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.

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

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

Last updated on 20 May 2025

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.

Index

Virgin Atlantic – one of the cheapest airlines

easyJet – reliable, budget-friendly, and everywhere

Loganair – regional travel done right

Eastern Airways – a no-frills option for UK travel

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

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

British Airways – big name, mid-range prices

Wizz Air – great for Eastern Europe & beyond

TUI Airways – holiday-focused, but not the cheapest

Jet2 – the largest tour operator in the UK

Ryanair – ultra-low-cost leader in European travel

Smart tips for flying with budget airlines

Frequently asked questions about budget airlines

Passengers at the airport terminal and gates

Image by Pixabay from Pexels.

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.