Overall Verdict
Winner: tie
LOT Polish offers full-service comfort and long-haul connectivity, while Ryanair dominates ultra-low-cost short-haul travel. Choose LOT for intercontinental trips and included amenities; pick Ryanair for the absolute lowest base fares within Europe.
- Best for Budget: Ryanair
- Best for Long Haul: LOT Polish
- Best for Families: LOT Polish
- Best for Business: LOT Polish
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Option A | Option B | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fare (short-haul) | €120-€180 | €30-€80 | b |
| Route network (destinations) | 120+ | 225+ | b |
| On-time performance | 85% | 80% | a |
| Cabin baggage allowance | 8kg + carry-on | 10kg (priority) | a |
| Checked bag fee (first bag) | Included (Economy) | €25-€60 | a |
| Seat comfort (short-haul) | 7/10 | 5/10 | a |
| Customer satisfaction (Skytrax) | 3 stars | 1 star | a |
| Fleet age | 9 years | 8 years | tie |
| In-flight entertainment | Screens on long-haul | WiFi/App (paid) | a |
| Food & drink included | Yes (long-haul) | No (paid only) | a |
Tips
- Book LOT for transatlantic journeys; choose Ryanair for quick intra-Europe hops.
- Watch Ryanair’s airport fees; some secondary airports are far from city centers.
- LOT Miles & More earns Star Alliance miles; Ryanair has no traditional loyalty scheme.
- Best LOT routes: JFK-WAW; Best Ryanair: STN-DUB for frequency and price.
- Always check baggage dimensions; Ryanair is stricter than LOT on cabin bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LOT Polish or Ryanair cheaper?
Ryanair is cheaper for base fares, but LOT offers better value when baggage and meals are included.
Which airline is safer, LOT Polish or Ryanair?
Both maintain high safety standards; LOT benefits from Star Alliance safety protocols while Ryanair has a strong modern fleet.
Does LOT Polish or Ryanair have better customer service?
LOT Polish generally provides better customer support and flexibility compared to Ryanair’s strict policies.
Which has more routes, LOT Polish or Ryanair?
Ryanair has significantly more routes within Europe, while LOT focuses on hub-and-spoke from Warsaw.
Can I earn miles on both LOT Polish and Ryanair?
LOT participates in Miles & More; Ryanair offers myRyanair points but no traditional airline miles.
Which airline is better for families?
LOT Polish is better for families due to included baggage and seat selection options on standard fares.
What is the baggage policy for LOT Polish vs Ryanair?
LOT includes checked bags on most fares; Ryanair charges separately for almost all checked and priority cabin bags.