1. Ryanair

No list of budget airlines would be complete without Ryanair. Love them or hate them, they offer unbeatable prices and fly to more than 200 destinations across Europe, including plenty of secondary airports that can save you money.

Money-saving tip: Ryanair is notorious for charging for extras, so travel with just a small backpack to avoid baggage fees. Be sure to check in online in advance, or face a fine at the airport.

2. easyJet

UK-based easyJet is a solid choice for those who prefer flying into major airports. While it’s usually a touch pricier than Ryanair, their customer service and punctuality tend to rank higher, and their cabin baggage policy is more forgiving.

Money-saving tip: easyJet releases flights around 6–9 months in advance, booking early often means grabbing the best deals. Use their “low fare finder” to scout cheap dates.

3. Wizz Air

Wizz Air is a great option if you're flying to or from Central and Eastern Europe. With a growing network and ultra-low base fares, it’s ideal for destinations like Budapest, Warsaw, or Bucharest.

Money-saving tip: Consider joining their WIZZ Discount Club if you fly more than once a year, the savings on flights and bags can add up quickly.

4. Vueling

Visit Vueling →

Spain’s leading low-cost airline is ideal for Iberian and Mediterranean travel, with strong connections across Spain, France, and Italy. Vueling tends to offer more flexible ticket options than some of the harsher budget carriers.

Money-saving tip: Vueling often runs promotions via email and on their app, sign up and be ready to pounce when discounts drop.

5. Transavia

A lesser-known gem, Transavia is part of the Air France–KLM group, offering solid low-cost options from the Netherlands and France to popular southern European spots. Expect fewer hidden fees and a smoother experience than some cheaper carriers.

Money-saving tip: Flying from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Paris? Compare Transavia to trains, it often works out cheaper and quicker for southern European trips.

6. Volotea

Volotea connects smaller regional airports in Spain, France, Italy, and Greece, perfect if you're looking to avoid busy hubs and find quieter gems. Fares are competitive, especially outside peak summer months.

Money-saving tip: Book directly through their site and look for mid-week travel, they often drop prices on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Jarv Tours Tips for Booking Budget Flights

Finding a cheap fare is only half the story, keeping it cheap is the real trick. Here’s how to get the most out of Europe’s budget airlines:

• Use comparison sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kiwi.com to spot deals, then book direct with the airline to avoid third-party fees.

• Clear your cookies or search in incognito mode, flight prices can increase the more you look at them.

• Be flexible with airports and dates. Flying mid-week and into secondary airports (like Beauvais for Paris or Charleroi for Brussels) can slash your costs.

• Avoid paying for extras. Don’t select a seat, skip the suitcase, and bring your own snacks, suddenly your £20 fare stays that way.

• Sign up to newsletters. Most budget airlines send flash sales and discount codes to subscribers first.

Final Boarding Call

Budget airlines have made seeing Europe on the cheap easier than ever. With a bit of planning, a packed backpack, and some insider know-how, you can hop between cities without draining your bank account.

At Jarv Tours, we help you make the most of your flights, from picking the right route to avoiding baggage fees and delays. Whether you’re chasing football matches, city breaks, or just chasing the sun, we’ll build a trip that fits your style and your wallet.

Ready to take off? Contact us to start planning.