Eurowings Vs Ryanair: Is Eurowings better than Ryanair?

The two well-known airlines of Europe, which are Eurowings and Ryanair, also provide a range of services, routes, and travel experiences in general. Ryanair is known for its very low prices and a massive number of destinations in Europe. As a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, Eurowings tries to position itself as a low-cost carrier with a higher grade of service and more comfortable options, and appeals to consumer groups that are interested in value between price and flying experience.

Network and Destinations

Eurowings is one of the Lufthansa Group discount carriers that are based in Europe, with its headquarters located in Germany and hubs in Düsseldorf and Cologne-Bonn. It runs its business in cities like Vienna and Hamburg and has a wide network with cities and holiday resorts across Europe, with a partial expansion to long-haul markets in the Caribbean and Asia. The Lufthansa Group produces network and travel options that suit business and leisure travelers looking for options that are diverse and occasionally exotic at a low cost. 

Ryanair concentrates its model on providing low-cost carriers across a wide geographical span of European destinations with a vastly larger route network at over 200 destination points across 37 countries. Ryanair has operating bases in multiple airports in major hubs such as London Stansted and Dublin, and uses lower-cost secondary airports to minimize its costs. This allows for more options for budget travelers on a regional and short to medium haul basis, but may have longer transfers to access the city center.

Pricing and Baggage Policies

Ryanair is generally less expensive, but often features more stringent baggage policies, allowing you only a smaller free personal item under the seat in front of you. Any larger carry-ons or checked bags will incur a fee, sometimes at very high amounts. If your bag is overweight or oversized, you can incur possible large fees. These types of policies can create surprise costs, especially for travelers not familiar with Ryanair's ways. 

On the other hand, Eurowings has a more generous hand luggage policy up to 8 kg for carry-on luggage versus the very small free personal item Ryanair has, and will include checked luggage in higher fare classes. There is also an option for passengers to prepay checked luggage, also with fees depending on timing and routes. 

In-Flight Experience and Comfort

Eurowings uses an enhanced experience model to provide travelers with an experience in the low-cost air travel market. Eurowings has different classes of seating, which are specifically designed with extra legroom and comfort for an additional fee. Both airlines provide snacks and beverages for purchase on board, but Eurowings typically provides a larger selection of both snacks and beverages, especially on longer routes. There is a continuous investment in in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi, sometimes, but not always at an added cost depending the aircraft and route.

Ryanair has a hard no-frills model within a low-cost flying experience; they provide no first-class seating with basic economy seating and no service beyond ticketed boarding on the airplane. The airline usually does not provide in-flight entertainment on board or Wi-Fi, as they focus on turnover and efficiency onboarding passengers rather than improving the flying experience. 

Customer Service and Reliability

Eurowings has the benefit of Lufthansa Group protocols for both safety and customer service. They can provide a better level of service with a clear process to communicate and support passengers when things go wrong. This can be comforting to customers who need reassurance beyond low prices.

Ryanair pursues aggressive cost reductions, even pressuring its customers, and receives downward criticism for its customer service level and lack of transparency, especially as it concerns a clear explanation of its delayed or cancelled service.

Conclusion

If the criteria were based solely on the lowest cost and the widest range of destinations in Europe, Ryanair is the better choice. If the criteria were based on a better overall travel experience, including an improvement in level of comfort, baggage allowances, and customer service, Eurowings is the better choice. The decision about which airline is better will always depend on travel plans, budget, and personal desires.