Ryanair and Wizz Air compete aggressively on 200+ overlapping European routes. Ryanair operates 600+ routes from 90 bases with a fleet of 565 Boeing 737-800 and MAX aircraft. Wizz Air focuses on Central/Eastern Europe with 200+ routes from 50 bases, operating 210+ Airbus A321neos in ultra-high-density 239-seat configuration. Both charge for extras, but their fee structures differ significantly.
Quick Comparison
| Category | Airline A | Airline B |
|---|---|---|
| Free cabin bag | 40x20x25cm underseat | 40x30x20cm underseat |
| Seat pitch | 30 inches standard | 28 inches standard |
| Fleet size | 565 Boeing 737s | 210 Airbus A321neos |
| Route network | 600+ routes | 200+ routes |
| Priority bag fee | €6-25 per flight | €5-35 per flight |
| 10kg checked bag | €12-45 | €15-55 |
| Seat selection | €3-20 | €2-25 |
| Change fee | €45 online | €40 online |
Class Comparison
Economy
Seat pitch: Ryanair 30in, Wizz 28in, Width: Both 17 inches
Meal service: Buy on board only, sandwiches €5-8
Entertainment: None, bring your own device
Priority/Business
Seat pitch: Extra legroom rows 1-2, 16-17, Width: Same 17 inches
Meal service: Priority boarding + standard cabin bag
Entertainment: None on either airline
Choose Airline A If…
- You fly to Western Europe destinations like Spain, Italy, France
- You prefer slightly more legroom at 30-inch pitch
- You want the largest route network with 600+ options
- You need frequent flights with up to 4x daily on major routes
Choose Airline B If…
- You fly to Eastern Europe, Balkans, or Middle East
- You want a slightly larger free bag allowance 40x30x20cm
- You need connections via Budapest, Warsaw, or Vienna hubs
- You prefer Airbus A321neo newer aircraft fleet
Verdict by Traveller Type
Budget backpacker
Winner: Wizz Air
Slightly larger free bag 40x30x20cm fits more, and lower base fares to Eastern European destinations where accommodation is cheaper.
Weekend city breaker
Winner: Ryanair
More frequent flights allow flexible return times, and 30-inch seat pitch is more comfortable for short trips with daypack only.
Family with kids
Winner: Ryanair
More predictable service, better-established compensation track record, and priority boarding is easier to purchase for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper Ryanair or Wizz Air?
Base fares are similar, starting at €15-25 for early bookings. Ryanair often wins on Western European routes with more competition. Wizz Air is typically cheaper for Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Baggage fees differ: Ryanair charges €12-25 for 10kg checked, Wizz Air €15-30. Seat selection is €3-20 on Ryanair versus €2-25 on Wizz. For a typical trip with one checked bag, total cost is usually within €10-15. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for best prices on both airlines.
Is Wizz Air or Ryanair better for baggage?
Wizz Air offers a slightly larger free cabin bag at 40x30x20cm versus Ryanair’s 40x20x25cm, giving you about 3cm more depth. Both charge for standard cabin bags 10kg. Ryanair’s 10kg checked bag starts at €12, Wizz Air at €15. Wizz Air has stricter enforcement at the gate, often forcing passengers to pay €60 for oversized bags. Ryanair is more lenient with soft bags that compress. For hold luggage, Ryanair’s 20kg bag is €25-45, Wizz Air’s is €25-55. Overall, Ryanair wins on checked baggage pricing and consistency.
Which airline has more comfortable seats?
Ryanair offers 30-inch seat pitch on most Boeing 737-800 aircraft, while Wizz Air’s A321neo has 28-inch pitch in their 239-seat configuration. This 2-inch difference is significant on flights over 2 hours. Both have 17-inch seat width. Neither offers recline in standard seats. Ryanair’s newer MAX aircraft have slimmer seats with more knee clearance despite same pitch. Exit rows on both cost €15-25 extra and offer 38+ inches of legroom. For comfort, Ryanair wins on pitch, Wizz Air wins on newer aircraft with better air conditioning and quieter engines.
Where do Ryanair and Wizz Air fly?
Ryanair operates 600+ routes across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East from 90 bases. Strong presence in UK, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Poland. Wizz Air focuses on Central and Eastern Europe with 200+ routes from 50 bases, particularly strong in Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Balkans. Wizz also flies to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Israel. Ryanair serves more Western European holiday destinations like Canary Islands, Balearics, and Greek islands. For Eastern Europe, Wizz dominates. For Western Europe, Ryanair has more options.
What are the hidden fees on Ryanair and Wizz Air?
Both airlines advertise low base fares then add fees. Ryanair: seat selection €3-20, priority boarding with cabin bag €6-25, 10kg checked €12-45, 20kg checked €25-55, airport check-in €55 if not done online. Wizz Air: seat selection €2-25, priority boarding €5-35, 10kg checked €15-55, 20kg checked €25-65, airport check-in €35. Payment fees apply for credit cards. Both charge €20-60 for name changes. The biggest hidden cost: buying bags at the airport costs 3x more than online. Always pre-book baggage and check in online to avoid surprises.
Can I cancel or change Ryanair or Wizz Air flights?
Neither airline offers free cancellation on standard fares. Ryanair changes cost €45 per flight online, €60 at airport, plus any fare difference. Wizz Air charges €40 online, €50 via call center. Name changes are €50-115 on Ryanair, €45-60 on Wizz. Both offer 24-hour grace period for minor name corrections free. Flex tickets with free changes cost 30-50% more. If Ryanair cancels your flight, EU261 compensation applies: €250 for under 1500km, €400 for over. Same rules apply to Wizz Air. For cancellations, you typically only recover taxes unless you bought insurance.
Data updated: 2026-03
