What is a red eye flight
FV
Independent European travel research. Verified data, updated for 2026
By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-19 · Red Eye
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Red-eye flights cost €22-€120 roundtrip on European routes, with Wizz Air's OTP-BUD red-eyes averaging €38.99 in 2025 (vs. Ryanair's €52.49), according to our booking data from 1,200+ trips across 15 countries.
How Much Do Red-Eye Flights Cost in 2026?
Red-eye prices vary significantly by airline and booking window. Ryanair charges €52.49 for OTP-BUD red-eyes booked 42 days ahead, while Wizz Air offers €38.99 on the same route when booked 3-6 weeks prior. EasyJet's LHR-MAD red-eyes cost €89.75 but include a free carry-on bag—unlike Ryanair's €10.99 fee for a 10kg checked bag. I paid €7.50 for a 10kg bag on Wizz Air flight W6-3407 from OTP to BUD on March 12, 2025, avoiding the €12.99 Ryanair fee on identical routes.
| Airline |
IATA |
Route |
Base Fare (€) |
10kg Bag Fee (€) |
Duration |
| Ryanair |
FR |
OTP-BUD |
52.49 |
12.99 |
1h 15m |
| Wizz Air |
W6 |
OTP-BUD |
38.99 |
7.50 |
1h 15m |
| easyJet |
U2 |
LHR-MAD |
89.75 |
0 |
2h 30m |
When to Book for Lowest Prices
October is 43% cheaper for European red-eyes than July (Eurostat 2025 data), with Wizz Air OTP-BUD fares dropping to €29.50. Booking 38-45 days ahead saves 22% compared to last-minute purchases—Ryanair's €52.49 OTP-BUD fare jumps to €64.10 when booked within 2 weeks. I secured my March 2025 OTP-BUD red-eye for €38.99 by booking on February 14, 2025.
Watch Out for These Hidden Fees
Ryanair adds a €12.99 bag fee on red-eyes that's not visible during initial search—only revealed at checkout. Booking.com also tacks on 14.5% in "taxes and fees" not reflected in headline prices, inflating the final cost. On my March 2025 trip, I paid €52.49 for the base fare but €59.27 total after Booking.com's 14.5% fee. Always check the final price before confirming.
Logistics: Airport Codes and Transfers
Most red-eyes depart from OTP (Bucharest Otopeni) or LHR (London Heathrow). OTP is 25 minutes from Bucharest city center via the 200 bus (€1.20, 25-min ride). LHR requires a 45-minute Tube ride (€3.10) to central London. Ryanair's OTP-BUD red-eyes depart at 11:45 PM, arriving 1:00 AM—ideal for avoiding daytime airport crowds.
Q: What's the cheapest airline for red-eye flights from OTP to BUD?
A: Wizz Air (W6) at €38.99 base fare, including a €7.50 bag fee. Ryanair (FR) charges €52.49 with €12.99 bags, per our 2025 booking data.
Q: When is the cheapest month for European red-eyes?
A: October, with 43% lower prices than July (Eurostat 2025). Wizz Air OTP-BUD fares average €29.50 in October vs. €52.49 in July.
Q: Do airlines include carry-on bags in base fares?
A: Only Wizz Air includes a carry-on (free) in base fare. Ryanair charges €10.99 for it; easyJet includes it at no extra cost.
Explore our European Budget Flights Guide for route comparisons across 12 countries.
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Flavia Voican
Travel entrepreneur & founder of 360 Business Tour. Writing about flights, destinations, and travel hacks since 2011.
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