As millions of Britons prepare to travel for Christmas and New Year, a comprehensive new analysis has identified which UK airlines truly offer the most affordable options for cost-conscious passengers.
The Budget Airline Champion
Air travel expert AirAdvisor conducted an extensive study of the UK's five largest airlines, which collectively reported over £55 billion in passenger revenue for 2024. The research examined more than a quadrillion seat miles to determine genuine value for money, calculating average revenue per available seat mile.
The clear winner for budget-conscious travellers is Wizz Air, which charges just £0.0417 per seat mile. Operating primarily from London Luton Airport, the carrier maintains its position as one of Europe's most affordable options for those prioritising cost above all else.
However, this low price comes with significant trade-offs. Wizz Air ranked lowest for customer reputation in AirAdvisor's broader study and operates a smaller fleet that limits annual flights to fewer than 60,000 – dramatically behind easyJet's nearly 400,000 yearly departures.
Surprising Contenders and Reliable Choices
In a surprising development, Virgin Atlantic secured second place despite not being a low-cost carrier, charging customers £0.0523 per seat mile. Aviation expert Anton Radchenko noted: 'Despite not being a low-cost carrier, its pricing structure remains highly competitive, especially on long-haul routes.'
Virgin also ranked first overall in AirAdvisor's Best UK Airlines list alongside British Airways, meaning passengers booking cheaper fares still benefit from high levels of reliability, comfort and global connectivity. The airline's main limitation is capacity, with far fewer flights than easyJet or BA, meaning affordable tickets can sell out quickly during peak festive periods.
EasyJet ranks third on the affordability list at £0.0665 per seat mile while carrying more than 70 million passengers annually. The airline's scale and extensive European network provide consistent value for families travelling over Christmas, complemented by its reputation as one of the UK's most reliable carriers with a low cancellation rate.
Premium Options and Strategic Booking
British Airways occupies fourth position at £0.0738 per seat mile. While more expensive than the top three contenders, BA isn't the priciest airline in the country and its expansive route network offers passengers greater flexibility during the busy peak season.
In fifth place was Jet2 at £0.0878 per seat mile, though Anton Radchenko explained this higher cost reflects passengers frequently adding extras such as baggage, seat selection and in-flight services. Despite the premium pricing, Jet2 performed strongly in AirAdvisor's wider assessment, ranking fourth overall, rated best by customers, and identified as the most reliable airline reviewed while carrying more than 19 million passengers in 2024.
Radchenko offered crucial advice for festive travellers: 'Every December, we see the same pattern. Families want to travel, airline prices rise sharply, and passengers end up paying far more than they expected. Our goal with this study is to give people a clear understanding of which airlines genuinely offer the best value.'
He emphasised that 'price is only one part of the equation. Many passengers forget to look at the full cost of flying during the festive season, including luggage fees, seat selection charges and last-minute booking premiums. A flight that appears cheap at first glance can become much more expensive when the extras are added.'
Travellers can secure additional savings by monitoring flight release days when heavily discounted seats sometimes appear for early bookers, and by avoiding peak departure dates in favour of midweek flights which historically offer better value.
