The UK's Cheapest Airlines: Your Guide to Budget-Friendly Flights

What are budget airlines?

Budget airlines—also known as low-cost carriers—are designed to keep airfare prices low, especially when compared to traditional full-service airlines. They do this by minimizing operational costs and passing those savings on to passengers—at least when it comes to the base ticket price.

To keep costs down, these airlines typically:

• Limit in-flight services (like meals and entertainment).

• Use more compact seating with less legroom or non-reclining seats.

• Operate from secondary or regional airports.

• Charge for extras such as baggage, seat selection, food, and priority boarding.

The result? Lower upfront fares, but potentially higher fees if you need add-ons—so it’s important to factor in the total cost of travel.

Meet the top budget airlines in the UK

From city breaks to beach escapes, there are plenty of affordable travel options with budget airlines flying out of the UK. Curious about which budget carriers offer the best routes, value, or flexibility? In the next sections, we break down the most popular low-cost airlines flying from the UK—what they offer, what to watch out for, and where they can take you.

Let’s explore your options.

Virgin Atlantic – one of the cheapest airlines

It might come as a surprise, but one of the most affordable airlines on our list isn't even a traditional budget carrier—it's Virgin Atlantic. This well-regarded airline, known for its distinctive style and excellent service, consistently offers competitive fares without compromising on quality.

With its primary hub at London Heathrow, Virgin Atlantic boasts an extensive network, flying to popular destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Despite offering prices that often rival budget airlines, Virgin Atlantic doesn't cut corners. In fact, it's frequently ranked as a top overall airline in the UK, a testament to its commitment to passenger comfort, reliability, and outstanding service. This means you can expect a more premium flying experience—think comfortable seating, attentive cabin crew, and a strong inflight entertainment offering—all at a cost that might make you double-take.

The only drawback? The main consideration when choosing Virgin Atlantic is its scale. Compared to aviation giants like British Airways or easyJet, Virgin Atlantic serves fewer passengers, typically carrying under 5 million travelers annually. This means its route network, while comprehensive, might not be as exhaustive as some of the larger carriers. However, for those looking for an optimal blend of price and quality, Virgin Atlantic proves that you don't have to sacrifice comfort and service to fly smart and affordably.

easyJet – reliable, budget-friendly, and everywhere

easyJet is the go-to low-cost airline for millions of UK travelers—and for good reason. With around 70 million passengers annually, it’s one of the most popular and accessible carriers in Europe.

Budget travel made easy

easyJet isn’t just about low fares; it also offers great value. They often run last-minute travel deals, and savvy travelers can score big savings by booking on flight release days.

With its main hub at London Luton Airport and regional bases in cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Liverpool, easyJet flies across Europe and beyond. While they don’t currently operate long-haul flights, their easyJet Worldwide program offers seamless connections to destinations like New York and Singapore in partnership with other airlines.

easyJet is particularly popular for European beach breaks, family holidays, and weekend getaways. With hundreds of destinations served by a large fleet of Airbus aircraft, it’s a flexible, no-frills option that gets you where you want to go without breaking the bank.

Baggage & fees at a glance

• Included: Personal item (small under-seat bag)

• Cabin bag: £25–£50 return (up to £80 for holiday routes)

• Checked bags: 15kg, 23kg, or 26kg options (£40–£80 return)

• Meals: £7.95 for a sandwich, snack & soft drink

• Seat selection:

  • Standard seat: £8–£15 return

  • Extra legroom/front row + cabin bag: £30–£50 return

Handy tools

easyJet offers tools like their Cheap Fare Finder and the Inspire Me page to help you discover new destinations at the best prices.

Notable routes

• Across the UK to most European countries

• From London & Manchester to Egypt and Jordan

• From Germany/Netherlands to the Canary Islands

Loganair – regional travel done right

Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, isn't looking to go head-to-head with aviation giants like British Airways or easyJet—and that's precisely its strength. Based in Glasgow, Loganair has carved out a unique niche by focusing on affordable, short-haul European travel, primarily connecting communities often overlooked by larger carriers.Small planes, big reach

Don't let the size of their aircraft fool you. Loganair's fleet primarily consists of smaller planes, typically seating around 50 passengers (with a maximum capacity of 72). This allows them to operate efficiently into smaller regional airports. Despite their modest aircraft size, this regional carrier boasts an impressive reach, connecting 40 destinations. This demonstrates their vital role in providing essential air links across the UK and beyond.

Where can you go?

While you won't find long-haul flights on Loganair's route map, they excel at linking various parts of the British Isles, Scandinavia, and select European cities. This makes them an invaluable option for travelers looking to explore more remote or less-served areas within this region. If your travel plans involve hopping between Scottish islands, venturing to the Faroes, or connecting to specific European hubs, Loganair often provides the most direct and cost-effective solution.

The only real limitation with Loganair is its specialized network. It won't be the right fit for every itinerary, particularly if you're looking for global connections. However, if your destination aligns with their routes, Loganair offers a compelling package of comfort, convenience, and surprisingly solid value for money. They represent a reliable choice for regional travel, proving that sometimes, the best way to stand out is to focus on what you do best.

Eastern Airways – a no-frills option for UK travel

Eastern Airways might not be a household name alongside global carriers, but for those seeking a cost-effective way to navigate the UK, it often emerges as a strong contender. This regional airline focuses on providing vital air links, primarily connecting key domestic hubs with a single international exception: Paris Orly Airport in France.

Eastern Airways operates a network spanning approximately 10 UK airports, facilitating convenient travel between cities such as London (Gatwick and Southend), Aberdeen, Cardiff, Humberside, Newquay, and the East Midlands. This makes it a practical and often economical choice for short domestic hops, particularly for business travelers or those looking to avoid longer, more arduous train journeys.

While Eastern Airways often ranks favorably for its budget-friendly fares, it's important to set expectations regarding the passenger experience. The airline is generally known for a no-frills approach. Customer reviews frequently indicate that comfort and in-flight service are basic, reflecting its focus on efficient point-to-point travel rather than a premium experience. Furthermore, some reviews suggest that flight disruptions, such as delays or cancellations, are not uncommon, a factor to consider when planning time-sensitive travel.

Smaller planes, shorter routes

Like many regional carriers, Eastern Airways operates a fleet of smaller aircraft, including Jetstream 41, ATR 72-600, Embraer 170, and Embraer 190 types. These aircraft are well-suited for quick domestic routes, allowing the airline to access smaller airports and provide direct connections that larger airlines might not offer. If your priority is simply getting from point A to point B efficiently and affordably, without the expectation of luxurious amenities or extensive entertainment, Eastern Airways can be a useful and often surprisingly good value option for your UK travel needs.

Blue Islands – the go-to airline for Channel Islands travel

While Blue Islands might have the most limited route map among the airlines on our list, it excels in serving a very specific and crucial purpose. If your travel plans involve the Channel Islands, particularly Jersey or Guernsey, this regional carrier is almost certainly your best-value option.

Despite its compact size, Blue Islands operates a robust schedule of routes, providing essential links between the Channel Islands and select mainland UK cities. Beyond the UK, it even offers a few international connections, including direct flights from Jersey to Prague and Rennes, and from Dublin to both Jersey and Guernsey. What truly extends its reach, however, is a strategic codeshare partnership with Loganair. This collaboration grants passengers access to a broader network of destinations than Blue Islands could offer on its own, providing greater flexibility for connecting flights.

For those flying within its specialized niche, the sheer convenience, directness of routes, and often exclusive access to the Channel Islands are why the Blue Islands remains a popular choice.

Operating a fleet of just five aircraft, each seating between 68 and 72 passengers, Blue Islands is one of the smallest airlines in the UK. Yet, this small scale is part of its appeal. It enables a focus on short, efficient flights and a dedicated service to a unique and beautiful region, embodying the charm of a truly local airline.

Aurigny Air Services – Channel Islands comfort with a bit more space

You might expect a major airline to finally make an appearance, but taking the sixth spot on our list of budget-friendly UK airlines is Aurigny Air Services—another highly respected regional carrier, also based in the Channel Islands.

Operating primarily from Guernsey Airport, Aurigny serves as a vital lifeline, connecting the Channel Islands with various destinations across the UK mainland. It stands out as a solid mid-range option for travelers who are looking to keep costs in check without making significant compromises on comfort or reliability. Aurigny has a strong reputation within its operating region for consistent service.

What truly sets Aurigny apart from many other regional airlines is its commitment to a slightly more spacious and comfortable passenger experience. While most regional fleets are composed entirely of smaller turboprop aircraft, Aurigny’s modern fleet of seven aircraft includes a notable asset: an Embraer 195 jet. This aircraft can comfortably seat up to 122 passengers, making it one of the largest and most contemporary aircraft in its class for regional operations.

For passengers who prioritize a bit more legroom, a quieter cabin, and a generally smoother ride, paying a little extra for a seat on Aurigny’s larger jet aircraft can be well worth the investment. This is particularly true for regional flights where options are often limited to smaller, less comfortable planes. Aurigny offers a compelling proposition, proving that regional travel doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing comfort, especially when its network aligns with your travel needs to or from the beautiful Channel Islands.

British Airways – big name, mid-range prices

British Airways (BA) undoubtedly brings immediate name recognition and global reach to the table, representing the UK's flagship carrier. As one of the largest airlines in the UK (often vying with easyJet for the top spot in terms of passengers carried, and leading in revenue and destinations served), BA is a household name. However, this strong brand familiarity doesn't automatically translate to bargain fares. British Airways is consistently priced higher than the smaller, regional airlines we've explored so far on this list.

While BA may not be a traditional budget carrier, its value proposition lies in areas where low-cost airlines often fall short. What you gain with British Airways is a distinct level of comfort, consistency, and unparalleled international connectivity. Their extensive network, primarily from their main hub at London Heathrow (the world's busiest international airport), connects passengers to over 200 destinations in 80 countries. This global reach is a significant advantage for travelers planning complex itineraries or long-haul journeys.

Their fleet, which includes a mix of Airbus (A320 family, A350s, A380s) and Boeing (777s, 787s) aircraft, offers a more refined experience compared to basic economy on budget airlines. You can expect a more comfortable seat, better in-flight entertainment options, and generally higher standards of service and amenities.

Flying BA on a budget

Despite its reputation for higher prices, flying British Airways on a budget is absolutely possible with smart planning. Travelers can often find competitive deals by:

• Booking in advance: Fares tend to increase closer to the departure date.

• Being flexible with travel dates: Off-peak seasons, weekdays, and less popular flight times often yield lower prices.

• Utilizing sales and promotions: Keep an eye out for special offers directly from BA or through online travel agencies.

• Considering lesser-known routes or indirect flights: Sometimes, a slightly longer journey with a layover can significantly reduce the cost.

For many travelers, the added value of BA's reliability, comprehensive network, and elevated service makes the comparatively higher price a worthwhile investment, especially when direct connections and comfort are paramount.

Wizz Air – great for Eastern Europe & beyond

Wizz Air has undergone remarkable expansion in recent years, firmly establishing itself as a formidable competitor to other European low-cost giants like Ryanair and easyJet. While its presence and number of routes directly within the UK might be somewhat smaller compared to these rivals, the broader Wizz Air network offers an incredibly diverse range of destinations, particularly excelling in connections across Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and even extending into Asia, with notable routes reaching places like Abu Dhabi and the Maldives.

Wizz Air's strategic focus has made it a leading choice for travelers looking to explore the vibrant cities and burgeoning tourist destinations of Central and Eastern Europe. From its various bases across the continent, including several in the UK (such as London Luton and London Gatwick), Wizz Air provides an extensive web of connections that are often unavailable or significantly more expensive on traditional carriers. Its long-haul low-cost model, exemplified by routes to the Middle East and Indian Ocean, truly differentiates it from many short-haul focused budget airlines.

Maximizing value with Wizz Air

For the budget-conscious traveler, Wizz Air can offer exceptional value, provided you're flexible and prepared for a typical low-cost experience. To truly unlock the best fares, consider:

• Flexibility with travel times: Being open to off-peak flights, unusual departure times (e.g., very early morning or late night), or mid-week travel can lead to significant savings.

• Traveling light: Wizz Air, like other budget airlines, charges for checked baggage and often for larger cabin bags. Adhering to their strict personal item size limits is key to keeping costs down.

• Joining the Wizz Discount Club (WDC): For frequent flyers or groups, an annual WDC membership often pays for itself quickly, offering guaranteed discounts on fares and checked baggage.

• Utilizing their low-fare finder tool: This feature on their website allows you to easily identify the cheapest dates to fly to your desired destination.

While the in-flight experience is generally no-frills, focusing on getting you from A to B efficiently, Wizz Air's extensive network and commitment to low base fares make it an invaluable option for exploring a wide swath of Europe and beyond, especially for those looking to stretch their travel budget furthest.

Bag policy

• Personal item included

• Cabin bag (10kg) with Priority: £40–£75 return

• Checked bag (23kg): £45–£70 return

Meal cost

• £9.50 (sandwich, soft drink, snack)

Seat selection

• £16 return (standard seat)

• £30+ return (extra legroom)

Popular routes

• London Luton to Iceland, Tel Aviv

• Vienna to Abu Dhabi

• Netherlands/Germany to the Balkans

TUI Airways – holiday-focused, but not the cheapest

TUI Airways is an instantly familiar name for UK holidaymakers, synonymous with sun-soaked getaways and meticulously planned vacations. As a powerhouse in the leisure travel sector, with a strong focus on package holidays, cruises, and seasonal routes, TUI Airways carries a significant volume of passengers, exceeding 11 million annually.

Owned by the German travel giant TUI Group, the largest integrated tourism company in the world, TUI Airways is more than just an airline; it's a comprehensive vacation provider. Its core business revolves around pre-packaged holidays where flights, hotels, transfers, and often other extras are bundled together, offering a seamless and convenient experience for holidaymakers. While individual flight-only deals do emerge, particularly for certain routes and dates, TUI generally isn't the ideal choice for the ultra-budget traveler seeking the absolute lowest airfare alone.

Specializing in sun, long-haul, and spontaneous escapes

TUI Airways' extensive network spans popular holiday destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia, the USA, and the Caribbean. Operating from a remarkable 21 UK airports, TUI provides unparalleled convenience for regional travelers, often eliminating the need for connecting flights to reach their desired holiday destination. This widespread coverage is a key advantage for those living outside major metropolitan areas.

One of TUI's most distinctive strategies lies in its last-minute fare approach. Unlike many airlines that significantly hike prices as departure dates approach, TUI often slashes fares on remaining seats to fill their package holidays. This makes them an excellent option for spontaneous travelers willing to be flexible with their destination and ready to embark on a 7, 10, or 14-day break at short notice.

Their modern fleet includes state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliners for long-haul routes, offering a significantly more comfortable experience. Many TUI flights, especially on longer journeys, also include perks like in-flight meals and entertainment, which are increasingly rare among other leisure-focused and budget carriers, adding to the perceived value for holidaymakers.

Bag policy

• Cabin bag (5 kg) included

• Checked bag: £45–£70 return

Meal cost

• Full meal included with most flights

Seat selection

• £76 return (standard seat)

• £140 return (extra legroom)

Popular routes

• London to Mauritius, Aruba

• Manchester, Birmingham, and London to Goa, India

• Düsseldorf to Luxor, Egypt

Jet2 – the largest tour operator in the UK

Jet2 is a dominant force in the UK's leisure travel market, flying over 15 million passengers annually and cementing its position as the third-largest airline in the UK. Crucially, Jet2 isn't just about volume; it's widely regarded as the most reliable airline among those reviewed and consistently earns top marks for customer satisfaction. This means that while Jet2's flight prices might not always be the absolute cheapest on paper, you are consistently paying for a superior level of quality and dependability, often translating to a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience.

Based out of Leeds Bradford Airport, Jet2.com is far more than just an airline—it is, in fact, the UK’s largest tour operator, Jet2holidays. With a substantial fleet of over 100 aircraft (primarily consisting of modern Boeing 737-800s), the company's core focus is on providing budget-friendly holiday packages and seamless seasonal getaways to popular sunny shores and even snowy peaks. This integrated approach means that when you book with Jet2, you're often getting a complete package: flights, accommodation, and sometimes transfers, all bundled together.

Seamless holiday travel from across the UK

Jet2 is exceptionally popular among UK travelers precisely because it simplifies the holiday booking process. Their departure hubs are strategically located across the country, encompassing not just major airports but also often-overlooked regional airports like East Midlands, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Glasgow, and London Stansted. This widespread coverage offers unparalleled convenience, allowing travelers to depart from an airport close to home, reducing pre-holiday travel stress.

Their extensive list of destinations covers most of Southern Europe, including popular hotspots in Spain, Greece, Turkey, and the Canary Islands. Jet2 consistently stands out from many budget carriers by offering a larger cabin bag allowance, generally more legroom than direct competitors, and well-timed flights designed to optimize holiday enjoyment. These seemingly small details contribute significantly to a far less stressful and more comfortable travel experience.

Bag policy

• Cabin bag (10 kg) included

• Checked bag: ~£60 return

Meal cost

• Sandwich + soft drink + snack: £7.60

Seat selection

• £30–£40 return (standard seat)

• £40–£60 return (extra legroom)

Popular routes

• UK-wide to Cyprus and Turkey

• Newcastle, Leeds, Glasgow to Madeira

• London, Manchester to Innsbruck (winter ski routes)

Ryanair – ultra-low-cost leader in European travel

Ryanair stands as one of Europe's most ubiquitous and instantly recognizable budget airlines. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, it operates with a significant UK-based subsidiary, Ryanair UK. Its largest operational base in the UK is London Stansted Airport, from which it orchestrates a colossal network. The airline boasts a vast fleet of over 600 aircraft, predominantly consisting of Boeing 737-800s, with 15 of these specifically operating under the Ryanair UK designation.

Ryanair has meticulously crafted its reputation on the bedrock of ultra-low-cost fares, frequently astonishing travelers with one-way flights advertised for as little as £1 (or even less during promotions). This seemingly impossible pricing model is achieved through a rigorous "no-frills" approach. Ryanair meticulously unbundles every conceivable service, charging separately for nearly all extras that might be included in a traditional airline fare. This includes, but is not limited to, seat selection, cabin bags (beyond a small personal item), checked luggage, in-flight meals and beverages, priority boarding, and even printing boarding passes at the airport.

While this bare-bones model undeniably lacks luxury and often requires passengers to be highly organized and self-sufficient, it undeniably delivers unbeatable value for travelers whose primary focus is minimizing cost. Despite the potential for accumulating additional fees if one isn't careful, Ryanair consistently remains the go-to choice for incredibly cheap European travel, particularly for those who can travel light (fitting all their essentials into a small personal bag) and are content to skip the amenities and perks offered by full-service airlines.

Why Ryanair dominates the budget landscape

Ryanair's continued success is underpinned by several key factors that resonate deeply with budget-conscious travelers:

• Extensive network: Ryanair offers an unparalleled web of routes from most UK airports, connecting travelers to a vast range of European destinations. This includes not only major capital cities and popular tourist hubs but also a plethora of smaller, regional airports, often providing the most direct and affordable access to lesser-known gems across the continent.

• Frequent flights: The sheer volume of flights means greater flexibility for travelers, with multiple daily departures on popular routes.

• Punctuality (relative to cost): While occasional delays are inherent to air travel, Ryanair generally maintains a respectable level of punctuality for a high-volume low-cost carrier, prioritizing quick turnarounds to keep costs down.

• Simplicity and accessibility: The booking process is straightforward, and the widespread presence of Ryanair makes air travel accessible to a broader demographic.

For the savvy traveler who understands the "pay-for-what-you-use" model and is disciplined in avoiding unnecessary extras, Ryanair remains the undisputed champion for navigating Europe on the tightest of budgets.

Bag policy

• Personal item: Included (small backpack or handbag)

• Cabin bag (10 kg): £20–£40 return (includes Priority Boarding)

• Checked bag (20 kg): £36–£50 if booked early, or £80+ if added later

Meal cost

• Meal (sandwich + soft drink + snack): Approximately £10

Seat selection

• Standard seat: Around £8 return

• Extra legroom: £30+ return

Popular routes

• Manchester → Azores (Portugal)

• London Stansted → Marrakesh & Rabat (Morocco)

• Brussels → Amman (Jordan)

Smart tips for flying with budget airlines

Budget airlines have made travel more accessible than ever, allowing more people to enjoy amazing holidays at a fraction of the cost. But to truly make the most of these low fares—and avoid unexpected expenses—it pays to be strategic. Here’s how to fly smarter with budget carriers.

1. Always check the total cost
While the headline ticket price might look like a steal, budget airlines often add fees for extras like:

• Baggage (carry-on or checked)

• Seat selection or extra legroom

• Meals, drinks, and onboard entertainment

Before you book, think about what you’ll actually need for your trip and factor those add-ons into the final price. Some budget airlines offer better value for these extras than others.

2. Fly midweek when possible
Weekends (especially Fridays to Sundays) are peak travel times—and even budget carriers raise prices during high demand. For the lowest fares, aim to fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. Prices often spike during school holidays, even midweek. Book early to lock in savings.

3. Don’t overlook secondary airports
Flying from smaller or regional airports can save you money. Consider alternatives like:

• Newcastle, Leeds-Bradford, Glasgow, Birmingham, Belfast

• In London, try Luton or Stansted instead of Heathrow or Gatwick

These airports are often served by top budget airlines and have less congestion—sometimes resulting in cheaper flights.

4. Book in advance for the best deals
While budget airlines are cheaper overall, prices still fluctuate. Booking earlier usually means better prices—especially on popular routes.

If your travel dates are fixed, don’t wait—secure your tickets as soon as possible to avoid price hikes closer to departure.

5. Look for flight + hotel packages
Many budget airlines offer bundle deals that include your flight, hotel, and even airport transfers. These packages can be surprisingly cost-effective and simplify the booking process.

Also keep an eye out for last-minute deals—especially if you're flexible and traveling outside peak season.

Frequently asked questions about budget airlines