your luggage requirements online as buying it at the airport, will be considerably more expensive.
• Click here to check the fees on the Level website.

7. airBaltic

Why Choose airBaltic?

• Long haul flight options – you can grab a great deal with flights further beyond Europe.

Baggage requirements for airBaltic

• Hand luggage – one item permitted not exceeding 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
• Small bag – one personal item no more than 30 x 40 x 10 cm.
• Hand luggage and a small bag must not exceed a total weight of 8 kg, however, you will have the option to upgrade to 12 kg.
• Hold luggage – Business fare includes two bags totaling up to 40 kg.
• Hold luggage – Premium fare includes one bag no more than 20 kg.
• Hold luggage – Basic fare – no hold luggage is included and you’ll have to pay from €19.99 per bag.

Check-in & boarding requirements for airBaltic

• If you decide to check-in at the airport, this will cost €35 per person, however, there are some exceptions to this. Check on the airBaltic website here.
• However, checking in online and using the self kiosk desks at the airport is free.

What to look for with airBaltic?

• Checked baggage fees can vary depending on the selected route and flight duration.
• Click here to check the fees on the airBaltic website.

8. BlueAir

Why Choose BlueAir?

• Check-in online or the airport – there is no additional charge checking-in at the airport, unlike many other budget airlines.
• Comfortable flying – Generous leg room and reclining seats.

Baggage requirements for BlueAir

• Hand luggage – you can take one item that does not exceed more than and  55cm x 40cm x 20cm and not weighing more than 10kg.
• Small bag – you can bring one personal item with you.
• Hold luggage – you are permitted to check-in one item measuring no more than 100cm x 80cm x 30cm and 23 or 32kg per item piece, depending on what you have booked.

Check-in & boarding requirements for BlueAir

• You can check-in from 30 days and up to 12 hours before your scheduled flight time.
• Priority boarding is available.
• Light fare – free online check-in 3 days before your flight and free airport check-in.
• Classic fare – free online check-in 7 days before your flight and free airport check-in.
• Premium fare – free online check-in 30 days before your flight and free airport check-in.

What to look for with BlueAir?

• Click here to check the fees on the Blue Air website.

9. Eurowings

Why Choose Eurowings?

• Long haul flight options – you can grab a great deal with flights further beyond Europe.
• Range of destinations – fly to over 130 destinations.

Baggage requirements for Eurowings

• Hand luggage – one item is permitted free of charge weighing no more than 8 kg and measuring no more than 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
• Small bag – one item is allowed no larger than 40 x 30 x 10 cm that fits underneath the seat.
• Four types of fare available: Basic, Smart Best, BizClass.
• Basic fare – includes one item of hand luggage.
• Smart fare – includes one item of hand luggage, one small bag and one bag weighing no more than 23 kg.
• Best fare – includes two items of hand luggage, one small bag and two hold luggage weighing no more than 23 kg each are permitted.
• BizClass – includes two items of hand luggage, one small bag and two hold luggage weighing no more than 32 kg each are allowed.

Check-in & boarding requirements for Eurowings

• If you traveling on the basic fare, you have the option to add on two carry-on bags & priority boarding option, from €10.

What to look for with Eurowings?

• Click here to check the fees on the Eurowings website.

10. Norwegian Airlines

Why choose Norwegian Airlines?

• Easy airport check-in – self-check kiosks available in the airport.
• Long haul flight options – you can grab a great deal with flights further beyond Europe.

Baggage requirements for Norwegian Airlines

• Hand luggage – you are allowed to take one item measuring no more than 55 x 40 x 23cm.
• Small bag – you can take one item measuring no more than 30 x 20 x 38cm that fits underneath the seat.
• There are three types of fares available: low, low far plus and flex & premium.
• Low fare – includes one small bag.
• Low far plus – includes one small bag and one item of hand luggage.
• Flex, Premium – includes one small bag and one item of hand luggage.
• Hold luggage – must not exceeding more than 250 x 79 x 112 cm.

Check-in & boarding requirements for Norwegian Airlines

• Domestic flights – check-in opens 2 hours before flight departure time.
• International flights – check-in opens 2-3 hours before the flight departure time.
• Gates close 20 minutes before flight departure time.
• Priority boarding is available, on the Flex and Premium tickets.

What to look for with Norwegian Airlines?

• Charges are applied to over two hold luggage items that exceed 23 kg – £12 per kilo!
• Click here to check the fees on the Norwegian Airlines website.

What are the airline ratings for each airline?

We’ve taken a look at the airline ratings for each of the above airlines and listed them below. Split between safety rating and product rating, here’s a quick summary below.

Overall, it looks like it’s a tie between Level, airBaltic and Norweigian Airlines.

Other factors to take into account when choosing your airline

• Airport destination – where you fly into. Sometimes a city may have multiple airports, it’s always worth checking which has the best transport links to get to your accommodation.
• Baggage allowance – if you’re one of those people that always overpacks and no matter what you do, your baggage weight is always tipping at the higher end of the scale, it’s worth looking into which airlines offer you the most for hold luggage.
• Ticket type – even for budget airlines there are fare types, the higher the fare the more baggage allowance will be more likely to be included. So it may be worth purchasing a higher fare with baggage allowance included then buying a basic ticket and adding on the luggage.
• Seat bookings – if it’s important to you that you and your travel companions are sitting together, then you’ll likely be paying additional costs to reserve your seats before check-in. You’re normally allocated a random seat once check-in opens free of charge.
• Likelihood of cancellations and delays – if you’re a frequent flyer, this is something you should check out for sure, there’s nothing more annoying than going through on repeat.

And to summarize…

Whichever your chosen airline, we hope the information we’ve shared helps you make an easy decision.

With a range of budget airlines to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find one for your trip that suits you. Whether it the extra baggage you need, or you’re looking for a long-haul destination or just finding that super great cheapest possible deal, we’re sure one of above airlines will be able to accommodate!

Which are your favorite budget airlines? Share your thoughts below.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you want to check out some of our other content on London take a look at some of our links below.

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• How do People afford to Travel – The Honest Truth
• How Many Cities Have An Underground Metro System in the UK?
• High Tea vs Low Tea – What’s the Difference?
• Why Does London Have So Few Skyscrapers?
• London vs New York: Which City Has Better Weather?