If you are optimising purely for price and can travel with only a personal item, Ryanair wins convincingly — base fares EUR 10-20 cheaper and the 3,000+ route network reaches destinations easyJet simply does not serve, especially in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. But once you add a checked bag (EUR 25-45), seat selection (EUR 4-12), and factor in secondary airport transfers (EUR 10-20 plus 60+ minutes), the price gap shrinks to EUR 5-15 or disappears entirely. easyJet is the better choice when flying to primary airports with better transport links matters, when you value the larger free bag allowance (45x36x20cm versus Ryanair's tiny 35x20x20cm), when you need flexibility to change flights, or when total comfort matters on flights over 2 hours. For most travellers, the practical advice is simple: search both airlines for your specific route and dates, add all necessary extras, include airport transfer costs, and compare the total. The winner changes dramatically by route, date, and how much luggage you carry.
Ryanair and easyJet together carried over 290 million passengers in 2025, dominating European budget aviation with fundamentally different strategies. Ryanair — Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers (198 million in 2025) — prioritises the absolute lowest base fare, often EUR 9.99-19.99, then charges aggressively for every add-on. easyJet (92 million passengers) takes a slightly more premium approach with primary airports, larger free bag allowances, and a more polished experience at moderately higher prices. The average Ryanair fare is EUR 40 all-in versus easyJet's EUR 55, but the gap shrinks dramatically once you add checked baggage and seat selection. Here is a detailed route-by-route comparison across the categories that matter most.
| Provider | Price | Route Network | Baggage Policy | Seat Comfort | Punctuality | Customer Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| easyJet | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Scores are based on our hands-on testing, user reviews, and price monitoring across multiple European countries.
If you are optimising purely for price and can travel with only a personal item, Ryanair wins convincingly — base fares EUR 10-20 cheaper and the 3,000+ route network reaches destinations easyJet simply does not serve, especially in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. But once you add a checked bag (EUR 25-45), seat selection (EUR 4-12), and factor in secondary airport transfers (EUR 10-20 plus 60+ minutes), the price gap shrinks to EUR 5-15 or disappears entirely. easyJet is the better choice when flying to primary airports with better transport links matters, when you value the larger free bag allowance (45x36x20cm versus Ryanair's tiny 35x20x20cm), when you need flexibility to change flights, or when total comfort matters on flights over 2 hours. For most travellers, the practical advice is simple: search both airlines for your specific route and dates, add all necessary extras, include airport transfer costs, and compare the total. The winner changes dramatically by route, date, and how much luggage you carry.
Data and regulations verified against official sources. Last checked 2026-04-27.
Ryanair's base fares are typically 30-50% cheaper than easyJet on the same route. However, once you add checked baggage, seat selection, and factor in secondary airport transfers (Ryanair often uses airports far from city centers), the total cost gap narrows significantly. Always compare the all-in price.
easyJet offers a slightly larger free under-seat bag (45x36x20cm) compared to Ryanair's small personal item (35x20x20cm). Both charge for checked bags and larger cabin bags. Neither is generous, but easyJet gives you marginally more carry-on space without paying extra.
Ryanair frequently uses secondary airports that can be far from city centers, such as Bergamo for Milan or Beauvais for Paris. easyJet generally flies to primary airports like Gatwick and Nice. Check the actual airport location and transfer costs before assuming Ryanair is cheaper overall.
easyJet is generally better for families due to slightly wider seats, primary airport locations with proper transport links, and the larger free bag allowance that fits a proper changing bag or kids' backpack. easyJet also allows families with children under 12 to select adjacent seats for free. Ryanair can save EUR 20-40 per ticket but the smaller bag, secondary airports, and strict enforcement of size rules add stress and hidden costs for family travel.
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, both airlines must offer you a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight, plus meals and accommodation if you are stranded overnight. If the cancellation is within 14 days of departure and not caused by extraordinary circumstances, you are also entitled to EUR 250-400 compensation depending on flight distance. Both airlines have online claim forms, but Ryanair's process is notoriously slow — expect 4-8 weeks versus easyJet's typical 2-4 week turnaround.
No. Since 2018, Ryanair's basic fare only includes a small personal item measuring 35x20x20cm — essentially a small handbag or laptop sleeve. To bring a full-size cabin bag (55x40x20cm, 10 kg), you must purchase the Priority + Cabin Bag add-on for EUR 8-30 depending on the route and timing. easyJet includes a larger 45x36x20cm bag for free, though this still must fit under the seat in front of you.
Country-by-country driving requirements, packing list, and emergency contacts — all in one PDF.
Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.