With millions of people preparing to fly for Christmas and New Year, UK travellers are searching for affordable flights.
But which UK airline provides the cheapest option?
AirAdvisor has analysed the five biggest UK airlines, which reported over £55 billion in combined passenger revenue in 2024.
The study assessed more than a quadrillion seat miles to determine which carriers truly offer the lowest airfares, working out their value for money, based on average revenue per available seat mile.
And it’s Wizz Air that came out on top, as the most budget friendly, charging £0.0417 per seat mile.
Operating primarily from London Luton Airport, the carrier continues to offer some of the most affordable fares across Europe, especially for budget-conscious travellers.
However, the low price comes with a trade-off.
Wizz Air ranked lowest for customer reputation in AirAdvisor’s wider study, and its smaller fleet limits annual flights to fewer than 60,000, far behind easyJet’s nearly 400,000 yearly departures.
AirAdvisor has analysed the five biggest UK airlines, which reported over £55 billion in combined passenger revenue in 2024
It’s Wizz Air that came out on top, as the most budget friendly, charging £0.0417 per seat mile
‘Even so, its exceptionally low revenue per seat mile makes it the strongest option for passengers prioritising cost above all else,’ says Anton Radchenko, founder and aviation expert at AirAdvisor.
Surprisingly, Virgin Atlantic comes in second place in the study, charging customers £0.0523 per seat mile.
‘Despite not being a low-cost carrier, its pricing structure remains highly competitive, especially on long-haul routes,’ says Anton.
Virgin also ranked first overall in AirAdvisor’s Best UK Airlines list (alongside British Airways), which means passengers booking cheaper fares still benefit from high levels of reliability, comfort and global connectivity.
Virgin’s only challenge is capacity. The airline operates far fewer flights than easyJet or BA, so affordable tickets can sell out quickly over the festive period.
EasyJet ranks third on the affordability list, charging £0.0665 per seat mile and carrying more than 70 million passengers annually.
The airline’s scale and extensive European network offer consistent value for families travelling over Christmas.
The carrier is also one of the UK’s most reliable airlines, with a low cancellation rate compared to other large carriers.
Surprisingly, Virgin Atlantic comes in second place in the study, charging customers £0.0523 per seat mile
EasyJet ranks third on the affordability list, charging £0.0665 per seat mile and carrying more than 70 million passengers annually
Travellers can secure additional savings by monitoring their flight release days, where heavily discounted seats sometimes appear for early bookers.
British Airways sits in fourth place, charging £0.0738 per seat mile.
Although BA is more expensive than the top three, it is not the priciest airline in the country, and its expansive route network gives passengers more flexibility during peak season.
‘Travellers can still secure lower fares by avoiding peak departure dates and targeting midweek flights, which historically offer better value,’ says Anton.
In fifth place was Jet2, charging £0.0878 per seat mile.
While this is surprising, Anton says it’s because passengers often add extras such as baggage, seat selection and in-flight services.
Despite its higher cost, Jet2 performed strongly in AirAdvisor’s wider airline assessment. It ranked fourth overall, is rated the best by customers, and is the most reliable airline reviewed, carrying more than 19 million passengers in 2024.
‘For travellers who prioritise service quality and punctuality over price, Jet2 remains a preferred choice,’ Anton says.
British Airways sits in fourth place, charging £0.0738 per seat mile
In fifth place was Jet2, charging £0.0878 per seat mile
‘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 so they can plan their Christmas and New Year trips with confidence.
‘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. Understanding the true cost structure is essential for staying within budget.’
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