Low-cost airlines

All aircraft, including those operated by low-cost airlines, must undergo the same rigorous checks and meet the same standards before taking off. Although some airline safety rankings are regularly published, air travel remains one of the safest modes of transport thanks to these strict procedures. When it comes to comfort, this can vary depending on the type of carrier and travel class (e.g. the amount of legroom). However, this doesn’t affect how safe your journey is.

On eSky, you can check and compare offers from hundreds of carriers in just a few seconds. Our search engine gathers flights from all over the world in one place, allowing you to instantly see which low-cost airlines offer the lowest price and the most convenient connection on your chosen route. In one go, you can compare prices for a specific day and check adjacent dates to quickly and easily plan your trip at a great price.

The largest and national carrier is the traditional LOT Polish Airlines. The market also includes charter airlines such as Enter Air, which mainly cater to customers who book with travel agencies.

When it comes to the largest low-cost airlines in Europe, Ryanair and Wizz Air lead the way, along with easyJet and Norwegian. Passengers often wonder which are the best airlines in Europe in terms of value for money, but this depends on the route and the extras you need. It’s worth knowing that European airlines often expand their route networks, making it easier to travel on a budget.

It depends on your priorities! If you’re wondering which airlines are the best, you need to consider the flight duration and your own needs. Budget airlines are ideal for short haul flights in Europe. But if you’re looking for a long haul, intercontinental route, traditional carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways and KLM have the highest ratings as they offer greater comfort with meals and checked-in luggage included in the price of the fare.

The cheapest tickets are easiest to find around 2 to 3 months before departure. But it also pays to be flexible - midweek flights are typically cheaper than those on Fridays afternoons, over public holidays or long weekends.

There isn’t a single consistent winner, as ticket prices fluctuate rapidly. Which airlines are the cheapest on a given route depends on current promotions and competition. In Poland, Ryanair and Wizz Air are usually the main contenders for the title of cheapest, but the surest way to find a bargain is to check the eSky flight search engine regularly.

Airlines are divided into three main categories. Low-cost airlines offer the flight itself at a low price – you have to pay extra for services such as large luggage, seat selection or meals. Traditional airlines (e.g. LOT, Lufthansa) usually fly to major airports, and the ticket price often includes a higher standard of service and a larger carry-on bag allowance. The third group consists of charter airlines, which mainly operate flights commissioned by travel agencies to popular holiday resorts.

On a global scale, Turkish Airlines has been the undisputed leader for years, operating routes to over 120 countries worldwide. In Europe alone, the Irish airline Ryanair offers the densest network of short-haul routes.

In terms of fleet size and passenger numbers, the global rankings are dominated by American giants such as Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. In the European market, the biggest players are the Lufthansa Group (which includes carriers such as SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Eurowings) and Ryanair, which carries the most passengers in Europe.

Most traditional carriers (e.g. LOT, Lufthansa) allow you to travel with a pet in the passenger cabin (small pets) or in the hold. If you’re looking for information on which low-cost airlines allow pets on board, you need to be careful – popular carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air completely ban travel with pets (with the exception of certified guide dogs). Therefore, before buying a ticket, always check which airlines will allow you to board the plane with your dog (or cat).

Yes, most airlines have no problem with fabric covers that protect your suitcase from damage and dirt in the hold. The only important thing is that the cover does not cover the suitcase’s handles or wheels, as this makes it easier for airport staff to handle your luggage.