What it’s like to fly with Ryanair

Ryanair is one of the world’s most popular and “hated” airlines. Every month, they fly about 10 million passengers, which in itself is a world record. Flying with Ryanair is something that some say they would never do, but why?

Ryanair is no worse than any other low-cost or mid-cost airline, on the contrary, it offers unbelievably affordable airline tickets, and they are rarely delayed. I often fly with Ryanair, and there are both good and bad things about it.

Here’s my full review of what it’s like to fly with Ryanair, to put an end to all rumors once and for all.

Check in

Most of the time it goes smoothly. They often have many check-in counters which make things efficient. If you have no baggage to check in, just check in online or via the app, then go directly to the security check and gate.

The staff is friendly, and as long as you follow their luggage rules and write the correct name in the booking, everything will go smoothly.

Ryanair Luggage – dimensions and weight

When booking your trip with Ryanair, you can choose to add 15-20 kg in luggage. The price of checked baggage varies depending on the distance you are traveling. Full price list is available on their website. If you are overweight on your checked baggage, it costs £ 10 / € 10 per kg (or equivalent in local currency).

As hand luggage you can bring the following:

A cabin bag weighing up to 10 kg with a maximum size of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, plus one small bag up to 35x20x20cm can be carried per passenger.

Type of Aircraft

Ryanair actually only uses one type of aircraft, and that is the Boeing 737-800.

Boarding

What I like least about flying with Ryanair is how they manage the boarding at some airports. Sometimes you have to get up in line for a long time to queue. Sometimes you even get to queue to enter the waiting room at the gate.

The waiting time at boarding is one of two points where I wish to see an improvement. It is undoubtedly one of Ryanair’s weakest points.

Service

The service, however, is always on top and you will be greeted with a smile and welcome by the cabin crew. I have nothing to complain about regarding the service on board. On the contrary, it is something I want to emphasize. The flight crew is always smiling and being polite, even during the security review, which many people otherwise ignore as they go through as usual.

The only negative I can think of when it comes to Ryanair’s service is that they like to sell lots of tax-free and remind both once and twice of their offers. However, this is not a negative thing for all travelers. So, on the contrary, many travelers appreciate this.

The lotteries they sell also go to charity, so that’s positive. Other positive things are that the cabin crew comes fast when you push the service button, and they always answer questions. They usually go several times with the snacks & beverage cart as well.

Food and drinks are not expensive either; the prices are much like any other than any typical airline company.

Ryanair app

Easy to use with everything needed. If you have checked into the app, you can access the boarding card without Wi-Fi. To check in using the app is incredibly smooth and doesn’t take more than a minute.

You can also book travels and anything you may need during the trip directly within the app.

Advantages of Flying with Ryanair

• Super cheap flights
• Lots of destinations
• Most often in time
• Generous baggage rules
• Great cabin crew
• Great pilots

Disadvantages of Flying with Ryanair

• Unsatisfactory boarding at some airports
• Nothing luxurious
• On some destinations, the airport is a bit remote
• Extra fees for luggage
• Extra fees for adding luggage at airport
• Expensive overweight charges

If you just want to get from A to B, then Ryanair is a perfect choice, as you won’t overpay. I don’t see any real differences between a regular airline company (not talking about Emirates, Qatar Airways, and other luxurious airlines) and Ryanair, besides that Ryanair almost always arrive on time and have super low prices if you book in advance.

Summary of traveling with Ryanair

Flying with Ryanair is as you may understand not very luxurious, but is in no way inconvenient either if you ask me. The aircraft used is modern, the cabin crew is nice and helpful.

It’s extremely cheap, and despite the low price, you get to bring two hand luggage = 1 normal bigger one and 1 small hand luggage.

they don’t have any long-haul flights that are longer than 5-6 hours since they mainly operate within Europe. And thanks to Ryanair, it is now very easy to travel short distances cheaply in Europe.

When it comes to fees, there is not really much to say other than, just follow their rules and you don’t have to worry.

All in all, I would highly recommend other travelers to fly with Ryanair. I have yet to experience a more priceworthy airline company!

Ryanair is operating from most of the countries in Europe, and they offer cheap flights to many different destinations. Have you flown with Ryanair? Do you share my experience and thoughts, or do you have other stories to tell? Feel free to share in the comment section!