Comparison: UK low-cost carriers
Here’s a table comparing five leading low-cost carriers in the UK on some of the points of importance to disabled passengers.
It’s compiled on the basis of the information available on their websites. As you’ll see, in some cases the information simply isn’t there, which we think is pretty poor.
| BMIbaby | easyJet | flybe | Jet2 | Ryanair | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy class hold allowance | 22 kg/person | 20 kg/person | Bags payable in advance – size range 15-40 kg | 22 kg/person | Bags payable on initial booking – 15 kg or 20 kg |
| Excess baggage charges | £9/€11 per kg when booking online | £10/kg charged at airport | Extra bags can be bought – minimum 15 kg | Allowance can be increased to 30 kg – max bag size 25 kg | Second 15 kg bag may be bought for €35-45 depending on flight |
| Accepts powered wheelchairs over 60kg | No data available | No data available | Only by special arrangement | Must be pre-booked (tel +44 (0)203 031 8103). Must be dismantled – no single part to weigh more than 32 kg | Yes, though size and battery restrictions apply |
| Assistance dogs | No data available | Free on approved routes | On international routes from specific airports | Subject to availability, free on UK domestic flights | Free on approved routes |
| Special meals | No data available | In-flight food store available | No data available | No data available | No data available |
If you’ve got any experiences of travelling with these airlines, why not comment below and tell us?