Ryanair, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and EasyJet, headquartered at London Luton Airport, serve a wide array of destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Northern Africa, each with its own perks and drawbacks.
What they certainly have in common is that they are undeniably among the most affordable airlines in Europe and beyond.
So, which one should you choose in terms of cost, range of destinations, your individual preferences, and more?
Well, worry not as in today’s guide we’ll do an in-depth comparison of these European top Budget Airlines to help you out.
Let’s get started.
Factor #1: Destinations
Both EasyJet and Ryanair offer a great variety of destinations for travelers to choose from.
To be exact, EasyJet covers over 150 destinations in more than 30 countries across Europe and North Africa and tends to fly to more major airports than Ryanair, like London Gatwick, making it more convenient for travelers.
Image Source: EasyJet
On the other hand, Ryanair flies to over 200 destinations in 40 countries, primarily focusing on European and some North African locations.
Image Source: Ryanair
Clearly, Ryanair has a larger network of destinations (200 compared to 150) and more worldwide routes.
However, it operates primarily out of secondary airports or more remote airports that are farther from city centers, which can add time and cost for transfers to the city center.
Note: All data is valid as of September 2024.
Factor #2: Ticket Prices
As we mentioned earlier, both Ryanair and EasyJet are budget airlines.
However, although Ryanair is known for its ultra-low fares, it operates a business model that is heavily reliant on additional fees for things like seat selection, carry-on baggage, and checked baggage.
Thus, while the base fare is quite low, its costs can easily add up if you add extras, so it’s wise to think it through.
Conversely, while EasyJet’s fares are slightly higher than Ryanair’s, EasyJet provides greater transparency in pricing and overall value for the money spent.
Factor #3: Luggage Policies
Generally, Ryanair’s luggage policy is quite strict as passengers with Non-Priority tickets cannot bring cabin luggage.
All they’re allowed is a single personal item, like a backpack or a purse which can’t be larger than 25 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm.
Regarding its checked baggage policy, each passenger can buy spots for up to three checked items of baggage that weigh no more than 20 kilograms each.
Also, according to its excess baggage policy in the case of any piece of your checked luggage weighing more than 20 kilograms, you’ll be charged £11 per kg up to 32 kg.
As for EasyJet, all passengers are allowed one free carry-on bag with their ticket. The dimensions of this, including the handle and wheels, must not exceed 56 x 25 x 45cm.
However, on some EasyJet flights for reasons of space on board, your hand luggage will be stored in the hold at no extra charge.
If your bag is larger than this, you will be charged £40 to have it stored in the hold.
All in all, we notice that EasyJet offers more flexibility and it has a less strict policy than Ryanair’s.
Note: All data is valid as of September 2024.
Factor #4: Extra Benefits
Ryanair and EasyJet do not offer complimentary snacks or drinks, and you must purchase everything on board.
They only offer extra benefits solely through their respective programs, easyJet Plus and Ryanair Choice.
Let’s wrap things up with some final words.
The Final Verdict
All in all, there’s no doubt that both EasyJet and Ryanair are two of Europe’s most budget-friendly airlines.
However, due to their low fares they often lack in aspects such as extra benefits and punctuality.
After all, you get what you pay for right?
All things considered, there’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing between them since it all depends on your own needs and preferences.
If you seek convenience, want to fly to main airports, and don’t mind paying a bit more for fewer surprises, then EasyJet might be a good choice for you.
After all, it’s no wonder that it was named “best low-cost airline in the United Kingdom for 2024”.
Now, if you are someone who prioritizes the lowest possible fare and you are willing to manage strict baggage rules, then you might lean more towards Ryanair.
Nevertheless, no matter how you travel, luggage can always be a pain. So if you’d like to store your luggage somewhere safely and enjoy your travels luggage-free, feel free to head over to Stasher!
