As a travel blogger, I’m always looking for ways to make my journeys as comfortable and affordable as possible.
That’s why I’m here to review Ryanair, one of the largest low-cost airlines in Europe, to determine whether it is a good airline or not.
Overview of Ryanair
Ryanair is an Irish low-cost airline founded in 1985 and headquartered in Swords, Dublin, Ireland.
It is the largest airline in Europe by the number of passengers carried, with over 139 million passengers in 2018.
Ryanair operates more than 2,000 routes across 37 countries and serves over 200 destinations.
The airline’s fleet consists of Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737 MAX 8, and Airbus A320-200 aircraft.
Pros of Flying Ryanair
As a travel blogger who has a keen interest in aviation, I have had the pleasure of flying with Ryanair on several occasions.
Here are some of the pros of flying with this airline:
Low Prices
One of the main benefits of flying with Ryanair is that it is incredibly budget-friendly.
I have found that their prices are often the lowest in comparison to other airlines.
For example, I recently flew from London to Barcelona for less than $50. This was an incredible deal and allowed me to save money on my travels.
Frequent Flights
Ryanair also offers frequent flights to many destinations.
This is great for those who need to travel last minute or who want to take advantage of the low prices.
I recently had to travel to Paris on short notice and was able to find a flight with Ryanair that fit my needs perfectly.
Customer Service
In recent times, I have found that the customer service of Ryanair is excellent. (Years ago, this was not the case)
The staff are usually friendly, helpful, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure that I have a pleasant experience.
On one occasion, I was running late for my flight and the staff made sure that I was able to board the plane without any issues.
Cons of Flying Ryanair
Limited In-Flight Amenities
Ryanair flights offer limited in-flight amenities.
There is no in-flight entertainment or meals available, and the selection of drinks and snacks is quite limited.
This makes it difficult to pass the time on longer flights and can make the experience less enjoyable.
Fees Are Not Always Obvious
Ryanair is known for charging for things that are usually included in the ticket price, such as baggage fees, seat selection fees, and food and drinks on board.
Strict Baggage Policies
Ryanair has strict baggage policies, with a limited allowance for carry-on bags and additional fees for checked baggage.
No-frills Approach
Ryanair’s no-frills approach means that the in-flight experience is basic and minimalistic, with no free food or drinks, limited legroom, and no entertainment options.
FAQs
What is the cost of tickets on Ryanair?
The cost of tickets on Ryanair varies depending on the route and the date of travel.
Prices start from as low as €19.99 for a one-way ticket.
Prices can also vary depending on the type of ticket you purchase, such as a Flexi Plus ticket, which is more expensive than a Standard ticket.
What are the fees for checked baggage on Ryanair?
Ryanair charges a fee for checked baggage, depending on the route and the type of ticket you purchase.
For example, a Standard ticket includes one piece of checked baggage up to 15kg, while a Flexi Plus ticket includes two pieces of checked baggage up to 15kg each.
Additional baggage can be purchased for a fee.
Does Ryanair have a loyalty program?
Yes, Ryanair has a loyalty program called Ryanair Rewards.
Members of the program can earn points for every flight they take and redeem those points for discounts on future flights.
Members also receive exclusive discounts and offers.
Does Ryanair have a loyalty program?
Yes, Ryanair has a loyalty program called Ryanair Rewards.
Members of the program can earn points for every flight they take and redeem those points for discounts on future flights.
Members also receive exclusive discounts and offers.
What is Ryanair’s baggage allowance?
Ryanair’s baggage allowance varies depending on the type of ticket you purchase.
For example, a Standard ticket includes one piece of checked baggage up to 15kg, while a Flexi Plus ticket includes two pieces of checked baggage up to 15kg each.
Passengers are also allowed to bring one piece of cabin baggage up to 10kg
Does Ryanair offer any promotions or discounts for booking flights?
Yes, Ryanair offers a variety of promotions and discounts for booking flights.
Ryanair offers a “Price Drop Guarantee”, which allows customers to get a refund if the price of their flight drops after they have booked it.
Ryanair also has a “Family Discount”, which gives discounts to families of four or more when they book flights together.
Additionally, Ryanair offers discounts for students, seniors, and military personnel.
What is Ryanair’s policy for changing or canceling flights?
Ryanair’s policy for changing or canceling flights depends on the fare type.
For the “Flexi Plus” fare, customers can change or cancel their flight up to two hours before departure without any fees.
For the “Flexi” fare, customers can change or cancel their flight up to 24 hours before departure without any fees.
For the “Standard” fare, customers can change or cancel their flight up to 48 hours before departure but will incur a fee.
How comfortable are the seats on Ryanair’s planes?
The seats on Ryanair’s planes are comfortable for short flights.
The seats are ergonomically designed and have adjustable headrests and footrests for added comfort.
The seats also have ample legroom and are wide enough for most passengers.
Does Ryanair have in-flight entertainment options?
Yes, Ryanair offers in-flight entertainment options.
Customers can access the in-flight entertainment system via their personal devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
The system offers a variety of movies, TV shows, music, and games.
Customers can also access the system via the in-flight Wi-Fi, which is available on select flights.
Does Ryanair serve meals on its flights?
No, Ryanair does not serve meals on its flights.
Passengers may purchase food and drinks on board, but these items are not included in the ticket price.
Ryanair offers a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and drinks for purchase, including alcoholic beverages.
Passengers may also bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, provided they meet the airline’s size and security restrictions.
Does Ryanair offer WiFi on its flights?
Yes, Ryanair offers WiFi on its flights.
Passengers can purchase a WiFi package before their flight, which will allow them to access the internet during the flight.
The packages vary in price and data allowance, so passengers should check the Ryanair website for more information.
Does Ryanair allow advance seat assignments?
Yes, Ryanair allows passengers to select their seats in advance.
Passengers can select their seats when booking their ticket, or at any time up to two hours before their flight.
There is a fee for selecting seats in advance, but passengers can also select their seats for free at the airport check-in desk.
Does Ryanair allow pets on its flights?
No, Ryanair does not allow pets on its flights.
The only exception is for guide dogs, which must be registered with the airline in advance.
All other animals must travel as cargo and must meet the airline’s size and security restrictions.
How friendly and helpful is the airline’s staff?
Ryanair staff is known for their friendly and helpful attitude, with many customers commenting on the helpfulness of their staff.
The airline has a customer service team that is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns customers may have.
Ryanair also has a dedicated team of disability assistance staff on hand to help passengers with disabilities with any special needs they may have.
Does the airline offer any special services for travelers with disabilities?
Yes, Ryanair offers a range of services for travelers with disabilities.
These include wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, assistance with check-in and baggage handling, and assistance with boarding and disembarking the aircraft.
Passengers with disabilities can also request special seating arrangements and special meal requests.
How easy is it to book a flight with this airline?
Booking a flight with Ryanair is quick and easy.
Customers can book flights online or over the phone.
Customers can also use the Ryanair mobile app to book flights and manage their bookings.
The airline also offers a range of payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
What is the airline’s on-time performance record?
Ryanair has an excellent on-time performance record. According to FlightStats, the airline had an on-time performance rate of 92.2% in 2019.
This is higher than the global average of 81.2%.
The airline also has a low rate of flight cancellations and delays, with only 1.7% of flights being canceled or delayed in 2019
Does Ryanair have a good safety record?
Yes, Ryanair has a good safety record.
According to the Aviation Safety Network, Ryanair has had no fatal accidents since it began operations in 1985.
The airline has a good track record of on-time performance and a low rate of cancellations.
Ryanair also has a strong safety culture and a commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for its passengers.
What is Ryanair’s policy for lost or damaged luggage?
Ryanair’s policy for lost or damaged luggage is that passengers must report any lost or damaged items to the airport staff immediately upon arrival.
Passengers are then required to complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and submit it to Ryanair within 21 days of the flight.
Ryanair will then investigate the incident and provide compensation for any lost or damaged items, up to a maximum of €1,500 per passenger.
How extensive is Ryanair’s route network?
Ryanair has an extensive route network, with over 2,000 routes across 37 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The airline operates more than 1,800 flights per day to over 200 destinations.
Ryanair is the largest airline in Europe by the number of passengers carried and is one of the largest low-cost carriers in the world.
Does Ryanair have any partnerships with other airlines or hotel chains?
Yes, Ryanair has partnerships with other airlines and hotel chains.
The airline has codeshare agreements with several airlines, including Aer Lingus, Air Europa, British Airways, and KLM.
Ryanair also has partnerships with several hotel chains, such as AccorHotels, Best Western, and Marriott.
These partnerships allow Ryanair passengers to book flights and hotels together for a discounted rate.
Final Thoughts
My experience flying with Ryanair was a positive one.
Alternative airlines to consider are Aer Lingus or EasyJet as they both fly similar routes.
Here is a video review.
The overall flight experience was smooth and efficient, with no major delays or issues.
The airline staff was friendly and helpful, and the aircraft was clean and comfortable.
The cost of the flight was also very reasonable, making it a great value for money.
I would definitely recommend Ryanair to anyone looking for a reliable, affordable airline.