Top 5 most reliable low-cost airlines in Europe

The price factor most often determines our choice of air ticket. But what if the desire to save money is not inferior to thoughts about safety, punctuality and reliability? It is very difficult to combine all these factors in one airline. But some still coped with the mission “cheap and cheerful” - meet our list of the top 5 most reliable low-cost airlines in Europe!

Which companies are low-cost airlines?

Low-cost airlines are low-cost and ultra-low-cost airlines. They save on many aspects of the flight (don't worry, safety is not included) by working under the formula "we get you where you need to go, and you pay for the rest." In practice, this results in such distinctive features as:

• departures at the most unpopular times, early in the morning and late in the evening,
• lack of business class, loyalty programs and bonuses,
• use of secondary airports,
• transfer of most services for passengers to a paid basis - seat selection, baggage transportation, food and drinks,
• a young fleet of aircraft that requires less spending.

And, as a result, a significantly lower cost compared to classic airlines.

What low-cost airlines are there in Europe?

There are about 30 of them. You've definitely heard of three at least once - Ryanair, Wizz Air and EasyJet. Today, many large carriers have their own subsidiaries in the form of budget companies. After all, such flights are in demand and, therefore, bring profit. For example, low-cost airlines exist under the wing of Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, Czech Airlines and many others.

What low-cost airlines fly from Minsk?

Alas, there is only one - the Russian Pobeda, the budget division of Aeroflot. Pobeda operates flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg from Minsk three times a week. The average ticket price is slightly inferior to the flight “classics” - $100. Pobeda's planes are new, and they'll even offer you a glass of water on board. But with luggage the rules are very strict - not a centimeter above the established dimensions.

Use our online service for selecting tickets from all airlines to easily and conveniently book tickets to any country in the world.

The best low-cost airlines in Europe. And the most reliable

In our selection, we combined the factors of punctuality, safety, passenger reviews and the development of the route network. This is what came out of it.

Eurowings

It’s unexpected to see names that are not familiar to everyone on the first line, but this little-known “German” in the Belarusian latitudes? And yet, he earned his place.

Firstly, it is a subsidiary of Lufthansa. And the parent company closely monitors aircraft maintenance, pilot training and compliance with flight standards. So there is no doubt about safety.

Secondly, Eurowings is the most punctual low-cost airline in the world. Perhaps this is even the last German who defends the stereotype of German punctuality. Over 95% of Eurowings flights reach their destination on time.

AirBaltic

Not everyone will agree with the presence of the Latvian national carrier on our list. After all, it does not position itself as a low-cost airline. But its business model is getting closer to this every year: weekly promotions, lighter tariffs, no meals, emphasis on economy class, a single fleet of Airbus A220 aircraft.

By the way, about airplanes. AirBaltic has the youngest fleet in Europe - the average age of its aircraft is about three years. Agree, it’s nice to sit in the fresh, clean cabin of an airplane that has just left the production line.

Another unconditional plus of the Latvian airline is punctuality, brought to the point of cult. The carrier is especially proud of its status as the most accurate airline in Europe and the world.

Norwegian

As you already understood from the title, we put the Norwegian low-cost carrier in third place. It ranks second in the ranking of the most punctual low-cost airlines in Europe: almost 80% of its flights arrive on time.

Norwegian is the logical choice for those traveling to or from the Nordic countries. Tickets are not the cheapest, but still cheaper than classic airlines. At one time, the low-cost airline even launched low-cost flights to the USA, but they are currently suspended.

Concern for passengers is also evident in the fact that the Norwegian company was the first in the world to launch a Wi-Fi service on board.

EasyJet

The British low-cost airline in a bright orange livery has chosen, first of all, airports in Western Europe. But its route network is constantly expanding and today includes 900 destinations.

In 2015, EasyJet became the first carrier to use artificial intelligence for scheduling. Hoping to overcome tardiness. It doesn’t turn out very well: only in 67.5% of cases will you arrive on time (which, however, gives you fourth place in the punctuality rating of European low-cost airlines).

But you can fly in relative comfort. Unlike most other low-cost airlines, EasyJet has an analogue of business class tickets - Flexi Flare. This tariff will allow you to change flight dates and directions, take free baggage with you and get meals on board.

Wizz Air

Well, finally something familiar! Indeed, Wizz Air is very loved by Belarusians. After all, from the airports of Warsaw and Vilnius, it opens up a huge world to us: flights are now made not only across Europe, but also to North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf countries.

The Hungarian carrier has a young fleet of aircraft, the crew carefully monitors cleanliness and order. The company is in fourth place in the ranking of the safest low-cost airlines in the world. But, of course, the price is captivating. You can further knock it down by joining the WIZZ Discount Club. By the way, check out the loyalty programs useful for travelers from our partner Piligrimos.

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Which airlines are the cheapest in Europe?

According to experts on the Air Advisor website, Wizz Air is the cheapest airline in Europe. Oddly enough, the classic carrier, the Spanish Iberia, is in second place. Third place is shared between low-cost airlines Vueling from Spain and Norwegian. Ryanair, familiar to many, closes the top 5.

As a result, by choosing one of the top 5 most reliable low-cost airlines in Europe, you can enjoy a comfortable and exciting trip at affordable prices, without worrying about the quality of service.