Which Is The Best Low-Cost Airlines for Nervous Flyers?

March 8, 2025 – 5 min read

1. Why Safety Perception Matters for Nervous Flyers

For many travelers, flying is simply a means to an end, but if you’re a nervous flyer, you know that every aspect of the flight matters. Feeling safe in the air isn’t just about statistics, and rather mostly about the experience. While all major airlines must meet strict safety standards, some simply feel safer than others. This is why I have created this guide, reviewing the main low-cost airlines in Europe, on the basis of how safe and relaxing they feel. This might help you while booking your next flight, depending on the criteria that matter to you the most.

Let’s get one thing straight: all the airlines in this guide have excellent safety records and comply with strict European and international aviation standards. According to AirlineRatings and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), flying remains one of the safest ways to travel. So, if you’re worried about whether a low-cost airline is “safe enough,” the answer is yes.

But as someone who’s been in your shoes, I know that logic doesn’t always calm nerves. The real question isn’t just about technical safety but rather, which airline will make you feel the most at ease? From how friendly the crew is to cabin comfort, this guide breaks down how different budget airlines create (or fail to create) a reassuring experience.

2. What Makes an Airline Feel Safe?

Before diving into specific airlines, let’s first define what, from an ex-nervous flyer perspective, contributes to a strong feeling of safety:

Pre-Flight Comfort: Does the boarding and check-in process feel smooth and well-organized?
Crew Friendliness & Training: Do flight attendants provide reassurance and support for nervous passengers? Are they welcoming and easy to reach out to?
Pilot Communication: Are pilots proactive in providing updates (flight time, weather ahead, initiated descent), especially during turbulence?
Seating Comfort & Cabin Environment: Does the aircraft feel modern, spacious, and well-maintained?
In-Flight Entertainment & Distractions: Are there ways to take your mind off the flight?
Passenger Reviews & Reputation : What do real flyers say about their experiences?
Fear of Flying Programs: Does the airline offer resources to help anxious travelers?

3. European Low-Cost Airlines Compared for Safety Perception

easyJet

Pre-Flight Comfort: easyJet makes things pretty hassle-free before the flight. Check-in is easy, and theirh-free baggage option is a lifesaver if you don’t want to fight for overhead space. Since they fly from big airports, everything feels more organized. Boarding can be a bit hectic, but overall, it’s not too bad!
Crew Friendliness & Training: The crew is usually friendly, professional, and way more approachable than some other budget airlines. They don’t just go through the motions; they actually seem to care. If you’re a nervous flyer, they’re usually happy to chat and reassure you, which makes a big difference. Of course, like anywhere, you might get the occasional rushed crew, but overall, they’re one of the best in this category.
Pilot Communication: They are quite good when it comes to keeping passengers in the loop. They usually give a nice, clear update at the start about the flight time, weather, and anything important. During turbulence, they’ll make sure to reassure passengers and it’s not just a quick “nothing to worry about,” but an actual explanation, which helps if you’re a nervous flyer. They also update you before descent so you know what’s coming. Overall, they do a good job making the flight feel predictable and under control.
Cabin Comfort: easyJet’s cabins feel clean, modern, and not as cramped as you might expect. The seats don’t recline, which isn’t great for long flights, but at least they’re well-padded. Legroom is acceptable if you’re average height, but if you’re taller, you might want to grab an extra-legroom seat. Overall, it doesn’t feel luxurious, but it’s way more comfortable than some other low-cost airlines.
Entertainment: The airline doesn’t have built-in entertainment like seat-back screens, so you’ll want to bring your own distractions. They do have an in-flight magazine, which can be a decent way to pass the time if you forget to download something. No Wi-Fi either, so make sure your phone or tablet is stocked with movies, podcasts, or music.
Reputation: easyJet has a solid reputation, especially compared to other budget airlines. People generally see it as a step up in terms of service and comfort without the chaos you sometimes get elsewhere. It’s known for being reliable, with friendly crew and well-maintained planes. Of course, it’s still a low-cost airline, so delays and extra fees can happen, but overall, it’s one of the better choices if you want a stress-free experience without spending a fortune.
Fear of Flying Program: If you’re looking to tackle your fear of flying, easyJet offers a Fearless Flyer course that could help. There’s an online-only version that covers key tips and techniques, and a more comprehensive course that includes a ground session followed by an experience flight. The full course is available at multiple easyJet base airports and lets you apply what you’ve learned during an actual flight. The feedback from participants is generally positive, with many saying they felt more at ease during their flight after the course.

Ryanair

Pre-Flight Comfort: Ryanair doesn’t really excel in terms of pre-flight comfort. The check-in process is usually quick and straightforward, but there’s not much in terms of added comfort or personal touch. The boarding can feel a bit chaotic, and you don’t get any extra frills, just a basic, no-nonsense experience. If you’re looking for a calm, organized start to your flight, it might not be the best fit, but it’s efficient for what it is.
Crew Friendliness & Training: The crew can be hit-or-miss when it comes to friendliness and training. Some passengers report that the staff is efficient and professional, but others feel the service can be rushed or impersonal. It seems like it really depends on the flight and crew, so you might have a good experience or find them a bit more transactional. They’re trained to handle your security of course, but I wouldn’t count on them going above and beyond to make nervous flyers feel at ease.
Pilot Communication: Ryanair’s pilot communication is pretty minimal, especially compared to other airlines. You’ll hear some updates about the flight’s progress, but it’s not as frequent or reassuring as on other airlines. They’ll tell you if there’s turbulence ahead or when to expect descent, but it can sometimes feel a bit rushed. So if you’re someone who likes a lot of communication from the cockpit, you might not feel totally at ease with Ryanair’s approach.
Cabin Comfort: The comfort inside Ryanair’s cabin is very limited and basic. The seats are pretty cramped, and you won’t get much legroom, something typical of low-cost carriers. The cabin is clean, but it can feel a bit crowded, especially on full flights. Honestly, if you’re looking for extra comfort, you’ll probably want to bring your own cushion or blanket.
Entertainment: It’s no surprise to learn that they don’t offer any in-flight entertainment, so you’re on your own for distractions. There’s no seat-back screen or movie options, and no Wi-Fi either. If you’re easily bored, it’s a good idea to bring your own entertainment, download a show on your phone, or make sure you have a book ready. You can find more tips by reading my Distraction Techniques For Nervous Flyers article.
Reputation: Ryanair’s reputation can be a bit of a concern for nervous flyers. While the airline is known for being affordable, many passengers mention issues with customer service and delays, which can make the whole experience feel stressful. The crew is generally efficient, but they don’t always go out of their way to make you feel at ease, especially if you’re feeling anxious. Ryanair is reliable when it comes to safety, but the overall experience can feel less reassuring for those already nervous about flying. If you’re looking for a more comforting atmosphere, it might not be the best choice.
Fear of Flying Program: The airline doesn’t offer a specific fear of flying program like some other airlines do. If you’re looking for something that helps you tackle your anxiety before or during a flight, you won’t find that from Ryanair. They focus more on the basics of getting you from point A to point B at the lowest price, but there aren’t any dedicated resources or courses to help nervous flyers.

Wizz Air

Pre-Flight Comfort: Wizz Air doesn’t go above and beyond when it comes to pre-flight comfort. The check-in process is pretty standard, and boarding can feel a bit rushed, especially on the more crowded flights. There’s not much of a personal touch, and if you’re already feeling anxious about flying, it might add to your stress.
Crew Friendliness & Training: While it’s true that Wizz Air’s crew often gets a reputation for being polite but not overly warm, I’ve had really great experiences with them. In my case, the staff were always professional, not overly friendly, but certainly correct and competent. They may not go out of their way to reassure nervous flyers, but I never felt rushed or uncomfortable. It’s more of a matter of professionalism over warmth, which for some might be just what they need.
Pilot Communication: Pilots usually give the basic info like turbulence, weather, and when the descent is starting, but they don’t go into much more detail than that.
Cabin Comfort: The comfort of their cabin is pretty basic, but it’s still a step up from Ryanair. The seats are slim, and legroom can feel tight, especially on longer flights, so it can get cramped. However, the cabin is clean and functional, and it doesn’t feel as crowded or uncomfortable as Ryanair. While it’s still more about getting from point A to point B than luxury, it’s definitely a bit more comfortable overall.
Entertainment: Wizz Air doesn’t offer in-flight entertainment, so it’s all on you to stay distracted. No seat-back screens, no Wi-Fi, just the basics. Like mentioned before, if you’re worried about getting bored or anxious during the flight, it’s a good idea to download something to watch, or bring a book or music to help take your mind off things.
Reputation: They have a pretty solid reputation overall, especially when it comes to being punctual and budget-friendly. But when it comes to customer service, it’s a bit more mixed. Some people find the experience fine, while others think it’s a bit too basic or impersonal, especially if you’re looking for extra reassurance or comfort.
Fear of Flying Program: Wizz Air doesn’t offer a specific fear of flying program either nor do they have dedicated resources for nervous flyers.

Vueling

Pre-Flight Comfort: Vueling is decent when it comes to pre-flight comfort. The check-in process is pretty smooth, and the staff at the airport are generally helpful. It’s not as fancy as some other airlines, but you can expect a hassle-free experience overall. The boarding process is organized, and the vibe at the gate is usually calm, which might help if you’re already feeling a bit anxious before the flight.
Crew Friendliness & Training: The crew is overall polite and professional, and does a good job at making sure everything runs smoothly. While they’re not overly warm or conversational, they’re attentive when needed. If you’re a nervous flyer, you might not get a lot of extra comforting interactions, but overall, they keep things calm and organized, which can help ease the tension.
Pilot Communication: You can expect the usual announcements about flight time, weather, and when you’re starting the descent, but that’s about it. They’re professional and clear, but if you’re hoping for frequent reassurance, you might not get much beyond the essentials. That said, when there’s turbulence or delays, they do tend to keep passengers informed, which is always a plus when you’re feeling nervous.
Cabin Comfort: Vueling’s cabin comfort is decent for a budget airline. The seats are a bit on the firm side, and legroom isn’t the most generous, but it’s not the worst out there. The cabin itself is clean and modern, which helps make the experience feel a little less stressful. If you want extra space, you can pay for a seat with more legroom, which might be worth it if you get anxious about feeling cramped.
Entertainment: The airline does offer in-flight Wi-Fi, but it comes at an additional cost. You can choose a basic messaging package or a browsing and streaming one, depending on your needs. There are no seat-back screens though, so if you don’t want to pay for Wi-Fi, you’ll need to bring your own entertainment, especially if you get nervous.
Reputation: Vueling has a bit of a mixed reputation. On one hand, it’s seen as a decent option among low-cost airlines, offering reasonable fares and a good network of routes. On the other hand, delays and customer service complaints are pretty common, which can be stressful if you’re already nervous about flying. People generally find the flights themselves to be fine, but dealing with issues like last-minute changes or lost baggage can be frustrating. If everything goes smoothly, it’s a solid choice, but if problems come up, getting help might take some patience.
Fear of Flying Program: Vueling doesn’t offer a dedicated fear of flying course, but they do provide some tips on their website to help anxious passengers. They share advice on how to stay calm, prepare for your flight, and manage nerves, which can be useful if you’re feeling uneasy. While it’s not the same as a structured program, it’s still nice to see them acknowledge nervous flyers. If you need extra reassurance, letting the crew know might also be helpful.

Volotea

Pre-Flight Comfort: Like for the other low-cost airlines, Volotea’s check-in and boarding processes are quite efficient but also pretty straightforward. You won’t find much in terms of lounges or perks before your flight, but it’s functional and gets you through without any major issues.
Crew Friendliness & Training: The crew is generally polite and professional. They might not be overly chatty, but they’re competent and do their job well. Most passengers report that the staff is friendly, and you’ll likely feel taken care of, even if it’s not the most personal or warm interaction. It’s a good balance of professionalism and courtesy.
Pilot Communication: Just like most other low-cost airlines, Volotea’s pilot communication is pretty minimal. They do however give you the essential information you need, even though it might not be enough as a nervous flyer.
Cabin Comfort: The seats are on the smaller side, and the legroom isn’t amazing, so it might feel a bit snug if you’re tall. The cabin is clean, but there’s not much extra space or padding. It’s definitely not a place to relax for hours, but it’s fine for shorter trips.
Entertainment: Volotea does offer in-flight entertainment, but instead of seat-back screens, they provide a service through their app. You can access movies, TV shows, music, and more, but you’ll need to download the app before your flight to use it. It’s a good option for staying distracted, though it might not be as easy as having a screen right in front of you. Still, if you’re flying with them, it’s definitely worth checking out!
Reputation: Volotea has a mixed reputation. On one hand, it’s known for offering affordable flights to a lot of smaller, regional destinations, which is great if you’re looking for budget options. On the other hand, some passengers report that the experience can feel a bit basic, especially when it comes to customer service and reliability. While the airline gets decent marks for safety and efficiency, it doesn’t always have the most glowing reviews for comfort or extra amenities. It’s not the worst, but definitely keep your expectations in check if you’re nervous about flying!
Fear of Flying Program: Volotea doesn’t currently offer a specific fear of flying program or dedicated tips for nervous flyers on their website. However, they do provide general travel information and tips for a smoother journey, but there’s nothing aimed specifically at addressing flight anxiety. If you’re looking for support, you might need to explore other options like books, apps, or courses that focus on calming flight fears.

4. Summary : What's the Best Low-Cost Airline for Nervous Flyers?

Airline

Pre-Flight Comfort

Crew Friendliness

Pilot Communication

Cabin Comfort

Entertainment

Reputation

Fear of Flying Course

easyJet

Ryanair

Wizz Air

Vueling

Volotea

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5. Final Verdict: Which Low-Cost Airline Feels the Safest?

If you’re a nervous flyer looking for a budget airline that feels safe, easyJet and Vueling stand out as the best options. They offer reassuring crew interactions, smooth turbulence handling, and a modern cabin feel.
While Ryanair and Wizz Air are equally safe in terms of records, their no-frills approach can make them feel less comforting. Volotea is a great option if you prefer a smaller airline with a more personalized touch.

6. Bonus: Tips for Nervous Flyers on Any Airline

Choose seats over the wings for less turbulence.
Bring noise-canceling headphones to block out stressful sounds.
Use guided meditation apps like Calm or Headspace.
Focus on distractions—watch a movie, listen to music, or read.
Learn about how planes handle turbulence to ease anxiety.

Which budget airline do you feel safest flying with? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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