Are budget airlines reliable in Europe?

Yes, they are generally safe and punctual, but service is 'no-frills.' Expect to pay for seat assignments, water, and food.

Is it cheaper to fly or take the train?

For distances under 500km, the train is often faster once you account for airport transit and security. For longer distances, budget airlines are almost always cheaper.

Booking budget flights within Europe

To get the lowest fares, book 4 to 6 weeks in advance and prioritize budget carriers like Ryanair or EasyJet. Always use a search aggregator to compare routes, but book directly through the airline's website to avoid third-party service fees.

Use an aggregator for discovery. Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to input your origin and destination. Use the 'Explore' or 'Everywhere' feature if you are flexible, as this highlights the cheapest routes for your specific dates.
Book directly with the airline. Once you find a flight, go to the airline's official website to book. Third-party sites often charge hidden booking fees and make it nearly impossible to resolve issues if a flight is canceled.
Watch the baggage fees. Budget airlines survive on upsells. A 30 euro ticket can easily become 100 euro if you add a checked bag. Travel with only a 'personal item' or 'carry-on' that fits under the seat to keep the price low.
Check secondary airports. Look for flights to smaller airports (e.g., Paris Beauvais instead of Charles de Gaulle). While they are further from the city center, the flight savings usually outweigh the cost of the extra shuttle bus.

Are budget airlines reliable in Europe?: Yes, they are generally safe and punctual, but service is 'no-frills.' Expect to pay for seat assignments, water, and food.
Is it cheaper to fly or take the train?: For distances under 500km, the train is often faster once you account for airport transit and security. For longer distances, budget airlines are almost always cheaper.