Beyond the Big Names: Uncovering Europe’s Best Low-Cost Airlines You Might Not Know

When travelers think of European budget airlines, giants like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air dominate the conversation. However, Europe’s aviation landscape is dotted with lesser-known carriers that offer competitive prices, unique routes, and surprisingly good service—often without the notorious hidden fees of their bigger rivals. Here’s your guide to the underrated low-cost airlines worth considering for your next European adventure.

1. Volotea: The Regional Specialist

Headquarters: Spain
Hub Cities: Venice, Strasbourg, Nantes, Athens

Volotea specializes in connecting smaller European cities that larger airlines often ignore. With a fleet of Airbus A319s and Boeing 717s, it serves over 100 destinations across Southern and Western Europe. Unlike ultra-low-cost carriers, Volotea includes a free carry-on bag and has a reputation for punctuality.

Why Fly With Them?
✔ Direct flights between secondary cities (e.g., Bordeaux to Palermo)
✔ No aggressive upselling tactics
✔ Seasonal routes perfect for summer escapes

2. Blue Air (Now Rebranding as Fly Lili)

Headquarters: Romania
Hub Cities: Bucharest, Bacău, Turin

Once a major Eastern European player, Blue Air is undergoing a rebrand as Fly Lili, promising a fresh approach to budget travel. Its network covers key cities in Romania, Italy, Spain, and the UK, often at lower fares than competitors.

Why Fly With Them?
✔ Competitive pricing on Eastern European routes
✔ Generous baggage allowances (compared to Ryanair)
✔ New management aiming for improved customer service

3. Smartwings: The Czech Contender

Headquarters: Czech Republic
Hub Cities: Prague, Brno, Ostrava

Originally a charter airline, Smartwings has expanded into scheduled flights, offering cheap connections from Central Europe to Mediterranean hotspots. It’s a great alternative for travelers avoiding the crowded hubs of Western Europe.

Why Fly With Them?
✔ Cheap flights from Prague to Greece, Spain, and the Canaries
✔ Optional bundled fares (meals + luggage)
✔ Reliable on-time performance

4. Transavia: The Dutch Hidden Gem

Headquarters: Netherlands
Hub Cities: Amsterdam, Paris, Rotterdam

A subsidiary of Air France-KLM, Transavia operates like a budget airline but with some full-service perks. It’s especially strong in connecting France and the Netherlands to sunny destinations.

Why Fly With Them?
✔ Better legroom than most low-cost carriers
✔ Affordable last-minute deals
✔ Trustworthy brand (backed by a major airline group)

5. FlyOne: Moldova’s Rising Star

Headquarters: Moldova
Hub Cities: Chișinău, Yerevan

One of the newest budget airlines in Europe, FlyOne connects Eastern Europe with cities like London, Paris, and Moscow. Its prices are often unbeatable, and its small size means fewer crowds.

Why Fly With Them?
✔ Ultra-cheap flights from Eastern Europe
✔ Expanding route network
✔ Simple, no-frills pricing

Tips for Booking with Lesser-Known Airlines

• Check Reviews: Some smaller airlines have mixed reputations—research before booking.
• Verify Baggage Policies: Not all follow the same strict rules as Ryanair.
• Look for Seasonal Deals: Many of these carriers offer flash sales.

Final Thoughts

While big-name airlines dominate headlines, Europe’s lesser-known low-cost carriers provide excellent alternatives—often with better service and fewer hidden fees. Next time you plan a trip, consider these hidden gems for a smoother, cheaper journey.