Quick verdict
Ryanair and Brussels Airlines present distinct travel experiences suited to different types of passengers. Ryanair offers budget-friendly pricing, a strictly low-cost model, and a higher flexibility in route options, but lacks comfort in cabin classes and in-flight amenities. Conversely, Brussels Airlines provides a full-service experience with multiple cabin classes, included meals, and better baggage allowances, but at a higher price point. While both airlines have a similar on-time performance and a solid safety record, travelers looking for budget options may prefer Ryanair, whereas those seeking comfort and service quality might opt for Brussels Airlines.
At a glance
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Ryanair and Brussels Airlines are two prominent international carriers, each representing its region with different service models and offerings. This comparison highlights their key strengths to help travelers make informed decisions based on their individual preferences and needs.
About Ryanair Read more
Overview
Ryanair is an Irish ultra-low-cost airline headquartered in Swords, County Dublin. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in 1984 by Christopher Ryan and Tony Ryan, and began flying on 8 July 1985 between Waterford and London Gatwick. It is the largest airline in Europe by scheduled passengers carried, fleet size and number of flights. The parent company, Ryanair Holdings plc, is listed on Euronext Dublin and Nasdaq. Its airline subsidiaries are Ryanair DAC, Buzz, Malta Air, Lauda Europe and Ryanair UK. Michael O'Leary is group chief executive. Ryanair does not belong to any airline alliance.
Network and hubs
The group serves around 230 airports in 36 countries and operates more than 3,500 short-haul flights a day. Its main bases are Dublin, London Stansted (the largest base) and Milan Bergamo. It also has bases across the UK, Spain, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Morocco and many other countries. Wikipedia lists Berlin as ending on 24 October 2026 and Thessaloniki on 25 October 2026. The network is point-to-point and focuses on Europe, North Africa and nearby regions. There are no long-haul services.
Fleet
As of April 2026, Wikipedia lists a group fleet of 651 aircraft:
- 410 Boeing 737-800
- 210 Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 (197 seats)
- 26 Airbus A320-200, operated by Lauda Europe
- 1 Boeing 737-700, operated by Buzz
- 4 Bombardier Challenger 3500 business jets for engineering and crew transport
There are 150 Boeing 737 MAX 10 on order, with deliveries scheduled from 2027 to 2033. An earlier snapshot from Flightradar24 counted 611 aircraft in February 2026, so totals vary by source and date.
On board
Ryanair operates a single economy cabin. Seat pitch, in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi and meal details were not confirmed in the sources reviewed. Food and drink are generally sold on board rather than included, but check the airline's website for current offerings.
Good to know
- Baggage: since August 2018, passengers must buy Priority Boarding to carry both a large and a small cabin bag, according to Wikipedia. Current bag sizes, weights and checked-bag fees should be checked on ryanair.com before travel.
- Punctuality: Ryanair lost landing slots at Eindhoven in November 2025 after repeated delays, according to Wikipedia. No on-time figure is quoted here because none was verified.
- Lounges and upgrades: none were identified in the sources reviewed.
- Group operators: some flights are operated by Buzz, Malta Air, Lauda Europe or Ryanair UK under the Ryanair brand.
About Brussels Airlines Read more
Overview
Brussels Airlines is the flag carrier of Belgium. It was formed by an amalgamation on 7 November 2006 and began operations on 25 March 2007. It is part of the Lufthansa Group, is a member of Star Alliance and is headquartered at Brussels Airport. Its IATA code SN is inherited from Sabena and SN Brussels Airlines. Its ICAO code is BEL and its call sign is BEE-LINE. The code DAT, supplied in the request, does not match the Wikipedia entry.
Network and hubs
The only hub is Brussels Airport. According to Wikipedia, the airline serves 93 destinations, mainly in Europe, Africa and North America. It has long been known for its West and Central African network, and it kept flying to Western Africa during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. It has interline agreements with other carriers, including Africa World Airlines, which connects Accra and Brussels.
Fleet
The fleet is all-Airbus. Wikipedia lists 48 aircraft, with 5 more on order (retrieved October 2026):
- 13 Airbus A319-100, 141 seats, to be replaced by the A320neo
- 16 Airbus A320-200, 180 seats
- 8 Airbus A320neo, 180 seats; 5 more on order
- 11 Airbus A330-300, 293 seats, including 30 in Business
The airline received its first A320neo in November 2023. These were the first new aircraft in its history. It planned to have eight by summer 2026.
On board
Long-haul A330-300 aircraft have a Business cabin and an Economy cabin. Short- and medium-haul aircraft have a single-class layout with 141 to 180 seats. Seat pitch, meal, entertainment and Wi-Fi details were not confirmed from sources for this profile. Check the airline's website for the fare and route being booked.
Good to know
- Loyalty programme: Miles & More, shared with the Lufthansa Group, and Star Alliance benefits apply.
- Baggage allowances and change fees depend on fare and route. See the airline's website for current rules.
- The airline has about 4,000 employees and its CEO is Lorenza Maggio, per Wikipedia.
Ranking
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