Welcome to the “No Frills” Sky Experience
If you’ve ever dreamed of paying €15 for a flight that might cost you €150 in hidden fees, emotional distress, and the sudden urge to become an aviation regulator, then Ryanair might be your spiritual airline. As Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, Ryanair has perfected the art of turning air travel into an unpredictable adventure where the only guaranteed outcome is that you’ll have a story to tell—whether you want one or not.
Having analyzed countless passenger experiences (and trauma reports), we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to surviving Ryanair with your sanity and wallet partially intact. Fasten your seatbelts—but be warned, that might cost extra.
The “Fee-na Air” Phenomenon: Where Everything Costs Everything
Ryanair’s pricing strategy is what economists might call “psychological warfare” and what passengers call “I just paid €40 for a bag that definitely fit“. The airline has transformed ancillary revenue into an art form, with fees that would make a carnival barker blush:
The Menu of Monetary Misery
- Breathing the cabin air: Okay, not yet—but we’re watching you, O’Leary
- Priority boarding: For the privilege of being first to sit in a non-reclining seat
- Printing your boarding pass at the airport: €50 fee for the crime of owning a printer that malfunctions
- Carry-on luggage: Dimensions measured with what appears to be a quantum physics measuring device
- Sitting with your travel companions: Because nothing says “romantic getaway” like being seated 17 rows apart
One passenger perfectly captured the experience: “Ryanair is SOLELY in the business of CHEATING their customers out of their money by putting them in a stressful situation where they can DEMAND as much as they want” .
The irony wasn’t lost on an Irish restaurant that famously trolled CEO Michael O’Leary by adding “extra leg space” (£8.58), “priority booth seating” (£10.73), and “quiet reservation area” (£21.53) fees to his bill when he dined there .
Seat Squabbles & Boarding Chaos: Thunderdome at 30,000 Feet
Ryanair’s boarding process can only be described as “organized chaos with a hint of desperation.” The airline has turned boarding into a behavioral experiment to see how humans react when faced with the possibility of being separated from their luggage or travel companions.
✈️ Ryanair vs. Traditional Airlines: A Comparison
| Experience Aspect | Ryanair | Traditional Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding Process | Hunger Games simulation | Orderly grouping |
| Seat Comfort | “Vertical seating” option | Actual cushioning |
| Cleanliness | Previous passenger’s crumbs included free | Actually cleaned between flights |
| Customer Service | Automated responses & fees | Human beings sometimes |
| Hidden Fees | Yes | Fewer |
| On-time Performance | Surprisingly decent | Variable |
| Price | Initially low | Initially higher |
Passengers report gates mysteriously showing “closed” even while boarding continues, staff deleting passenger records from the system within minutes of closing time, and absolutely no announcements to help travelers navigate the process . It’s like trying to catch a train that doesn’t want to be caught.
Those who survive the boarding process are then treated to what one traveler called “crumbs and very little legroom” in a cabin that was “hot” with a “strong odour” . The airline’s infamous non-reclining seats ensure you maintain maximum upright alertness throughout your flight—whether you want to or not.
When Customer Service Stands for “Customer Servitude”
If you think your pre-flight experience was challenging, just wait until you need to actually interact with Ryanair’s customer service. The airline has perfected the art of automated responses and circular communication that would make Kafka proud.
When one passenger’s flight was canceled, they were told: “The next flight is on Friday and here is a leaflet with your rights” . This helpful advice came despite the original flight being on a Monday, effectively stranding the traveler for days without assistance with rebooking or accommodation.
The experience of seeking refunds or compensation has been described by passengers as a “perverted game” designed to make you give up through sheer exhaustion . One reviewer noted they received responses claiming they couldn’t deal with travel agencies—despite being an individual traveler .
Operational “Surprises”: Delays, Cancellations, and ATC Issues
Ryanair’s relationship with punctuality is complicated. While some travelers praise their surprisingly good on-time performance , others experience a very different reality.
In 2025 alone, over 1 million Ryanair passengers were delayed due to Greek air traffic control mismanagement and staff shortages . The airline publicly called out Transport Minister Christos Dimas to “fix Greece’s ATC service,” proving that when Ryanair wants to complain about service delivery, they certainly know how to do it.
The airline is also cutting capacity in Spain, threatening to slash nearly 3 million seats next year if airport fee increases proceed . This has created opportunities for competitors like Vueling, Iberia Express, and Wizz Air to expand—but potentially at higher prices for consumers.
The Ryanair Paradox: Why We Keep Coming Back
Despite the countless horror stories, Ryanair continues to be Europe’s largest low-cost carrier for one simple reason: they’re often the cheapest option. As one frequent flyer who’s taken 150+ Ryanair flights admits: “I for one am grateful that budget airlines like Ryanair exist, it gave me a chance to experience the world from a young age” .
The airline’s extensive network across Europe enables travel that would otherwise be unaffordable for many students, young travelers, and budget-conscious families. As the same traveler notes: “Tickets on other airlines were at least double the price, which would have made it unavailable to our family back then” .
Ryanair has also leaned into its reputation with a sarcastic, confrontational social media presence that somehow turns customer frustration into brand engagement . By embracing their “bad guy” image, they’ve managed to reframe criticism as part of their brand identity.
Survival Guide: How to Fly Ryanair Without Losing Your Mind (or Wallet)
- Become a rule scholar: Memorize the baggage dimensions, check-in requirements, and fee structure like your travel happiness depends on it (because it does)
- Assume everything costs extra: That includes printing your boarding pass, selecting seats, and breathing too much oxygen on the plane
- Lower expectations accordingly: You’re paying for transportation, not an experience. Think of it as a flying bus with slightly better safety records
- Download the app: The website has been described as a “conn to make you WEARY” , with date of birth entry requiring endless clicking through months
- Bring snacks, entertainment, and emotional support: There are no free amenities, and the buy-on-board food has been described as “pretty tasteless”
- Embrace the absurdity: When faced with Ryanair’s unique approach to customer service, sometimes laughter really is the best medicine
The Verdict: Is Ryanair Worth It?
Ryanair represents the ultimate travel trade-off: low prices versus high frustration. As one traveler philosophically noted after a cancellation: “You get what you pay for. Keep this in mind” .
The airline continues to polarize passengers—receiving both the most complaints to Ireland’s consumer watchdog and praise from frequent flyers who appreciate their extensive network and frequent deals.
If you approach Ryanair as a cultural experience rather than a transportation service, set expectations accordingly, and follow their Byzantine rules to the letter, you might just emerge with both your sanity and savings account intact. If not, well—at least you’ll have a great story to tell.
Have your own Ryanair horror story or surprisingly positive experience? Share it with us at hoptraveler.com/ could all use a good laugh (or cry).