Budget Flights
Learn how to play the RyanAir game
Cheap airlines like EasyJet and RyanAir are amazing options for backpackers on a budget, but there are a number of things you should keep in mind when booking a flight, so that you don't get trapped by those nasty fees.
Searching
Rather than searching on the budget airlines' websites, scan the internet for your flight options first. Use the websites below to get a comprehensive idea for the prices of all airlines out there. Once you find your cheapest option, go directly to that airline's website to book to avoid comission fees.
Otherwise, these sites often have student specials for young travelers! We've scored amazing deals on:
Studentuniverse.com
CheapoAir.com
Before You Book
RyanAir has one of the best records for on-time flights and least baggage lost year after year. That being said, remember to take a holistic approach while you're booking your flight. Check out the various flight search engines and make an educated decision after doing some solid cross-research. Keep in mind that budget flight airlines use regional airports. During the booking process, take a moment to scout out what airport you'll use, and Google the transportation costs into the center of the city. Add these transportation fees onto the airline ticket price to ensure that your budget airline flight doesn't turn into a first class ticket price!
While You Book
With an airline like RyanAir, each option you pick introduces additional fees. A checked bag adds quite a bit of cost, so plan ahead and add this during the online booking process, or pack light! Adding a bag at the ticket counter is double the price. In addition, if you fail to print out your boarding pass, you'll be stuck with another hefty fee when checking in. Planning ahead in this case is the best way to keep your travel costs under wraps.
After You Book
If you're going on a trip just for the weekend, do your best to fit everything you need in your carry-on size bag. Be sure to read your airline's fine print. They may ask you to have your passport checked and boarding pass stamped when you check in, and knowing this ahead of time will save you valuable time and money running around the airport. Read more here for specific tips on what you need to know before you fly! http://www.wsaeurope.com/blog/the-top-6-things-to-bring-on-a-budget-airline/
Other Options
There are other airlines out there that often have some great rates that you'll see pop up in your search engine results such as EasyJet, AerLingus, Vueling and Alitlia. They seem to be half a step up in comfort from RyanAir, they assign seats, and they usually have a more easy-going experience. All of them are worth a look when booking flights, but keep in mind their fine print, as each has different luggage requirements and check in times.
Favorite Budget Airlines by Region
Ireland
Aerlingus, RyanAir, GermanWings
UK
CityJet, EasyJet, RyanAir
Czech Republic
SmartWings, WizzAir
Italy
Alitalia, WindJet, BluExpress
Spain
Vueling, RyanAir
France
Vueling, WizzAir, EasyJet
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Happy Backpackers
WSA is a great way to see a new place! They pick the greatest hostels to stay at and the best things to experience. Not to mention Bogi (our tour guide) was awesome! I met lots of friends and had the best experience of my life
Ceanna Chapman, University of Kansas ~ DIS, Copenhagen, Spring 2016
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Check out Andy Steves' Europe: City Hopping on a Budget!
Pick a city and go! All new budget guidebook from Andy Steves, Founder and Chief Backpacker of WSA.
