Going on vacation is above all a chance to unwind, discover new things… and stress even before you board. There’s nothing worse than a flight that’s delayed, canceled, or a service that falls short. In 2025, several European airlines posted catastrophic performances. And it’s not just the low-cost carriers: some big names are on the list too!
According to a Flightright study relayed by several media outlets, five carriers stand out for being particularly low on the standings. Frequent delays, questionable compensation policies, and a disappointing customer experience. In short, everything you want to avoid when you’re dreaming of a relaxed vacation. Here’s everything you need to know before you click “Book.”
The Low-Cost Carriers Aren’t So Great
EasyJet, Ryanair and Vueling rank among the worst performers in Europe.
- EasyJet earns the worst customer-satisfaction score (2.03/5), despite a decent reliability rating (3/5).
- Ryanair suffers from a low compensation performance (2/5) and a service judged mediocre (2.25/5), even if its on-time rate is a bit higher (3.5/5).
- Vueling, the Spanish carrier, is also criticized: customer satisfaction rated at 2.06/5, average compensation of 2/5, and reliability only at 3.5/5.
So, if low-cost carriers aren’t the riskiest anymore… they’re often problematic when it comes to service and handling unforeseen issues. If you bank on price, make sure you have a solid backup plan.
The Major Airlines That Disappointed the Most
A surprise in the Flightright 2025 rankings: KLM and Finnair find themselves in a bad spot.
- KLM, yet a venerable aviation institution, posts an overall score of only 2.72/5. Customer reviews plunge to 2.15/5, and even a strong compensation score (4/5) isn’t enough to offset the gaps in punctuality (2/5).
- Finnair is basically the bottom of the chart: reliability catastrophe (1.5/5) and disappointing compensation performance (3/5), for an overall score of 2.48/5.
These examples show that even airlines known for quality can disappoint. Especially when delays pile up, refunds lag, and service stagnates. Takeaway: there’s no harm in avoiding these players if you’re aiming for a stress-free experience.
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In summary, five European carriers—EasyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, KLM, and Finnair—posted the worst scores in 2025 for on-time performance, compensation, and customer satisfaction. The takeaway? Avoid them if you value your vacation, comfort, and time.
Rather than rushing to book the cheapest ticket, prioritize reliability. Check customer feedback and familiarize yourself with compensation policies. In short, travel smart: for your 2025 flights, aim for peace of mind rather than bargain promos!
