Here at Simple Flying, we love a nice comparison article. However, in the past, most of these have focused on airplane comparisons. Following on from the British Airways Euro Traveller vs Club Europe article, Simple Flying is pleased to compare Ryanair and easyJet in a battle between Britain’s two biggest low-cost carriers.

The low down

Ryanair is Europe’s largest low-cost airline by passenger numbers. In addition, the carrier transported more international passengers than any other airline in 2015. Founded in 1984, the airline is now a surprising 33 years old. They operate a fleet of Boeing 737-800 jets, with an average age of around 7.4 years. However, Ryanair was set to start receiving its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft later this month. Ryanair's main operating hub is London Stansted Airport.

easyJet
easyJet is one of Ryanair's main competitors. Photo: easyJet

easyJet is slightly smaller than Ryanair but also packs a punch in the low-cost market. Catering to a slightly different market, the carrier was founded in March 1995. This makes the airline 24 years old. easyJet operates aircraft from the A320 family, with an average fleet age of around seven years. Like Ryanair, easyJet is also receiving new aircraft, however, the orange carrier has gone for Airbus' neo aircraft.

Fleet Winner: Draw

Ryanair 737 MAX
Ryanair will operate a dense 200 seat configuration of the 737 MAX. Photo: Ryanair

Flight cost

When booked well in advance, Ryanair is almost always the cheaper of the two airlines. Take London to Edinburgh on 28th May. While the Irish airline is currently selling tickets for just £13, the cheapest easyJet ticket clocks in at £34, over two and a half times the price. The tradeoff is that it can be cheaper to book with easyJet than Ryanair at the last minute.

Flight cost winner: Ryanair

Baggage

Ryanair is notorious for its restrictive baggage policy. In fact, the airline changed its bag policy twice last year. Currently, without paying additional charges, Ryanair passengers are only allowed to bring a small rucksack on flights. Those with priority boarding are allowed to also bring a cabin sized suitcase.

On the other hand, while easyJet also only allows passengers one carry on bag, this can be a cabin sized suitcase. Speedy Boarding passengers can carry one additional bag. For a small extra charge, passengers can check their hand luggage and only carry essentials.

Baggage winner: easyJet

easyJet
easyJet often seats passengers together. Photo: easyJet

Extras

Both airlines offer a large number of extras; this is how they can offer such cheap tickets. On each airline, you need to pay for refreshments, priority boarding and seat selection. However, on easyJet passengers are typically sat together without reserving seats, while this is uncommon on Ryanair.

Extras winner: easyJet

Overall

Including one draw, the final result stands at 2 to 3 to easyJet. While Ryanair offers unbeatable prices, easyJet adds that extra little sparkle making all the difference.

Which airline do you prefer and why? Let us know in the comments down below!