Introduction
Embarking on a journey from the vibrant streets of London to the enchanting souks of Marrakech has never been more accessible. With the rise of low-cost carriers, finding cheap flights london to marrakech is now a standard expectation for savvy travelers. However, the base fare is rarely the final price you pay. Choosing between the major players requires a deep dive into their fee structures, airport hubs, and service quality. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision for your Moroccan adventure.
EasyJet vs. Ryanair: Which is Better for Morocco?
When it comes to flying from the UK to North Africa, two giants dominate the market: EasyJet and Ryanair. Both offer frequent connections, but their offerings differ significantly in terms of departure points and overall experience.
The Battle of the Hubs
EasyJet primarily operates its Marrakech routes out of London Gatwick (LGW) and occasionally London Luton (LTN). Gatwick is often preferred by travelers living in South London or those who value the efficiency of the Gatwick Express. On the other hand, Ryanair dominates the landscape at London Stansted (STN) and also operates out of Luton. Stansted is a major hub for low-cost travel, though it can be more difficult to reach depending on your starting point in the capital.
Flight Schedules and Reliability
Both airlines offer daily or near-daily flights during peak season. EasyJet tends to have slightly more ‘civilized’ departure times, whereas Ryanair is famous for its 6:00 AM departures. If you are a morning person, Ryanair might save you a few pounds, but factor in the cost of an early-morning taxi to Stansted if the trains aren’t running yet.
Understanding Baggage Fees and Restrictions
The days of a free carry-on suitcase are largely over in the world of budget aviation. Navigating the baggage maze is crucial to keeping your trip affordable.
- Ryanair: Their ‘Value’ fare only includes one small personal bag (40x20x25cm) that must fit under the seat in front of you. To bring a 10kg overhead locker bag, you must upgrade to ‘Priority & 2 Cabin Bags’, which can add anywhere from £10 to £30 per flight.
- EasyJet: Their standard booking allows one small cabin bag (45x36x20cm). If you want a large cabin bag, you must book a ‘Large Cabin Bag’ slot or be a member of EasyJet Plus. Their dimensions are slightly more generous than Ryanair’s, but they are equally strict about enforcement at the gate.
For those planning to bring back heavy Moroccan rugs or ceramics, checked luggage is a must. Both airlines charge tiered fees based on the weight (typically 15kg, 23kg, or 32kg). It is always significantly cheaper to book this online in advance than at the airport counter.
Booking Tips for Low-Cost Carriers
Securing the lowest possible price requires strategy. When you are budgeting for your trip, the flight is usually your biggest upfront expense, but it can be managed with a few pro tips.
Use Price Aggregators, Then Book Direct
Tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner are excellent for comparing dates. However, we recommend always completing your purchase directly on the airline’s official website. This makes it easier to manage your booking, add baggage later, and handle any potential flight cancellations or delays.
The Mid-Week Advantage
If your schedule allows, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday can often slash the price of your ticket in half compared to a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon flight. Marrakech is a popular weekend getaway for Londoners, so avoiding the weekend rush is the single best way to find cheap flights london to marrakech.
Hidden Costs of Budget Flying to Marrakech
The ‘teaser’ price you see on search engines rarely tells the whole story. To avoid a shock at checkout, watch out for these common add-ons:
- Seat Selection: If you want to sit with your travel companions, expect to pay between £5 and £20 per person, per way. Ryanair is notorious for randomly assigning seats to groups who don’t pay.
- Check-in Fees: Always check in online via the app. Ryanair, in particular, charges a hefty fee (up to £55) if you arrive at the airport and require staff to print your boarding pass.
- Currency Conversion: When booking, the airline may offer to convert the price from Dirhams to Pounds at their own ‘guaranteed’ rate. This is almost always a worse deal than your bank’s exchange rate. Always pay in the local currency of the departure country or the airline’s home currency.
On-board Services and Amenities Comparison
The flight from London to Marrakech takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. While not a long-haul flight, it is long enough that comfort starts to matter.
Legroom and Seating
Ryanair’s ‘Slimline’ seats do not recline and have a pitch of about 29-30 inches. EasyJet offers a similar experience but their seats are generally considered slightly more padded. If you are over six feet tall, purchasing an extra-legroom seat in the exit row is a worthwhile investment for a four-hour journey.
Food and Drink
Do not expect a free glass of water or a snack. Both airlines operate a ‘Buy on Board’ program. EasyJet’s ‘Eat.Drink.Shop’ menu generally has a wider variety of fresh sandwiches and artisan snacks. Ryanair’s menu is more standard ‘pub grub’ style. Pro tip: Buy a large bottle of water and a sandwich at the airport after security; it will likely be cheaper and higher quality than the on-board options.
Entertainment
Neither airline offers seatback screens or Wi-Fi on the Marrakech route. Ensure your devices are fully charged and your offline playlists or movies are downloaded before you leave the tarmac at Gatwick or Stansted. Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) does offer Wi-Fi, but it can be spotty, so have your hotel directions saved offline.
Conclusion
Choosing between EasyJet and Ryanair for your London to Marrakech flight often comes down to which London airport is closest to you and how much luggage you intend to carry. EasyJet offers a slightly more ‘premium’ budget experience with better airport locations, while Ryanair often wins on raw price for those traveling light. By understanding the baggage rules and avoiding hidden fees, you can ensure that your journey to the Red City is as affordable as it is exciting.
