Flop 10 of Europe's poorest-performing airlines take flight in the region of Bavaria
Europe's Least Reliable and Least Satisfying Airlines: Finnair, Vueling, and Ryanair
According to the Flightright Index 2025, Finnair, Vueling, and Ryanair have been ranked as the least reliable and least satisfying European airlines [1][2][4]. The index evaluates airlines primarily on flight reliability, compensation payment behavior, and customer satisfaction related to disruptions [1][2][3].
Finnair, a Finnish airline, scored the lowest overall with 2.48 out of 5 points, making it the worst-rated airline in the index [2][4]. Vueling, a Spanish budget airline, and Ryanair followed closely behind in the ranking [1][2].
KLM was also ranked poorly, placed fifth-worst in Europe, with low scores in reliability and customer satisfaction, partly attributed to issues like strikes affecting operations [3][5]. Among German airlines, Lufthansa performed poorly as well, ranked 14th overall with concerns about compensation policy [2]. On the other hand, TUIfly, Eurowings, and Discover Airlines had varying lower rankings but better handling of compensation in some cases [2].
Finnair received a poor rating of 1.5 stars in reliability, while Vueling and Ryanair received 2 stars for their payment behavior [1][2]. The payment behavior of Finnair is also problematic, receiving 3 stars.
The Flightright Index 2025 evaluates the 20 largest European airlines in terms of reliability, customer satisfaction, and payment behavior [1][2][3]. British Airways (3.15 stars) and Austrian Airlines (3.07 stars) received the best ratings, while easyJet (2.03 stars) and SAS (2.05 stars) were the worst performers in customer satisfaction [1][2][4]. Discover Airlines, Eurowings, and Iberia are highlighted as clear winners in the ranking [1][2].
Flightright expert Feyza Türkök emphasizes that "flying should not be a game of chance." Türkök demands that travelers should consider punctuality and service quality, not just cheap prices [1]. She also provides tips for more affordable alternatives for travel.
Interestingly, all ten airlines with the worst ratings fly regularly to Bavarian airports, including Munich, Nuremberg, and Memmingen [1]. Ryanair serves the airports of Nuremberg and Memmingen in Bavaria.
As the cost of flying from Germany continues to rise, making travel a luxury for many, it is crucial to make informed decisions when choosing an airline. Türkök's advice is to prioritize punctuality, service quality, and fair compensation policies over low prices.
[1] Flightright Index 2025: https://www.flightright.de/flugrechte/flugrechtsindex/ [2] Flightright Index 2025 Results: https://www.flightright.de/flugrechte/flugrechtsindex/ergebnisse/ [3] KLM Strikes Affect Operations: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56544614 [4] Finnair's Lowest Rating: https://www.flightright.de/flugrechte/flugrechtsindex/ergebnisse/finnair/ [5] Lufthansa's Compensation Policy Concerns: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lufthansa-passenger-rights-idUSKBN26A29B
- In the Flightright Index 2025, Finnair, a Finnish airline, was judged based on factors like finance, as it scored the lowest overall, showing financial instability.
- For people who prioritize lifestyle and leisure, choosing airlines like Discover Airlines, Eurowings, and Iberia may be preferable, as they are highlighted as clear winners in the index based on business practices related to passenger satisfaction and compensation.
- For those who enjoy sports and travel, it's important to note that budget airlines like Ryanair, which serves airports in Bavaria, may offer cheaper flights, but they also rank poorly in terms of reliability and customer satisfaction according to the Flightright Index 2025.
