Founded: 1995
Headquarters: London Luton Airport, United Kingdom
Main bases: London Gatwick, Luton and many other European airports
easyJet is one of the biggest low-cost airlines in Europe, recognisable instantly by its bright orange livery. It is known for low fares, primary airports close to city centres and a simple, no-frills model where you pay only for the extras you want. Here is a profile of the airline and tips for flying with it.
A brief history of easyJet
easyJet was founded in 1995 by entrepreneur Stelios Haji-Ioannou, with just two leased aircraft flying from Luton to Glasgow and Edinburgh. It grew rapidly by bringing the low-cost model to European travel, and today it is one of the largest airlines on the continent. After Brexit, it set up easyJet Europe in Austria to continue operating within the EU.
The easyJet fleet
easyJet flies an all-Airbus fleet of A319, A320 and A321 aircraft, including the newer, quieter and more fuel-efficient A320neo and A321neo. A single aircraft family keeps costs down and makes the operation efficient.
Where easyJet flies
easyJet serves well over 150 airports across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, with a strong focus on the UK, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Unlike some budget airlines, it usually flies to main airports such as Paris Charles de Gaulle, Geneva and Milan rather than distant secondary ones.
What the basic fare includes
The standard fare includes one small under-seat bag. A larger cabin bag for the overhead locker, checked luggage, seat selection and speedy boarding cost extra or come with higher fare bundles. Measure and weigh your bags at home to avoid charges at the gate.
Safety
easyJet operates to strict European safety standards, with highly trained crews and a young, modern fleet.
easyJet and Israel
easyJet has flown between Tel Aviv and several European cities, but it has suspended its Israel routes for long periods due to the security situation. See easyJet’s return to Israel for background, and always check whether flights are actually operating on your dates before planning a trip.
Tips for flying easyJet
- Book early: fares usually rise as the flight fills up.
- Check in online: save your boarding pass in the app before you leave for the airport.
- Add extras at booking: bags and seats are almost always cheaper when bought in advance.
- Compare the total price: once you add bags and seats, a full-service airline is sometimes not much more expensive.
New to budget flying? Read five common mistakes on low-cost flights, and compare easyJet with other budget airlines in our profiles of Wizz Air and our Ryanair guide.
