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If you're interested in taking a European trip, or are thinking of taking the family on a cheaper holiday, you should browse the array of budget airlines available. We have selected the best available on the web in our listings - you'll find flights to a number of destinations at very good prices, from a variety of UK locations.
Hints and tips
There are a couple of things you'll need to bear in mind when flying budget. Firstly, be sure to check the essentials. Sort out currency and insurance before you go, rather than relying on cash machines, bureaux de change and insurance booths at the airport. Whilst British airports such as Stansted and Luton offer these, smaller international airports like that at Gothenburg in Sweden, one of Ryanair's most popular destinations, have no facilities more fancy than a café and a bus stop.
Secondly, check which airport you'll be landing in. Click here for a wide selection of Airport guides - make sure that you look at these first as it's important to realise where you'll be landing in relation to where you'll be staying. Whilst the staff at the airport are bound to be as helpful as they can be, it's always best to be fore-armed with information and not be surprised by a one-hour journey following your flight.
If you're building your own holiday or city break, naturally you'll need to sort out accommodation before you go - but also bear in mind that you'll need information on the city in which you'll be staying, normally provided by holiday reps.
Get information on your location prior to departure. Bear in mind that with budget flights as opposed to last-minute package tours, you have a greater degree of flexibility with your travel plans - nothing is stopping you getting a flight to Amsterdam and flying out of a completely different European destination.
It's wise to consider Car hire as a way of getting from A to B. A few common-sense rules apply when flying budget. You probably won't be provided with an in-flight meal and the snacks that you can buy on board will be very expensive, so make sure to pack a bite to eat and something to drink before you go.
The usual luggage restrictions apply and you should leave slightly longer than usual to check in - the enormous number of destinations on offer necessarily means that the number of desks allocated to each is lower.
There is also likely to be nothing in the way of in-flight entertainment on offer - so make sure you pack your Walkman and a good book. Keep hand luggage lightweight and small so as not to clutter the cabin - budget providers like to make the entire operation as quick and efficient as possible.
And you're not travelling business class, with acres of legroom - whilst it will be comfortable, it still might be wise to dress in loose, comfy clothing and avoid jeans or other heavily-seamed and riveted trousers. By following these few basic hints, your journey - and the start of your holiday - can be improved immeasurably. And then it's up, up and away...
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