If you’re planning your first-time travel with Ryanair—or your hundredth—you probably have many questions that you haven’t yet found answers to.
This low-cost airline has a specific booking process and rules that are important to understand to make your experience as smooth as possible and, most importantly, free of unexpected extra costs.
This guide covers all the key information you need to know before traveling with Ryanair and similar budget airlines.
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Let’s Start with the Eternal Question: Why Are Ryanair Tickets So Cheap?
Many people wonder how Ryanair can offer such low ticket prices and whether flying at such a cost is even safe. The answer lies in their business model:
Supply and Demand: The lowest prices are available at the start of the sales period and for less popular routes or travel dates. As the flight date approaches and demand increases, ticket prices rise. Tickets can range from as low as €5 to as high as €500—similar to the stock market!
Additional Services: While the base fare is cheap, Ryanair makes money from add-ons like baggage fees, seat selection, and selling food and drinks.
Efficiency: The airline maximizes flight operations and uses secondary airports, which are less expensive.
It’s important to note that Ryanair flights are just as safe as any other airline, as all planes must adhere to strict European regulations.
The Ticket Booking Process
Ryanair is known for its low prices, but the booking process can be confusing for inexperienced travelers. Here are some key steps to keep in mind:
Base Fare: The price you see during booking is the base fare, but add-ons like baggage, seat selection, and priority boarding are charged separately. Essentially, the fare only covers transport from point A to point B; everything else costs extra.
Extras: Be mindful of pre-selected options like insurance, car rentals, and accommodation. Carefully review these options to avoid unnecessary expenses. While Ryanair offers these during booking, you don’t have to take them—just follow the “skip” or “continue without” instructions to avoid extra charges.
Good News: Using the onboard restroom is still free! 😄
Payment: Payment can be made via card, but Ryanair sometimes charges fees for certain types of cards. Don’t worry, though—most standard payment methods come without extra charges.
Baggage/luggage when travel with Ryanair
Ryanair has strict baggage rules, so it’s crucial to know in advance what you can bring:
Checked Baggage: Checked luggage (up to 20 kg) is charged extra, and the price depends on the route and when you add baggage to your reservation. It’s cheaper to add baggage during online booking than later—and even cheaper during the final step, where discounts are often applied.
Larger Hand Luggage (Carry-On): If you need a bigger bag (up to 10 kg and dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm), you’ll need to purchase Priority Pass or pay extra for carry-on luggage. Prices average around €15, depending on your travel date, how close it is to departure, and demand. This option can sell out if many passengers book it, as overhead locker space is limited.
Luggage selection if you want to travel cheaper (Ryanair small hand luggage)
(Small) Hand Luggage: Passengers with a basic ticket can bring one small bag measuring up to 40 x 20 x 25 cm that must fit under the seat. This is the most popular option for short weekend trips (2–4 days) when you don’t need much luggage. There’s no extra charge for this bag, but you can’t bring an additional bag along with it.
100 ml Rule: All liquids in hand luggage (both small and large) must be in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag with a capacity of up to 1 liter.
Priority Pass for travel with ryanair
A Priority Pass allows you to:
- Board the plane before other passengers.
- Bring additional carry-on luggage.
If you plan to carry more items or want to board early, this is a practical option.
Seat Selection
Seats aren’t automatically assigned with the basic fare. If you want to choose a seat (e.g., window, exit row, extra legroom), you’ll need to pay extra. Seat prices depend on how “good” the seat is; typically, seats with more legroom or near the front of the plane are more expensive, ranging from €5 to €30.
The good news is you don’t have to purchase a seat reservation. If you opt for “random allocation,” you’ll get a seat assigned randomly—usually one less desirable, like in the middle or at the back of the plane. But if your priority is getting from one city to another as cheaply as possible, does it really matter where you sit for a couple of hours? 😉
Check-in to travel with Ryanair
Online Check-In: Available 24 to 2 hours before the flight. If you don’t complete online check-in, you’ll have to pay an additional fee (usually around €55) at the airport.
This is a common mistake for new travelers.
Boarding Pass: After online check-in, you must print the boarding pass or save it in the Ryanair mobile app. A PDF document on your phone also works—just ensure it’s downloaded, so you don’t risk losing internet access when you need it.
Travel Documents: Make sure your personal/ID information matches the details on your ticket, as you won’t be allowed to board otherwise.
Arriving at the Airport
Checked Baggage: Arrive at least 2–2.5 hours before departure if you have checked luggage. Check-in closes 60 minutes before the flight.
Security Checks: Allow extra time for security screening, especially during peak seasons and at major European airports.
Gate: Be at the gate no later than 40 minutes before departure. Gates close 30 minutes before the flight, and the plane will not wait for late passengers.
Food and Drinks when travel with Ryanair
Ryanair doesn’t provide free food or drinks. However, you can purchase items onboard. To save money, bring your own snacks, but remember the 100 ml liquid rule. Once you pass security, you can buy drinks at the airport without restrictions on quantity.
Money-Saving Tips
Flexible Dates: Flights midweek and early in the morning are often cheaper.
Track Deals: Subscribe to Ryanair’s newsletter for discount information. They have promotions every few weeks.
Pack Smart: Travel with hand luggage only to avoid extra costs. If you find cheap tickets, your travel cost could be as low as €10. I once bought round-trip tickets from Zagreb to Milan for €4.99 each way! 🥳
Canceling a Trip and Getting a Refund with Ryanair?
I’ll have to disappoint you and say that canceling a flight ticket and getting a refund with Ryanair is simply not an option. If your ticket wasn’t expensive and you can’t make the trip, it’s usually more practical to just skip the flight. If the ticket was a bit pricier, you can always opt for travel insurance.
Travel cancellation insurance typically needs to be purchased within 24 hours of booking your tickets (some insurance providers allow up to 5 days). The cost is reasonable, usually around 2-4% of the ticket price. This insurance often comes bundled with travel health insurance, so for a €300 ticket, the total cost with all insurance would be around €15.
Reservation Changes
If you need to change your flight or the name on your ticket, fees apply. The cost depends on when you make the changes.
Always Check the Latest Information before travel with Ryanair
Ryanair frequently updates its rules and conditions, so always check their official website for the latest information before traveling. This way, you’ll avoid unexpected costs and issues.
With my tips, you now know exactly what to expect and where to watch out for budget travel tricks.
Flying with Ryanair can be an excellent way to explore new destinations affordably, as long as you plan and understand their rules.
And no, the plane won’t crash just because your ticket was cheap. 😉 Safe travels!
If you are interested in how to get cheap plane tickets every time, read: How to Find Cheap Flights EVERYTIME – Plane Tickets for Less
For more inspiration and travel ideas, check out my Instagram i Facebook.
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