easyJet and Ryanair dominate the European short-haul market with distinct strategies. easyJet operates 350+ Airbus A320/A321neo aircraft from 150+ bases, favoring primary airports like London Gatwick and Paris CDG. Ryanair operates 600+ Boeing 737-800/MAX aircraft from 90+ bases, prioritizing secondary hubs like London Stansted and Brussels Charleroi to minimize landing fees. Both use unbundled fares, but easyJet includes a slightly larger free underseat bag, while Ryanair offers more extensive route coverage across Southern and Eastern Europe.
Quick Comparison
| Category | Airline A | Airline B |
|---|---|---|
| Free cabin bag | 45x36x20cm underseat | 40x20x25cm underseat |
| Seat pitch | 29 inches standard | 30 inches standard |
| Fleet size | 350+ Airbus A320/A321neo | 600+ Boeing 737-800/MAX |
| Route network | 150+ bases | 90+ bases |
| Priority/Overhead bag | €20-35 per flight | €6-25 per flight |
| 20kg checked bag | €35-70 | €25-55 |
| Seat selection | €5-25 | €3-20 |
| Change fee | €49 online | €45 online |
Class Comparison
Standard Economy
Seat pitch: easyJet 29in, Ryanair 30in, Width: Both 17-18 inches
Meal service: Buy on board only, snacks €4-9
Entertainment: None, stream via personal device
Flex/Extra Legroom
Seat pitch: easyJet 34in front rows, Ryanair 30in, Width: Same standard width
Meal service: Speedy boarding + overhead bag included
Entertainment: None on either airline
Choose Airline A If…
- You prefer primary airports like Gatwick, Luton, or CDG
- You need a larger free underseat bag 45x36x20cm
- You value slightly wider seats on Airbus A320 aircraft
- You want better compensation track record for cancellations
Choose Airline B If…
- You need the widest route network with 600+ options
- You prefer slightly more legroom at 30-inch pitch
- You are traveling to secondary cities with lower airport taxes
- You want lower fees for priority boarding and overhead bags
Verdict by Traveller Type
Budget backpacker
Winner: easyJet
The free underseat bag allowance 45x36x20cm is larger than Ryanair’s 40x20x25cm, allowing more gear without paying extra fees. Primary airports often have cheaper public transport links to city centers compared to remote Ryanair hubs.
Weekend city breaker
Winner: Ryanair
More frequent flights and destinations mean better timing options for short trips. Priority boarding fees are lower at €6-25 compared to easyJet’s €20-35, making overhead bag access more affordable for weekenders.
Family with kids
Winner: easyJet
Easier airport access reduces stress with children. Allocated seating is simpler to manage during booking, and customer service response times are generally faster for family-related issues compared to Ryanair’s high-volume support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper easyJet or Ryanair overall?
Base fares are competitive, often starting between €20-40 for early bookings. Ryanair usually wins on total cost if you travel with only the free small bag, as their priority fees are lower. easyJet becomes competitive if you value the larger free bag 45x36x20cm, saving you from paying for overhead space. Checked baggage is cheaper on Ryanair, starting around €25 versus €35 on easyJet. For a round trip with one checked bag, Ryanair is typically €15-30 cheaper overall. Book 6-10 weeks in advance for the lowest fares on both carriers.
How do baggage allowances compare?
easyJet allows a free underseat bag measuring 45x36x20cm, which is larger than Ryanair’s 40x20x25cm free allowance. For overhead cabin bags, easyJet charges €20-35 for priority, while Ryanair charges €6-25. Checked luggage fees differ significantly: Ryanair 20kg bags start at €25, whereas easyJet starts at €35. Both airlines enforce strict size limits at the gate with sizers. Ryanair charges €60-70 for oversized bags at the gate, while easyJet charges similar penalties. Always measure your bag including wheels and handles before arriving at the airport.
Which airline has more comfortable seats?
Ryanair offers a standard seat pitch of 30 inches on their Boeing 737 fleet, while easyJet offers 29 inches on Airbus A320 aircraft. This 1-inch difference is noticeable on flights over 2 hours. Seat width is comparable at 17-18 inches on both carriers. Neither airline offers reclining seats in economy class. Extra legroom seats on easyJet provide 34 inches in the front rows, costing €20-40 extra. Ryanair offers extra legroom in exit rows for €15-25. For pure legroom without paying extra, Ryanair wins slightly on standard pitch.
Do they fly to the same airports?
No, their airport strategies differ significantly. easyJet favors primary airports like London Gatwick, Paris CDG, and Amsterdam Schiphol, which are closer to city centers but have higher taxes. Ryanair prefers secondary airports like London Stansted, Paris Beauvais, and Brussels Charleroi to keep landing fees low. Transport from Ryanair airports can cost €20-30 more in train or bus fares, negating flight savings. Check the total door-to-door cost before booking. easyJet is better for business travelers needing city proximity, while Ryanair suits leisure travelers with flexible transport plans.
What are the hidden fees to watch?
Both airlines charge for services beyond the seat. Ryanair fees include €45 for flight changes, €55 for airport check-in, and €20-60 for name corrections. easyJet charges €49 for changes, €55 for airport check-in, and €50 for name changes. Payment processing fees may apply for certain credit cards. Baggage fees increase significantly if purchased at the airport instead of online. Boarding pass reissue fees can cost €55 if not printed or saved correctly. The biggest hidden cost is transport from secondary airports, which can add €40 round trip compared to primary airport links.
Can I change my flight date easily?
Neither airline offers free changes on standard fares. Ryanair charges €45 per flight segment online plus any fare difference. easyJet charges €49 per flight segment online plus fare difference. Changes must be made at least 2 hours before departure. Flex fares cost 30-50% more upfront but allow free changes on easyJet, while Ryanair Flexi Plus allows free changes up to 24 hours before. If the airline cancels the flight, you are entitled to a full refund or rerouting under EU261 regulations. Always keep booking references accessible for modifications.
Data updated: 2026-03
