Are There Budget Airlines for Intra-European Flights from the UK? An Overview of What’s Included in Your Ticket and Baggage Restrictions

Students studying in the UK often look to save on travel expenses during their European adventures. Thus, considering European Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) becomes essential. European budget airlines offer an economical way to explore various European destinations at a lower cost. Here are some useful insights from Cyclopes on European domestic flight tickets and baggage information.

Source: Freepik

Budget airlines, also known as Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs), typically forgo some of the services included in traditional fares to reduce operating costs, thereby offering lower prices to consumers. They may charge for additional services such as baggage and seat selection as another source of income. For budget-conscious students, saving travel costs is crucial. This allows for short trips during holidays, providing more opportunities to explore and experience the lifestyle across different European countries.

Main European budget airlines include Ryanair, easyJet, and Vueling. The services and regulations of each airline may vary, so it’s recommended to compare the additional charges.

Pay attention to the baggage restrictions of European flights when booking. Different budget airlines have different size and weight limits for carry-on luggage. It's advisable to search for the airline's name followed by "carry-on luggage allowance" on Google to understand their specific regulations. Most budget airlines have a carry-on weight limit of 10 kg, whereas traditional airlines typically allow 7 to 8 kg but are less strict on overweight baggage, sometimes offering free checked baggage for overweight items.

Moreover, budget airlines have various policies regarding the number of carry-on bags allowed. Some permit only one piece of carry-on luggage, while others allow an additional small personal item, such as a laptop bag or a handbag.

Source: Freepik

Budget airlines can offer lower ticket prices primarily through strict cost control, providing only basic flight services. However, this also means passengers usually need to pay extra for additional services. During the booking process, services like checked baggage, seat selection, and meals are chargeable on top of the basic fare, which can inadvertently increase the total cost if not carefully considered. Hence, when booking a European budget flight ticket, students need to carefully review and select the required services to avoid unnecessary extra charges.

https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/fees

Most European budget airlines operate from secondary or tertiary airports located on the outskirts of cities, which may be less convenient and have fewer facilities. For example, London has six international airports, and most budget flights land at or take off from suburban airports farther from the city center. Additionally, budget airline flight times are often very early or late, making it inconvenient to reach the airport by public transport. The cost and infrequency of buses to and from these airports may not make budget airlines as cost-effective as expected. Therefore, before booking, it’s crucial to consider the airport's location and distance, as well as evaluate the travel time and related transportation costs to ensure the overall expense is worthwhile.

Source: Freepik

By planning ahead and choosing cost-effective travel options, students can significantly reduce travel costs without compromising the quality of their trips. European budget airlines indeed offer an ideal choice for booking intra-European flights, as long as students are aware of and comply with the different airlines' baggage policies to avoid unnecessary extra fees and hassles. Students studying in the UK should consider taking advantage of these budget travel options during their holiday breaks for an affordable European exploration. Keep an eye on Cyclopes for more updates and information on studying in the UK and travel tips!