Low cost airlines (discount airlines) is an opportunity to fly cheaper with low cost airlines. Current list of low-cost airlines

Low-cost airlines, low-cost airlines, budget airlines - these are all names of the same class of carriers that fly from point A to point B for a penny. Today I’ll tell you how it became possible at all, about the features of flights by low-cost airlines, as well as what pitfalls exist in this segment, how to avoid hidden fees, and much more.

Low-cost airlines: what is it all about?

The name "low-cost" itself comes from the English "low-cost", which means low price(logical, right? ;-)). Previously, flying was a privilege of the wealthy, but the world is rapidly changing before our eyes: now flights are available to everyone. Flying away at the price of 1 ruble per 1 km is a reality. For example, you can take a flight in Europe for a couple of euros, in Asia for $3-5, in Russia for 999 rubles.

The bottom line is to reduce the cost by giving up some comfort and optional services, optimizing the route network and the work of all divisions of the airline.

And here are the lists:

How it works?

In fact, everything is quite simple. What is the cost of an air ticket? Directly payment for transportation (here food), airport, fuel surcharges and much, much more.

How more passengers the cheaper

It is logical that the more passengers, the lower the cost for each of them will eventually be. Therefore, low-cost aircraft have more seats, which means less distance between rows. In addition, they leave a few "normal" places and sell them for an increased fee.

Aircraft fleet

Surprisingly, the planes of low-cost airlines are much younger than traditional carriers. The fact is that after several years of operation of the aircraft, it begins to consume an increased amount of fuel. In addition, new cars do not require expensive repairs in the first couple.

I consider this a big plus, because among other things being equal, flying on a new plane is safer than on an old one.

Asian low-cost carrier Tiger Air

Arrival/departure airports

Low-cost airlines do not fly to the main airports (with rare exceptions), but choose secondary ones, often located very far from the city. Just imagine how many fees airlines have to pay: parking, maintenance, parking, and so on.

Old and remote airports set minimum fees, which is why low-cost airlines use them. Sometimes getting to the city center costs more than the ticket itself! But this is not always the case. For example, Asia's largest low-cost airline Air Asia in Bangkok arrives at Don Muang Airport in the north of the city, and between it and the main Suvarnabhumi Airport There are buses and taxis that are easy and cheap to get to.

Some companies specifically fly to major airports to stand out from the competition, such as the Spanish Vueling.

It happens that passengers have to go to the plane on foot - in this way the airline saves on renting buses or sleeves. We always got the bus.

Where to buy low cost airline tickets?

Airline search engines have long learned to include tickets from budget carriers in their search results. To be sure, check both for and for .

Low-cost airlines are by no means a panacea for expensive flights - weigh the pros and cons for yourself. If you are ready to give up comfort a little, endure a couple of hours without food and fly light, then low-cost airlines will become in a good way significant savings on flights.

Your comments and questions are welcome! Ultra-cheap flights to all of us ;-)

Ryanair flies from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland. And this is very convenient for the Russians. The flight map is available at the link.

Ryanair also acquired the Austrian low-cost Laudamotion (formerly Amira Air) with hubs in Vienna and a number of German cities.

Wizz Air (Hungary)

It flies from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Debrecen to Budapest, where its main hub is located. The company has 420 routes in Europe and 25 hubs. The most convenient for Russians: Gdansk, Kutaisi, Vilnius, Riga, Chisinau. Flight map.

If you plan to fly Wizz Air more than once a year or fly with a company, then buy a membership to the Wizz Air Discount Club.

EasyJet (UK)

EasyJet stopped flying from Moscow to London in September 2015. However, the company has a large route network in Europe. The company flies to 32 countries, 134 cities and has 23 bases. The largest is Gatwick Airport in London. Large hubs are located in Milan and Barcelona (where our Pobeda flies), as well as in Paris, Berlin, Rome, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Basel. Flight map.

Pobeda (Russia)

Pobeda has been flying since December 2014. Ticket prices start at Rs. The company now has over 50 destinations. “Victory” flies to Finland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Turkey, Slovakia (and from there it is taken by bus to Austria), Armenia and Georgia.

It is worth noting that Pobeda often reduces prices a few days before departure.

Norwegian Air (Norway)

It flies within Europe from Scandinavian cities and between Scandinavian cities (more than 100 destinations). It flies to the USA on a budget (Boston, Chicago, New York, Orlando, Los Angeles). Flight map.

These were the main low-cost airlines in Europe. Start your search with them. The ones below you probably won't need.

Air Baltic (Latvia)

Latvian airline, the main hub is in Riga. Prices are higher than other low-cost airlines, but luggage is also paid, they do not feed you on flights. They fly from Kazan, Kaliningrad, Sochi, St. Petersburg, Moscow. Route map link. You can join the airBaltic Club and get a free ticket for 10 flights with the airline.

Helvetic Airways (Switzerland)

Airlines from Switzerland. The company's hub in Zurich, plus flights from 7 airports. Most flights operate once a week. The company's fleet consists of small aircraft: Embraer 190 and Fokker 100.

UIA (Ukraine)

Ukrainian national carrier. No more flights from Russia. Not a low cost, but he often good prices for flights to Europe and Asia due to the fall of the hryvnia.

SmartWings (Czech Republic)

It flies from Moscow to Prague at a price slightly cheaper than Aeroflot and Czech Airlines. From Prague there is a wide choice of flights across Europe plus Egypt, Israel, UAE.

Transavia (Netherlands)

Low cost of Air France-KLM holding. It has five hubs in the Netherlands (including Amsterdam). It flies mainly to southern Europe plus Morocco and Egypt. Flight map. Transavia has a subsidiary, Transavia France, with three hubs in France and similar destinations.

Air Lingus (Ireland)

The largest Irish airline (not counting Ryanair, of course). They fly to 190 cities, including the US and Canada. Flight map.

blue air (Romania)

Romanian low cost with main hub in Bucharest big amount destinations in Europe (flight map). There are also several routes from Helsinki.

Israir Airlines (Israel)

An Israeli airline with the slogan “Why pay more?” Cheap compared to El Al. Flies to Europe, but most flights are seasonal.

Logan Air (Scotland)

Regional Scottish carrier. Flies throughout Scotland, including the Orkney Islands and the Outer Hebrides. The route from Westray Island to Papa Westray Island (Orkney) is the shortest regular commercial flight in the world. In good weather, it's only 47 seconds in the air. Apart from British territories also flies to Norway. Flight map.

Atlantic Airways (Faroe)

National carrier Faroe Islands. They fly from Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Scotland, plus in the season from Spain. Offers the most cheap way get to the Faroe Islands from Copenhagen. A round-trip ticket costs from 160 euros. Prices for flights between the islands by helicopters - from 12 to 60 euros one way.

Buta Airways (Azerbaijan)

In September 2017, a new low-cost airline Buta Airways began flying from Baku to Russia. While flying to Moscow (Vnukovo), St. Petersburg, Minvody and Kazan. Attention! Tickets at the minimum fare “BUDGET” do not provide for any baggage or hand luggage. At all.

French Bee (France)

French low-cost airline offering flights from Paris-Orly to the Dominican Republic, San Francisco, Reunion and French Polynesia.

wow air (Iceland)

WOW Air: Icelandic low-cost airline that has flights to the US from $55. In general, it operates flights from 32 cities, mainly in Europe. Experiencing financial difficulties, and may soon be taken over by another company.

IcelandAir: not a low-cost airline, but an indispensable company for traveling to Iceland (and for traveling around the world). The main feature is a stopover up to 7 days in Iceland during a flight from Europe to the USA.

Fantasy, right?

Italy: Air Italy, Blu Express, FlyErnest

Air Italy (former Meridiana) : the main flights are from Milan and Olbia. In addition to flights within Italy (about 30 euros one way), it flies to Africa, Asia, the USA and Canada.
Blu Express: low-cost subsidiary of Blue Panorama Airlines with a hub in Rome. It flies mainly in Italy, a little more expensive than Air Italy (40-50 euros one way).
FlyErnest – rather, even an Albanian, and not an Italian airline (although the headquarters is in Milan). They carry from nine Italian cities to Tirana. Since 2017 they have been flying from Lviv, Kyiv and Kharkov to the main Italian cities. Tickets from 37 euros one way.

Spain: Vueling,Volotea,canaryfly , LEVEL , Iberia Express

Vueling : the second largest Spanish carrier with a hub in Barcelona. From Moscow and St. Petersburg flies to Barcelona and Alicante from 50 euros one way. Operates seasonal flights from regions: Kazan, Kaliningrad, Krasnodar, Samara. .
Volotea: Spanish low-cost airline headquartered in Barcelona. Most flights are mediterranean region, including small towns France, Italy, Spain, Greece. Often holds sales with tickets for 10 euros. Flight map.
canaryfly: small airline with canary islands. Flies between the islands from 5 euros one way.
LEVEL: subsidiary Iberia and british airways. Flies from Spain (and also Paris-Orly) to USA, Canada and latin america. Prices for transatlantic flights start at 95 euros one way. Tickets can be purchased at flylevel.com.
Iberia Express: subsidiary low-cost Iberia. It flies from Madrid to Europe, to the Canaries and Balearic Islands. Flight map.

Germany:Euro Wings,germany,TUI Fly,Condor

Euro Wings: a subsidiary of Lufthansa. It flies to 210 destinations, mainly in Europe. Prices for flights from 30 euros in Germany, from 45 euros in Europe one way.
Germany is a private airline headquartered in Berlin. There are charters to the Middle East, resorts mediterranean sea and to North Africa. Plus flies from St. Petersburg to Dresden (from 60 euros one way). Flight map.
TUI Fly– low-cost with a hub in Hannover. Part of the TUI Group, one of the largest travel companies in the world. It flies from Moscow and St. Petersburg. In addition to the German airline, there are other divisions of TUI Fly (for example, the Belgian one).
Condor: a subsidiary of Lufthansa with a hub in Frankfurt am Main. It has a charter bias to exotic countries: caribbean, Africa, Asia, South America, the islands of Spain, Portugal, etc. Very favorable price for a one-way flight (unlike traditional airlines).

UK: Flybe, Jet2, TUI Airways

Flybe: low-cost carrier with hubs in Birmingham and Manchester. Fly to 85 destinations across the UK and Western Europe. Flight map.
Jet2.com: a low-cost carrier that mainly flies from major UK cities to Southern Europe. Flight map.
TUI Airways: British version of TUI fly. It flies from 20 UK airports to Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.

Türkiye:Onurair, Anadolujet, Corendon, Sun Express, Atlas Global

Onur Air flies between cities and resorts in Turkey. There are flights to the main Turkish cities from Moscow and Odessa. In addition to regular flights, there are charters from the regions.
Anadolujet- subsidiary Turkish Airlines, operates flights in Turkey and Northern Cyprus.
Sun Express is a subsidiary of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines. Flies to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. There is a summer flight from St. Petersburg to Izmir from 66 euros. Flight map.
Corendon- Turkish low-cost airline based in Antalya, flying mainly to Germany.
Atlas Global- former Atlas Jet. It flies in Turkey, to Europe and to Asia. From Russia there is a regular flight from Moscow to Istanbul plus charters from the regions. Flight map.

Moldova:Air Moldova,fly one

Air Moldova: national carrier of Moldova. Not a low-cost, but quite often inexpensive flights via Chisinau to Rome, Lisbon, Larnaca, Bologna, Venice and other cities from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Surgut, Krasnodar, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod.
flyone: a young Moldovan airline that was certified in March 2016. You can fly from Moscow to Chisinau from 60 euros one way.

Asia (48)

Malaysia:air Asia,firefly

Air Asia : For many years - the best low-cost airline in the world by Skytrax versions. Has an extensive route network throughout Asia (from India, Malaysia to Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan), including flights to Australia. . Plus owns divisions in other countries of the region.

firefly: subsidiary low-cost Malaysia Airlines. In addition to domestic flights, there are flights to Indonesia and Thailand. Flight map.

UAE:air arabia,Fly Dubai

Air Arabia. Low-cost carrier based in Sharjah. Departures from Moscow and Grozny to the cities of the Near and Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan), North Africa(Sudan, Egypt, Morocco), India, Nepal, Bangladesh via Sharjah (UAE). Flight map. There are regional divisions of Air Arabia Egypt with a hub in Alexandria, Air Arabia Maroc with a hub in Casablanca and Air Arabia Jordan with a hub in Amman.
FlyDubai. Low-cost carrier based in Dubai. Flights to the UAE and cities of Asia and Africa from Russian cities (Moscow, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Makhachkala, Minvody, Samara, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don). Quite often, a good cost of a flight from the regions to Nepal, Sri Lanka, India. Plus a good grid in East Africa: Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Juba, Khartoum, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar. Flight map.

Singapore:tiger air,Scoot

Tiger Air And scoot: since 2017, there is actually one airline operating under the Scoot brand. Subsidiary of Singapore Airlines. The "tigers" have a separate brand in Australia. It flies to Asia and to Australia plus to Berlin, Athens and Hawaii.

Flight map:

India: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, Go Air

indigo: Indian low-cost airline with domestic flights and a small number international routes to Nepal, UAE, Singapore, Oman, Thailand and other countries of the region. Flight map.
SpiceJet: A major Indian airline with hubs in Delhi and Hyderabai and Chennai. Flights to 49 cities in India and to Oman, UAE, Maldives, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Flight map.
Air India Express: subsidiary low-cost of the national carrier. Offers fewer domestic flights, but more international flights (mainly to Gulf countries). Flight map.
Go Air: low-cost carrier with the main hub in Mumbai, operates mainly domestic flights to 25 cities (plus Male and Phuket). Flight map.

Japan: Vanilla Air,Peach Aviation,Air Do, Skymark, Solaseed Air, Star Flyer

Vanilla Air : subsidiary low-cost All Nippon Airways. It flies between Japanese cities as well as Taiwan and Hong Kong. One way flights start at $30.
Peach Aviation : Peach Airlines flies from Osaka, Naha and Tokyo throughout Japan (including Okinawa), as well as to Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea, Shanghai and Bangkok. Flight map.
AirDo: regional airline: the main direction is flights to Hokkaido. Not low-cost, but there are favorable rates for early bookings (75 days in advance) or a discount for bookings 1 or 3 days before the flight.
skymark: low-cost with a dozen destinations within the country. There are discounts for 1 or 3 days before departure.
Solaseed Air: Almost like Skymark, but more discount options by date of purchase plus a discount for foreign tourists.
star flyer: positions itself as an intermediate option between low-cost and conventional airlines. Offers flights between major Japanese cities plus to Taiwan. For domestic flights there is a special fare for foreigners (55-70 euros one way).

Philippines: Cebu Pacific, Air Swift

Cebu Pacific: a low-cost airline with a large number of domestic flights plus flies throughout East and Southeast Asia (and also to Sydney and Dubai). .
Air Swift is a tiny company that connects Philippine cities with its El Nido airport. In fact, this airport is an ordinary primer in the jungle (it looks like this), but it is located on the island of Palawan, the source of 95% of those photos from the paradise islands.

Indonesia: Citilink , Wings Air

Citilink: a low-cost subsidiary of the national carrier Garuda Indonesia. Carries out mainly domestic flights(plus flies to Malaysia and East Timor). Flight map.
Wing Air : low-cost from Lion Air Group. Has a hub in Bali, specializes in domestic flights.

South Korea: Jeju Air , Jin Air , T'way Air , Eastar Jet , Air Seoul , Air Busan

Jeju Air: the main low-cost, in addition to domestic flights, flies around the countries Far East and Southeast Asia, as well as Guam. There is a flight from Vladivostok to Seoul. Flight map.
Jin Air: subsidiary low-cost Korean Air. Flies throughout the region, including Hawaii, Australia and Guam. Flight map.
T'way Air and Eastar Jet low cost hubs in Seoul. They fly to China, Japan and the countries of Southeast Asia. T'way Air has flights from Khabarovsk and Vladivostok to Daegu, while Eastar Jet has flights from Vladivostok to Seoul. Prices - from 50 euros one way.
Air Seoul and Air Busan are subsidiaries of Asiana Airlines. They fly around the region to the indicated cities. Air Busan has a flight from Vladivostok.

China (10 airlines)

Spring Airlines: low-cost with hubs in Shanghai. Route network in China and neighboring countries. There is a Japanese division of Spring Airlines Japan. Prices start at $15 one way.
China United: low-cost with a hub in Beijing airport Nanyuan and flights between Chinese cities. Tickets from $10 one way.
Juneyao Airlines: a major airline with hubs in Shanghai. It has a very extensive route network in China, and also operates flights to South Korea, Japan and Thailand. Plans to launch a flight from Helsinki in 2019. It has a low-cost subsidiary 9 Air with a hub in Guangzhou.
Lucky Air in addition to China flies to Brunei, Thailand, Malaysia. There is a flight Moscow - Kunming.
West Air flies within the country (flight map).
Urumqi Air offers flights from Urumqi to China.
Capital Airlines In addition to domestic flights, it offers many flights to Europe. There is a flight from Moscow to Qingdao.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines : regional low-cost with a hub in Guiyang and flights within China.
Jiangxi Air: regional low-cost with a hub in Nanchang.
HK Express: Hong Kong low-cost from HNA Group. Flies from Hong Kong around the region, especially many flights to Japan. Flight map.

Thailand: Nok Air, Thai Lion Air

Nok Air : Thai low-cost airline operating domestic flights within Thailand plus flights to Myanmar and other countries in the region. Eat compound routes with ferries (Fly'n'Ferry) or buses (Fly'n'Ride).
Thai Lion Air: Thai division of the Indonesian company Lion Air Group. In addition to domestic flights, there are flights to many cities in China and to the main cities in the region. The nice thing is that luggage is included in the price. Flight map.

Other countries:

SalamAir : Omani low cost. In addition to domestic flights, it flies to Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Nepal, Sudan, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, as well as Baku and Tbilisi.
Air Manas (Pegasus): Kyrgyz carrier. Subsidiary of Turkish Pegasus. Until the end of 2015, the airline flew under the Pegasus Asia brand, but now it has again become known as Air Manas. It makes three flights to Russia from Bishkek: to Moscow, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk
air blue: Pakistani low-cost carrier with a hub in Karachi. It operates both domestic flights and flights to the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Flight map.
VietJet Air: Vietnamese low cost with several hubs in the country. It flies mainly in Vietnam. The site is not very convenient, the list of directions is easiest to see on Wikipedia. In addition to Vietnam, it flies to Bangkok, Taipei, Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, Yangon and Kuala Lumpur.
Jazeera Airways: Kuwaiti low cost. In addition to the countries of the Persian Gulf and the Middle East, it flies to India, Egypt, Baku, Tbilisi and Istanbul. Flight map.
Flynas: an airline from one of the most closed countries peace - Saudi Arabia. It operates flights within the country, within the region plus to Tbilisi, Baku, Istanbul, Trabzon. Flight map.
Flyadeal: a low-cost subsidiary of the national carrier Saudia. It flies between several cities within the country.
Lanmei Airlines: Cambodian low-cost with a hub in Phnom Penh, owned by the Chinese. It flies in Southeast Asia and has many flights to China.
Jetstar: a subsidiary of the Australian company Qantas. Main hub in Melbourne. In addition to flights within Australia and New Zealand, there are flights to the countries of Southeast Asia. There are also Jetstar Asia Airways with a hub in Singapore, Jetstar Pacific with a hub in Ho Chi Minh City and Jetstar Japan with hubs in Tokyo and Osaka. Flight map.
Virgin Australia: Australian low-cost Virgin Group. Has four hubs in Australia, flies across Oceania, to Indonesia, Hong Kong and the USA

Africa (8)

South Africa: Mango, Kulula, FlySafair

Mango: subsidiary low-cost of the national carrier South African Airways with a hub in Johannesburg. It flies across South Africa and to the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania.
Kulula: the first African low-cost airline, part of Comair, has been flying since 2001. The main flights are domestic, but thanks to the cooperation with Kenya Airways, they fly to Nairobi, and as part of Comair - to others neighboring countries. Flight map.
FlySafair : subsidiary low-cost Safair, connects six cities of the country.

Kenya: Fly540, JamboJet

Fly540 : Kenyan low-cost carrier with a hub in Nairobi. Flies in Kenya, Zanzibar and South Sudan. Flight map. They have a subsidiary airline Fly Sax, which flies to safari and beach destinations.

fly540 flight map

JamboJet: a low-cost subsidiary of the national carrier Kenya Airways with a hub in Nairobi. Flies in Kenya and Uganda.

Other countries:

Arik Air (Nigeria): Nigerian traditional carrier with low-cost tariffs, which connects all major cities in Nigeria, and also flies to Angola, Ghana, Senegal and other West African countries.
fastjet: a group of African low-cost airlines (includes Fastjet Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Mozambique). In addition to these countries, it also flies to South Africa and Zambia.
Air Cairo (Egypt): low-cost subsidiary of EgyptAir. It flies from the main cities of Egypt to Europe. There are flights from Tbilisi to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.

North and South America (30)

Canada:west jet,Sunwing Airlines, Porter Airlines, Air Transat, Air Canada Rouge, Flair Airlines

WestJet : a major Canadian low-cost airline with hubs in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver. Flights across North America and to the Caribbean plus seasonal transatlantic flights from Canada to Glasgow, Dublin, Paris (and a regular flight to London). Flight map. Recently launched ultra-low cost Swoop. While flights across Canada are launched, flights to the US and Mexico are planned.
Sunwing Airlines: low-cost subsidiary of Sunwing Travel Group. It flies from Canadian cities to the USA, Central America and the Caribbean.

You know that a low-cost airline is an opportunity to fly for pennies, you have heard about Ryanair and Vizer. Maybe Izijet also met. Do you want to know about all 24 low-cost airlines in Europe? Websites, routes, travel ideas: you can buy a ticket right now. You need internet and 30-40 euros on a bank card.

Major European low-cost airlines

They are distinguished by a price of 5 euros in almost all directions, regardless of the home country of the low-cost airline and routes throughout Europe.

The cheapest and largest low-cost airline in the world. If you hear about prices of 5-10 euros for a ticket, this is about him. flies throughout Europe. You can carry 10 kilograms on board for free in two bags: a large one 55x40x20 cm and a small one 35x20x20 cm. The prices for food and drinks on board are quite high, but you can take food with you and you can ask for boiling water for tea, coffee or cereal.

Many flights with cheap tickets from Krakow and Warsaw to Spain, Norway, Ireland, England, France. From Bratislava to Italy.

Hungarian low-cost airline with flights throughout Europe. The vizair has many flights with prices starting from 20 euros. Departures from Moscow, Kyiv. A huge number of cheap routes from Budapest and Polish Katowice. Flights to Germany, Israel, Spain, Italy, Holland, Greece, Georgia, Cyprus, Portugal, UAE, Egypt.

Only one size 42x32x25cm is allowed free of charge. Meals on board are expensive.

Low-cost airline that flies throughout Europe and the USA. One of the best in the world. Allowed to be transported free of charge. Food on board is paid, but prices start from 5 euros. Main countries: Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, England, Germany, Spain, Italy, Holland, France. There are flights from Warsaw and Krakow. Prices from 20 euros.

Widely known English low-cost airline. It flies to Manchester and London from Moscow, a large network of flights across Europe. There are flights from Krakow to Germany, France and England. Prices from 20 euros.

From the Baltic countries

A company that does not claim to be a low-cost airline, but de facto is. Flies around the world, but the most best offers from Riga and Vilnius. There are a lot of flights in Central and Eastern Europe. Flies from Ukraine and Russia. Very often there are promotions and special offers that are valid for several days with prices of 20-30 euros.

From England

Cheap flights from England around the world. There are flights from Krakow to England, but prices are not lower than 50 euros one way.

Good prices for flights to England. There are flights from Budapest and Warsaw. The main routes connect England with France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Holland.

All Europe from England for 30-40 pounds.

Cheap flights from England to Europe and to the USA. Prices from 20 pounds.

flights from England to Europe. Prices from 33 euros.

From Greece

The Greek low-cost airline offers very good flights to Athens, including from Ukraine and Russia. Flies around the world, but the most attractive prices from Greece.

From Spain

Spanish low-cost carrier. Flies throughout Europe from Spain. There are flights from Kyiv, Moscow, Minsk, Kazan, Kaliningrad, Samara. Site in Russian. Cheap flights only from Spain to Europe.

Cheap flights from Madrid in Europe. Prices from 30 euros.

Another Spanish low-cost airline with many flights in Spain, Italy, France, Greece. Prices from 20 euros. There is a flight from Moldova to Italy.

From Italy

Italian low-cost airline that flies from Munich to Italy and across Italy. Prices from 30 euros.

From Belgium

Amazing prices around the world from Belgium. I was especially impressed with the flight to Miami for 199 euros.

Use only if you need to go to brussels. The best prices start from 69 euros. Flights worldwide from Brussels.

From Ireland

Pay attention to this company if you need to fly to Ireland or USA. There are very good prices from Poland, Germany.

From Holland

Dutch low-cost airline with many destinations from Holland and France: all of Europe plus a few cities in Turkey. Tickets 30-70 euros.

From Iceland

Flights all over Europe from Iceland: Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, England, France, Italy, Sweden and even Canada and the USA. There is a flight from Warsaw to Reykjavik. But prices start at 50 euros.

A low-cost, or low-cost, airline is an air carrier that eliminates a number of services and flight conditions in order to reduce the cost of tickets. The origin of this term is the United States. It should be noted that low-cost airlines are not small regional companies whose range of services does not include amenities available to large carriers.

The concept of low-cost flights originates in 1949 in the United States, when Pacific Southwest Airlines successfully launched this concept. In subsequent years and to the present, low-cost airlines are actively competing with traditional airlines and charters. Many large carriers have created their own low-cost subsidiaries. In Eastern Europe, the development of budget transportation was facilitated by the entry of new countries into the EU.

Budget airlines in Russia have been operating since 2006, when SkyExpress was founded. The carrier specialized in flights to Russian cities and used leased Boeing-737s for this. In 2011, the airline became part of Kuban Airlines and ceased its low-cost flights. In 2009, the Avianova company was founded. The company has implemented electronic system tickets, and carried out flights to the cities of Russia from Moscow. In 2011, Avianova declared herself bankrupt.

In 2013, low-cost airlines in Russia were replenished with a new representative. They became Dobrolet, created under the leadership of Aeroflot. Due to the aggravated political situation and sanctions from the EU, the next year the low-cost airline ceased to exist. The next budget carrier project from Aeroflot was named Pobeda and is still in operation.

IN last years there has been a new direction in budget flights - business low-cost airlines. They cut some of the services of conventional airlines and, nevertheless, remain some privileges for passengers.

The principle of building a system of work of low-cost airlines

The purpose of the business model of such airlines is to reduce the cost of travel by reducing costs and expenses. That is why low-cost airlines reduce the volume of services in the service, allowing to reduce the cost of customer service. This is achieved in various ways.

As a rule, low-cost airlines in Russia and foreign countries strive to use one brand and model of aircraft, as well as a single passenger class of service. This reduces the cost of training employees to operate and repair equipment.

Aircraft are equipped with a minimum necessary set equipment; passengers are not provided with TVs, displays. In this case, the weight of the vessel and its fuel consumption are reduced. Tickets are sold according to a simpler scheme using a single form. Today, many companies prefer electronic tickets. Selling tickets via the Internet allows you to reduce the cost of paying commission agents.

Early ticket booking contributes to a lower flight price. As the aircraft fills up, the price per seat increases. IN boarding passes often the seat number is not indicated, which encourages passengers to rush to get on board.

Departures are often carried out early in the morning or late in the evening from the least busy air hubs. One plane can make several round trips per day. In this regard, most low-cost flights are direct to reduce the cost of transfers at hubs.

Services on board, provided on standard airlines for free, in low-cost airlines will be paid. Additional services in the form of accompanying children, etc. may be excluded from the airline's list. Aircraft personnel often perform several functions at once. So, the stewards can not only deal with their immediate duties, but also clean the cabin after landing.

Quite often, low-cost airlines reduce fuel costs by actively hedging its cost.

Low-cost carriers in Russia

Low-cost airlines in Russia are divided into domestic and foreign. Pobeda is on the list of Russian companies. Foreign low-cost carriers are represented in the following names:

Air Arabia;
airBerlin;
airBaltic;
Air One;
Blu Express;
easy Jet;
flydubai;
Germanwings;
Niki;
Norwegian;
Pegasus Airlines;
Smart Wings;
Vueling;
Wizz Air.

As you can see, the list of countries offering their services is quite wide. Low-cost airlines in Russia are based in Germany, Britain, Hungary, Spain, UAE, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Turkey. In Russia, using a low-cost airline, you can fly from the following cities:

Moscow;
Saint Petersburg;
Ekaterinburg;
Volgograd;
Krasnodar;
Kazan;
Mineral water;
Omsk;
Rostov-on-Don.

Do not be afraid of budget flights. Despite a set of restrictions, the personnel of the companies seek, first of all, to protect the interests of passengers. At the airport and on board, you will expect friendly treatment, smiles and care. The abolished services and costs, for the most part, do not affect the mood and comfort of the client for a short flight.

Low-cost flight options in Russia

To find out which one is the most cheap airline in Russia, you need to analyze the offers of the carriers presented above. As a rule, all of them offer flights on favorable terms. The only inconvenience may be the departure time, which usually falls at night or early morning.

Airline Pobeda

Of the Russian carriers, the most budgetary and the only domestic company is Pobeda. It is characterized by low ticket prices with a large number of paid services included. In the cabin, passengers will be provided with only water free of charge. Weight free baggage is up to 10 kg. Hand luggage is limited to a small set of items. Transportation of animals by a low-cost carrier is not performed. Ticket date change, refund or choice seat carried out with a surcharge.

The set of Pobeda routes is flexible and diverse. With the help of the airline, you can fly not only to many cities in Russia, but also to Europe. Quite often, customers are offered combined flights with a transfer to the bus. From Moscow and St. Petersburg, you can fly to German cities using airlines Air Berlin.

Low-cost airline Air Arabia

Air Arabia operates flights from the UAE to many countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine. In Russia, flights are made through Moscow. The company offers big discounts on luggage if booked in advance. Online check-in, seat selection, catering services are paid.

Latvian company airBaltic

airBaltic is the national carrier of Latvia. The principle of its operation combines a hybrid of elements of low-cost and traditional flights. In Russia, you can use the services of a carrier in St. Petersburg and Moscow.

Air one

Air One is a subsidiary of Alitalia Airlines. On board you can be with hand luggage up to 8 kg and luggage up to 32 kg. In other cases, additional payment is required. Seat selection in the cabin is subject to a fee depending on the type of location. During the flight, you will be offered not only water, but also chips, chocolate, and drinks. Also an Italian company is Blu-Express.

Easy Jet

With Easy Jet you can fly from London to Moscow. To date, this is the only flight to Russia from this carrier. Passengers are allowed to carry three pieces of baggage with certain dimensions. Ticket manipulations are paid separately.

flydubai

Flydubai has a wide coverage Russian cities. Flights are operated via Moscow, Samara, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Ufa, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don. The principle of cost and additional services for the carrier is similar to other low-cost airlines.

Other low cost airlines

Germanwings has introduced three tariffs into the price, each of which has its own cost for baggage, meals and additional services. Austrian airline Niki offers flights from Moscow to Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck. There is also a division into three tariffs.

Aircraft of the Norwegian carrier 2-3 times a week run on the route Oslo - St. Petersburg. There are three tariffs in the payment system. Pegasus Airlines is a popular carrier to Turkey. Initially, the company specialized in charters. Today its routes run through Moscow, Mineralnye Vody, Krasnodar, Sochi and Omsk. Tariffs are differentiated into several types.

Czech SmartWings allows you to fly from Moscow to Prague and back. Snacks and drinks are provided on board, luggage includes up to 15 kg in the luggage compartment and up to 8 kg in hand luggage. Spanish company Vueling operates flights from Spanish resorts to Moscow and St. Petersburg. You are allowed to carry up to 10 kg of hand luggage free of charge. There are various tariffs, where the cost of certain services varies.

Wizz Air is based in Hungary and has a branch in Ukraine. The company allows you to fly from Moscow to Budapest. The main emphasis is on the amount of hand luggage. Other manipulations with the seat and ticket are paid.

As you can see, many low-cost airlines use a flexible system of tariffs and fees so that the passenger can choose best option where convenience is combined with a favorable price.

In contact with

For some reason, it is generally accepted that there are no air discounters in Russia - well, except perhaps just appeared. Whether business in the West - at them discounters it is possible to depart from anywhere and anywhere, having paid for it 10 euros! In fact, of course, this is not the case, and the “freebie”, although it occurs from time to time, is not so frequent that it could be seriously counted on when planning a trip. However, today we are not talking about this, but about the fact that many European discounters also fly to Russia, which means that we can also fly somewhere relatively inexpensively compared to traditional airlines.

Of course, miracles do not happen: cheaper ticket costs not because of the altruism of the air carrier, but because of the lower level of service - starting with the fact that tickets cannot be returned () and ending paid carriage luggage, lack of food (or rather, it is, but for an additional fee) and, often, connecting tickets. However, if you take tickets with a good margin for connection time, then even if you are late from your destination, you are more likely to fly further.

The fact is that discounters fly to Russia, as a rule, from their main hubs, which means that you can travel not only to the city where direct flights are operated, but also to a large list of further destinations. However, enough of the lyrics: let's move on to the specifics! Airlines are listed in alphabetical order.