Budget Flights

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

SkyScanner.net

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