Which is better Ryanair or Wizz Air?

Published: June 22 2023

Choosing the best option between Ryanair and Wizz Air can be challenging, especially if you're trying to balance ticket costs, fees, customer service, and overall experience. This post will provide a comprehensive comparison of the two low-cost airlines to help you make an informed decision.

Ryanair and Wizz Air both cover a wide range of destinations predominantly in Europe. Let's briefly compare their route networks.

Ryanair, an Irish low-cost airline, offers a staggering 1,800+ routes across over 40 countries in Europe and the Mediterranean region, including occasional flights to North Africa and the Middle East.

Wizz Air, a Hungarian budget airline, operates over 700 routes across over 45 countries. Their primary focus is on Central and Eastern Europe but also extends to destinations in Western Europe, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates.

Verdict: Ryanair has a more extensive route network and more destination choices, especially in Western Europe. However, if you are looking to travel within Central and Eastern Europe, Wizz Air might be a better option.

Ticket prices vary depending on factors such as demand, season, and booking time. Here's a comparison of Ryanair and Wizz Air's fees:

Ryanair is known for its remarkably low ticket prices and sometimes even offers flights for under €10. However, they charge extra fees for larger cabin bags, check-in luggage, selected seats, priority boarding, and airport check-in among others.

While Wizz Air ticket prices are competitively low, they are generally more expensive than Ryanair's. Like Ryanair, passengers have additional charges for checked bags, larger cabin bags, seat selection, and priority boarding.

Verdict: Ryanair typically has lower ticket prices but both airlines charge extra for luggage and other services. It's essential to consider additional fees when comparing total travel costs.

Both Ryanair and Wizz Air offer basic onboard experiences as expected from low-cost carriers, but let's dive into the details.

Ryanair's aircraft feature slimline seats with limited recline, a 30-inch seat pitch, and no seatback entertainment screens. You may purchase snacks, beverages, and WiFi access during the flight.

Wizz Air's onboard experience is comparable to Ryanair's, with slimline seats, limited recline, and no entertainment screens. Wizz Air provides a 30-inch seat pitch, but offers wider seat options with extra legroom for an additional fee. Light refreshments are available for purchase as well.

Verdict: Both airlines provide similar onboard experiences, with limited comforts expected from low-cost carriers. Wizz Air may have a slight edge due to their wider seat options for an extra charge.

Airlines' reputations and customer service experiences significantly impact passengers' overall satisfaction.

Ryanair's customer service has historically been criticized, ranked low in multiple surveys, and the airline has made efforts to improve in recent years. Nevertheless, some travelers still cite delayed flights, lengthy hold times with customer service, and questionable policies as reasons for dissatisfaction.

Wizz Air ranks higher in overall customer satisfaction and reputation compared to Ryanair. While they also receive negative feedback due to delays and limited in-flight amenities, the general consensus is that Wizz Air provides better customer service.

Verdict: Wizz Air holds a better reputation and appears to provide superior customer service over Ryanair, although neither airline is perfect in this regard.

Ryanair and Wizz Air both cater to different travel preferences, with Ryanair offering cheaper tickets and a wider route network, while Wizz Air has a better customer service reputation and focus on Central and Eastern Europe. Ultimately, your choice between the two low-cost airlines should primarily depend on your destination, budget, and personal priorities.