easyJet

easyJet occupies the middle market between Ryanair budget and legacy airline pricing, serving larger airports that Ryanair avoids (Heathrow, CDG, and Amsterdam Schiphol are in the easyJet network) at prices that undercut legacy carriers by 30-50% on comparable routes. The cabin product is standardized: allocated seating, no middle seats available in the front rows via Up Front and Extra Legroom selection ($10-25 extra), no free food but a trolley service. The practical advantage over Ryanair for infrequent fliers: easyJet fee structure is more predictable and the penalties for not reading the fine print are smaller. The easyJet Plus membership ($225/year) provides hand luggage allowance, seat selection, and fast track security worth the cost for travelers flying more than 8 easyJet segments annually. Luton, Gatwick, and Bristol are the primary UK hubs; the Mediterranean and Canary Island routes have the best value.