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Ryanair is Europe’s most popular, low-cost airline known for their too-good-to-be-true ticket prices. However, in order to keep things budget-friendly you have to know the ins and outs of their rules and regulations. Ryanair charges extra fees for almost everything if you’re not careful. Follow this guide to ensure a hassle-free trip.
Double-check your booking
Ryanair’s most expensive fee is the “Name Change Fee.” Make sure the information you type in your booking matches your passport exactly. There are horror stories out there of people using nicknames instead of first names, misspelling a name or leaving a letter off. Expect to pay 160 euros at the airport if there’s an error. If you catch it ahead of time you can make changes by contacting customer service but they’ll charge you 110 euros. Long story short, it never hurts to double-check all of your information before submitting.
Check in online and be on time
You must check in online or that’ll be more money out of your pocket. You will be paying an extra 50 euros if you arrive at the airport without being checked in. Check-in opens 60 days before a flight and closes two hours before take off. If you’re flying round-trip, don’t forget to check in for each flight to and from your destination. Arrive at your boarding gate 30 minutes before departure or you won’t be allowed on the plane. Don’t test your luck, because there are no refunds.
Print your boarding pass
Yes, this can be a bit of an inconvenience but it will save you time and money in the end. After you check-in online you must print your boarding pass. Again, if you’re flying round-trip be sure to print both boarding passes. Bring the hard copy with you to the airport, because if you arrive empty handed that’s 15 euros out of your pocket for a piece of paper.
Don’t break the baggage rules
Each passenger gets two free cabin bags to bring on the plane. One is a 10-kilogram bag with a maximum size of 55-by-40-by-20-centimeters. The other is a small personal bag with a maximum size of 35-by-20-by-20-centimeters. Follow the baggage measurements for your carry-ons or you’ll end up paying more to check them in.
If you’re worried about not making the cut then stay on the safe side, and check in a 20-kilogram piece of luggage. Checking in bigger luggage online can cost 15 to 60 euros depending on the flight and travel dates. If you wait to check luggage at the airport, the starting price bumps up to 35 euros. To save money, you can always “luggage pool” with a family member or friend. Split the space and the cost of checking a 20-kilogram bag. Be careful not to go over in weight! Ryanair charges 10 euros per kilogram over weight.
Research exactly where you’re flying
Majority of Ryanair flights fly to and from secondary airports. This means that you’re most likely not flying into a main airport. You may very well be landing miles and miles away from a major city. For example, Ryanair flies to “Barcelona,” but actually flies into Barcelona Reus and Barcelona Girona airports. Both airports are around 100 kilometers away from Barcelona’s city center. Always research exactly where you’re flying into and what form of transportation is best to reach your actual destination from the airport.
Pack water and snacks
It doesn’t matter if your flight is one hour or five hours, there are zero free drinks and snacks when flying with Ryanair. Pack an empty water bottle or buy one at the airport once you pass security. You can take snacks and meals on a flight but double-check any type of food restrictions. Although airport food is expensive it’s usually cheaper than Ryanair’s prices. You’re better off grabbing something to go before take off.
Although this list of what to expect can be ominous, Ryanair can be an easy and affordable way to hop from one European country to another. Ryanair truly does save you money on flights compared to other airlines a majority of the time. If you plan ahead and follow the rules, you’ll be all set for a great experience. Happy traveling with Ryanair!
