Which airline would be best in terms of extra fees, quality, safety, booking online, etc?

you'll just have to compare exact flights. Some flights have offers.. no taxes.. so it just depends. i prefer Easy Jet over Ryanair if they are both similar in price/scheduling.

Thanks for your response lincasanova. May I ask the reason behind your preference?

elaine123;
just to be in your mind. Last year in November I flied with ryan air from Verona to Madrid. It was so cheap, but the aircraft was an old one. on it's on website you may charge the ticket but luggages, service fees, assurance policy etc.. make the rate plus but besides all these details the price was so cheap when compared to other companies.. I hope this info will help you a little..

Me too. Ryan Air leaves a nasty taste in the mouth. You really feel you're being cheated by the initial low price then all the add-ons. But sometimes only Ryan Air flies to destinations.

Me too on Easyjet. Flying Ryanair makes you think you are less than human. The planes look like the insides of school buses and the ticket agents are Nazis. Easyjet is a budget airline, but doesn't feel like it.

How many routes do you have that choice on? Generally they don't operate the same routes so it's not a case of one or the other but the only.

In any case I refer OP to the standard text on low costs airlines - especially ones run by an Irishman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAg0lUYHHFc

However why assume that you have to use either? Plenty of low costs airlines in Europe - www.whichbudget.com

EasyJet just feels nicer. Plus they don't make non EU members get their boarding pass stamped at their ticket window. ( That's a nasty thing Ryanair invented I think hoping people don't do it and get refuse boarding at the gate.)

Easyjet reminded me much more of Southwest when I have used the former. Planes in good shape, efficient boarding, easily booked on line, and depending upon the route, flights into main airports.

"Last year in November I flied with ryan air from Verona to Madrid. It was so cheap, but the aircraft was an old one."

This is very strange as the average age of Ryanair planes is 3.9 years (15 years for American Airlines). The oldest plane dates back to 2002 and the newest one to April 2012.

This being said when I have choice I chose EasyJet over Ryanair. Pleasant staff and comfortable seats - (you don't stick to the plastic Ryanair armchairs).